Objective    To search for the biomarkers for differential diagnosis between human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells.     Methods    Laser capture microdissection was used to separate human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells. Proteome alterations were observed using 2 dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(2-DE) technique and electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry．     Results    A total of 48 protein spots were discovered and 20 were identified as significant，in which the expressions of 11 proteins such as galectin 7

14-3-3 protein were upregulated and 9 proteins such as MTCBP-1 downregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.      Conclusion    Laser capture microdissection is a key technique in proteomic study

which can effectively resolve the problem of irrelevant tissues. A differential expression of 2-DE proteomics was verified between human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells

suggesting that a variety of proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.