Analysis of gene expression identifies candidate molecular markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma using microdissection and cDNA microarray

Purpose Microarray analysis was used to bring a comprehensive insight into underlying molecular mechanisms and obtain a whole assessment of aberrant gene expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods Combined with microdissection, gene expression profiles in 23 NPCs and 10 nontumor nasopharyngeal epithelial tissue samples were analyzed. Results Gene expression patterns suggested the dysregulation of the GTP/GDP-bound Ras cycle and an abnormal hyperactivity of cell cycle in NPC. Alterations in the WNT pathway suggest that this pathway may be activated in NPC. A 6-feature weighted-voting model was chosen because it represented the main characteristics of NPCs and predicted NPCs most accurately from the nontumor tissues (33 of 34 correct calls; 97.1% accuracy, Fisher's exact test, P value = 8.389 x 10(-8)). Conclusions The data generated in this study represent a comprehensive list of genes aberrantly regulated in NPC. The 6-feature weighted-voting model may provide an extensive list of potential molecular markers for early diagnosis.