Gene expression array profile of human osteosarcoma

The aims of this pilot study were to determine whether needle and open biopsies from osteosarcoma (OS) provide sufficient quality of mRNA for cDNA array analyses to gain insights into the expression profile of OS. A total of 22 samples collected from OS were used for array analyses. A primary cell culture was also established from one of the OS biopsies. Total RNA was extracted and probes were generated for cDNA arrays. cDNA probes were made for all the 22 samples. Two of these samples were needle core bone biopsies. Statistical analysis confirmed the reliability of array data obtained in 16 of the 22 samples. Known genes involved in bone metabolism and osteosarcoma were identified as highly expressed, and the putative new marker Ezrin was also identified. Confirmatory immunohistochemical staining using the Ezrin antibody was performed in a selection of samples.