OBJECTIVETo detect the differential display of mRNA expression between human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE-2L2 with reduced malignancy caused by transduction of a DNA antisense to 6A8 alpha-mannosidase cDNA (AS cell) and the wild type cell (W cell).

METHODSDifferential display of mRNA expression was analyzed using DNA microarray analysis. The datasets were confirmed by Northern blotting and RT-PCR.

RESULTSOut of the 1069 genes analyzed, 34 genes were up-regulated in AS cells relative to W cells. Conversely, 42 genes were down-regulated. The genes, up-regulation of which might have suppressive effect on tumor malignant behaviors, were P130 mRNA for 130K protein, TGF-betaIIR alpha, GABBR1, TGFBR1, TNFAIP1, STANIN, E-CADHERIN, CTNNA1 and 2, RFX2, TMPO, etc. The genes, down-regulation of which might have suppressive effect on tumor malignant behaviors, were CD44, NDRG1, TGFB1, RPS5, LEGUMAIIN, CBS, CD59, SNRPA1, etc. The microarray datasets were confirmed by Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis.

CONCLUSIONSIn comparison to the W cell, AS cell has up-regulation of 34 genes and down-regulation of 42 genes. Changes of the gene expression may play a role in the malignancy reduction of AS cell.