Identification of molecular profiles associated to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma using the cDNA microarray technology

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer in oral cavity, corresponding more than 95% of oral tumors. OSCC has worst prognosis and high morbidity when diagnosed in advanced stages. Therefore, little is known about changes in genetic expression during the development of OSCC. In this study, using cDNA microarrays, our aim is to verify differences in genetic expression profiles among tumors in different stages and to compare this expression patterns to clinicopathological and microscopical findings in OSCC. From A.C. Camargo Cancer Hospital's Biobank ten frozen samples from each clinical stage (I, II, III and IV) will be retrieved, as well as ten normal mucosa samples. Using cDNA microarrays technique, we will evaluate the whole human genome expression in each tumor, and will compare the expression between each stage and normal tissues. Differentially expressed genes will be identified using the statistical test for microarray analysis SAM (Significance Analysis of Microarrays). To confirm the results from cDNA microarray assay, qRT-PCR will be performed in order to confirm the overexpression seen in cDNA microarray. The expression of these genes will be compared with clinicopathological findings. (AU)