Because NDRG4 methylation has been reported in colorectal cancers and our screening data showed downregulation of NDRG4 expression that was reversed following 5-Aza treatment, we hypothesized that NDRG4 promoter DNA hypermethylation may be the major mechanism to silence NDRG4 in EAC. The gene discussed is NDRG4; the disease is colorectal cancer.