Objective:To investigate the effects of 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine(5-aza-dC),a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)inhibitor, on the methylation status of the RECK gene and the invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cell lines.Methods:Methylation-specific PCR,Western blot analysis and quantitative real-time PCR were used to investigate the methylation status of RECK gene and the expression of RECK mRNA and protein in SACC cell lines.The invasive ability of SACC cells was examined by transwell assay. Results:Promoter methylation was only found in ACC-Mcell line and not in ACC-2 cell line.Treatment of ACC-Mcells with 5-aza-dC partially reversed the hypermethylation status of the RECK gene and significantly enhanced the expression level of mRNA and pro-tein of RECK,suppressed ACC-Mcell invasive ability.Conclusion:5-aza-dC can inhibit ACC-Mcell invasion by reversal of hyperm-ethylation status of RECK gene.