Aims: To analyze the promoter methylation profile and mRNA expression of the p14ARF gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods: Promoter methylation of the p14ARF gene was investigated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction in paraffin-embedded tissues from 76 patients with OSCC and 57 oral tissues used as healthy controls. Expression of p14ARF mRNA was also determined using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. The methylation status and mRNA level profile of the gene and their relationship with clinical data were analyzed.
Results: Methylation of the p14ARF gene in OSCC was significantly increased compared to normal control tissues (chi(2) = 16.73, p < 0.0001). The relative expression of p14ARF mRNA in OSCC was not significantly different from that in healthy control samples.
Conclusion: Promoter methylation of p14ARF may be an important mechanism in OSCC, and its determination may be considered an important tool in the early diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.