Identification of genes overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using a combination of complementary DNA subtraction and microarray analysis

Quantitative Expression of SFN, lncRNA CCDC18-AS1, and lncRNA LINC01343 in Human Breast Cancer as the Regulator Biomarkers in a Novel ceRNA Network: Based on Bioinformatics and Experimental Analyses

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading cancers in the world, which has become an increasing serious problem. In this context, reports demonstrate that some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play significant regulatory roles in breast tumorigenesis and BC progression via various pathways and act as endogenous RNAs. Finding their dysregulation in cancer and evaluating their interaction with other molecules, such as short noncoding RNAs “microRNA (miRNAs)” as well as various genes, are the most important parts in cancer diagnostics. In this study, after performing GSEA and microarray analysis on the GSE71053 dataset, a new ceRNA network of CCDC18-AS1, LINC01343, hsa-miR4462, and SFN in BC was detected by bioinformatics analysis. Therefore, the expression of SFN, CCDC18-AS1, and LINC01343 was quantitatively measured in 24 BC and normal paired tissues using qRT-PCR. CCDC18-AS1, LINC01343, and SFN were expressed higher in BC than in the control (normal paired) tissues based on qRT-PCR data. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between CCDC18-AS1 and LINC01343 expression in the samples investigated in this study. The investigation of clinicopathological parameters showed that SFN was highly expressed in tumor size of <5 cm and in nonmenopausal ages, while CCDC18-AS1 and LINC01343 indicated a high expression in stages II-III and III of BC, respectively. The overall survival analysis displayed high and low survival in patients with high expression of SFN and CCDC18-AS1, respectively. The ROC curve analysis disclosed that SFN, CCDC18-AS1, and LINC01343 might be suggested as potential biological markers in BC patients. The high expression of CCDC18-AS1, LINC01343, and SFN in BC samples suggests their potential role in BC tumorigenesis and could be considered hallmarks for the diagnosis and prognosis of BC, although this will require further clinical investigations.

Metabolomics and proteomics study reveals the effects of benzo[a]pyrene on the viability and migration of KYSE-150 esophageal cells

A representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), has been widely detected in environmental compartments and is highly carcinogenic to humans. Oral ingestion of B[a]P is the dominant exposure pathway. The esophagus acts as the first contact point when B[a]P enters the human body. However, its role in the development of human esophageal cancer is rarely discussed. Herein, we employed untargeted metabolomics in combination with proteomics to explore B[a]P-related intracellular responses in human esophageal cell lines. Our results demonstrated that B[a]P exposure induced significant metabolic disorders, further leading to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disturbance of the cellular viability process and migration ability of esophageal cells. In response, glutathione (GSH) was consumed to meet the demand for cellular detoxification, and thioredoxin (TXN) was upregulated to balance the cellular redox. These alterations caused the reregulation of some specific protein families, including S100A proteins, ribosomal proteins, and histone H1 proteins. Such changes impeded the viability and migration of esophageal cells, which could adversely affect wound healing of the epithelium. These cellular responses indicate that B[a]P will cause serious cellular damage to esophageal cells and increase the carcinogenic risk even as a result of short-term exposure. SYNOPSIS: Our omics study demonstrated how benzo[a]pyrene hampered the migration of esophageal cells and proposed a plausible mechanism underlying its carcinogenicity, which may contribute to our understanding of environmental pollutants.

Paradoxical Roles of Desmosomal Components in Head and Neck Cancer

Desmosomes are intercellular adhesion complexes involved in various aspects of epithelial pathophysiology, including tissue homeostasis, morphogenesis, and disease development. Recent studies have reported that the abnormal expression of various desmosomal components correlates with tumor progression and poor survival. In addition, desmosomes have been shown to act as a signaling platform to regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration, morphogenesis, and apoptosis of cancer cells. The occurrence and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC) is accompanied by abnormal expression of desmosomal components and loss of desmosome structure. However, the role of desmosomal components in the progression of HNC remains controversial. This review aims to provide an overview of recent developments showing the paradoxical roles of desmosomal components in tumor suppression and promotion. It offers valuable insights for HNC diagnosis and therapeutics development.

