METHOD OF DIAGNOSING ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

摘要

In order to identify the molecules involved in esophageal carcinogenesis and those to be useful for diagnostic markers as well as targets for new drugs and immunotherapy, a cDNA microarray representing 32,256 genes was constructed to analyze the expression profiles of 19 esophageal squamous-cell carcinomas (ESCCS) purified by laser-capture microdissection. A detailed genome-wide database for sets of genes that are significantly up- or down-regulated in esophageal cancer is disclosed herein. These genes find use in the development of therapeutic drugs or immunotherapy as well as tumor markers. Additionally, genes associated with lymph-node metastasis and post-surgery recurrence are disclosed herein. Among the candidate molecular target genes, a Homo sapiens epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 oncogene (ECT2) and a cell division cycle 45, S. cerevisiae, homolog-like (CDC45L) are further characterized. Treatment of ESCC cells with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of ECT2 or CDC45L suppressed growth of the cancer cells. Thus, the data herein provide valuable information for identifying diagnostic systems and therapeutic target molecules for esophageal cancer. Furthermore, the present inventors have identified DKK1 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of cancer such as lung and esophageal cancers as well as prediction of the poor prognosis of the patients with these diseases. DKK1 was specifically over-expressed in most lung and esophageal cancer tissues the present inventors examined, and was elevated in the sera of a large proportion of patients with these tumors. DKK1, combined with other tumor markers, could significantly improve the sensitivity of cancer diagnosis. Moreover, this molecule is also a likely candidate for development of therapeutic approaches such as antibody therapy.