Positive correlations were observed between the expression of LGR5 and cytoplasmic GATA6 in adenoma (P=0.0005; r<sub>s</sub>=0.48) and adenocarcinoma samples (P=0.007; r<sub>s</sub>=0.38): However, no significant association was observed in normal mucosa (P=0.399).
Squamous cell carcinomas showed frequent genomic amplifications of CCND1 and SOX2 and/or TP63, whereas ERBB2, VEGFA and GATA4 and GATA6 were more commonly amplified in adenocarcinomas.
PCR analysis of genes selected based on DNA array experiments revealed that estimation of the ratios of GATA6 to SPRR3 allows discrimination among normal esophageal epithelium, Barrett's dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma.