Identification of molecular pathways with their genes related to type I EC contribute to the understanding of pathophysiology of this cancer, probably leading to identifying potential biomarkers of the cancer.

Background: Endometrial cancer is the commonest cancer among women in the western countries. It ranks the fourth in gynaecological cancers incidence in Malaysia. Endometriod carcinoma is the commonest subtype of endometrial cancer. The aetiology of this disease is still not fully understood. Previous theories have suggested the disease is caused by the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of the tumour suppressor genes. The aim of this study is to identify expressing genes involved in the endometrial carcinoma compared with the normal endometrium. Materials and Methods: All endometrial tissues were obtained from patients that undergo total hysterectomy. The pathologist confirms the histolopathological examination. Total RNA was isolated and confirmed using the bioanalyzer 2100. Gene list were profiled using Affymetrix Human Genome Gene Chip 1.0 ST array. The results were analysed using GeneSpring 9.0 GX software. Results: The software analysis showed 237 differentially expressed genes (2-fold change) between normal and tumour. Among of these genes, 28 were found to be upregulated and 209 were downregulated in tumour compared with the normal (P < 0.01). There are several genes that are differentially expressed between endometrial carcinoma and normal tissues and found to be associated with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. A mong the genes include CD44, CAV1 and TGFβR3. Conclusion: This preliminary finding has suggested the molecular difference of endometrial carcinoma and normal endometrium. These transcripts may be participated in the pathogenesis of this disease.

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