Abstract: Aberrant promoter methylation has been detected in pathogenesis of many cancers，including cervical cancer. During cervical carcinogenesis，there is a series of alteration in the methylation status of host genes. Recently，the role of promoter hypermethylation as a diagnostic tool for cervical cancer screening has been examined in liquid-based cytology samples. Detection of DNA methylation in exfoliated cervical cytology samples is more convenient and minimally invasive than in biopsy tissues. In those samples，researchers are searching for DNA methylation markers selectively indicating high-grade precancerous lesions，in order to increase the accuracy of cervical cytological diagnosis. The methylation markers might be used as a potential biomarker for cancer screening，diagnosis and predicting clinical outcomes. Here，we discuss methylation status of host genes in foliated cervical cytology samples during cervical carcinogenesis and its clinical impact.

Key words: Cervix uteri, Squamous intraepithelial lesion, Cytology, DNA methylation