Genome‐wide expression and copy number analysis identifies driver genes in gingivobuccal cancers

The molecular mechanisms contributing to the development and progression of gingivobuccal complex (GBC) cancers-a sub-site of oral cancer, comprising the buccal mucosa, the gingivobuccal sulcus, the lower gingival region, and the retromolar trigone-remain poorly understood. Identifying the GBC cancer-related gene expression signature and the driver genes residing on the altered chromosomal regions is critical for understanding the molecular basis of its pathogenesis. Genome-wide expression profiling of 27 GBC cancers with known chromosomal alterations was performed to reveal differentially expressed genes. Putative driver genes were identified by integrating copy number and gene expression data. A total of 315 genes were found differentially expressed (P ≤ 0.05, logFC > 2.0) of which 11 genes were validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) in tumors (n = 57) and normal GBC tissues (n = 18). Overexpression of LY6K, in chromosome band 8q24.3, was validated by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. We found that 78.5% (2,417/3,079) of the genes located in regions of recurrent chromosomal alterations show copy number dependent expression indicating that copy number alteration has a direct effect on global gene expression. The integrative analysis revealed BIRC3 in 11q22.2 as a candidate driver gene associated with poor clinical outcome. Our study identified previously unreported differentially expressed genes in a homogeneous subtype of oral cancer and the candidate driver genes that may contribute to the development and progression of the disease. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.