Identification of differentially expressed genes in human papillomavirus type-16 infected oral cancer cells.

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the genes required for head and neck cancer development. Study design and setting: Differential mRNA display analysis was performed using human papillomavirus Type-16 infected immortalized human oral keratinocytes (HOK-16B) and its benzo(a)pyrene-exposed tumorigenic derivative (HOK-16B-BaP-T). Results: Twenty-one differentially expressed cDNA clones were identified between the 2 cell lines. Clone 4 with no known homology showed lower expression in tumorigenic cells compared with either normal or immortalized oral keratinocytes. Clone 6 expression was elevated in several head and neck cancer cells, in addition to Burkitt's lymphoma Raji harboring latent Epstein-Barr virus. Conclusion: These findings suggested that clone 6 may be involved in the oncogenic transformation whereas clone 4 may potentially function as a tumor suppressor gene. Significance: Differential mRNA analysis using the in vitro oral carcinogenesis model may help to identify important genetic markers for the early detection and progression of head and neck cancer. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;124:663-8.)