Oral Mucosa as a Potential Site for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases

Most prevalent food allergies during early childhood are caused by foods with a high allergenic protein content, such as milk, egg, nuts, or fish. In older subjects, some respiratory allergies progressively lead to food-induced allergic reactions, which can be severe, such as urticaria or asthma. Oral mucosa remodeling has been recently proven to be a feature of severe allergic phenotypes and autoimmune diseases. This remodeling process includes epithelial barrier disruption and the release of inflammatory signals. Although little is known about the immune processes taking place in the oral mucosa, there are a few reports describing the oral mucosa-associated immune system. In this review, we will provide an overview of the recent knowledge about the role of the oral mucosa in food-induced allergic reactions, as well as in severe respiratory allergies or food-induced autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease.

The mechanobiome: a goldmine for cancer therapeutics

Cancer progression is dependent on heightened mechanical adaptation, both for the cells' ability to change shape and to interact with varying mechanical environments. This type of adaptation is dependent on mechanoresponsive proteins that sense and respond to mechanical stress, as well as their regulators. Mechanoresponsive proteins are part of the mechanobiome, which is the larger network that constitutes the cell's mechanical systems that are also highly integrated with many other cellular systems, such as gene expression, metabolism, and signaling. Despite the altered expression patterns of key mechanobiome proteins across many different cancer types, pharmaceutical targeting of these proteins has been overlooked. Here, we review the biochemistry of key mechanoresponsive proteins, specifically nonmuscle myosin II, α-actinins, and filamins, as well as the partnering proteins 14-3-3 and CLP36. We also examined a wide range of data sets to assess how gene and protein expression levels of these proteins are altered across many different cancer types. Finally, we determined the potential of targeting these proteins to mitigate invasion or metastasis and suggest that the mechanobiome is a goldmine of opportunity for anticancer drug discovery and development.

Integrative prognostic subtype discovery in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify novel molecular subtypes of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) by the integration of gene expression and proteomics data and to find the underlying biological characteristics of ovarian cancer to improve the clinical outcome.

METHODS

The iCluster method was utilized to analysis 131 common HGSC samples between TCGA and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium databases. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate the overall survival of patients, and the differences in survival curves were assessed using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Two novel ovarian cancer subtypes with different overall survival (P = .00114) and different platinum status (P = .0061) were identified. Eighteen messenger RNAs and 38 proteins were selected as differential molecules between subtypes. Pathway analysis demonstrated arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy pathway played a critical role in the discrimination of these two subtypes and desmosomal cadherin DSG2, DSP, JUP, and PKP2 in this pathway were overexpression in subtype I compared with subtype II.

CONCLUSION

Our study extended the underlying prognosis-related biological characteristics of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Enrichment of desmosomal cadherin increased the risk for HGSC prognosis among platinum-sensitive patients, the results guided the revision of the treatment options for platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients to improve outcomes.

Cell junctions and oral health

The oral cavity and its appendices are exposed to considerable environmental and mechanical stress. Cell junctions play a pivotal role in this context. Among those, gap junctions permit the exchange of compounds between cells, thereby controlling processes such as cell growth and differentiation. Tight junctions restrict paracellular transportation and inhibit movement of integral membrane proteins between the different plasma membrane poles. Adherens junctions attach cells one to another and provide a solid backbone for resisting to mechanistical stress. The integrity of oral mucosa, normal tooth development and saliva secretion depend on the proper function of all these types of cell junctions. Furthermore, deregulation of junctional proteins and/or mutations in their genes can alter tissue functioning and may result in various human disorders, including dental and periodontal problems, salivary gland malfunction, hereditary and infectious diseases as well as tumorigenesis. The present manuscript reviews the role of cell junctions in the (patho)physiology of the oral cavity and its appendices, including salivary glands.

The role of desmosomes in carcinogenesis

Desmosomes, which are intercellular adhesive complexes, are essential for the maintenance of epithelial homeostasis. They are located at the cell membrane, where they act as anchors for intermediate filaments. Downregulation of desmosome proteins in various cancers promotes tumor progression. However, the role of desmosomes in carcinogenesis is still being elucidated. Recent studies revealed that desmosome family members play a crucial role in tumor suppression or tumor promotion. This review focuses on studies that provide insights into the role of desmosomes in carcinogenesis and address their molecular functions.

Osteoactivin regulates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma invasion by modulating matrix metalloproteases

Nearly 60% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) die of metastases or locoregional recurrence. Metastasis is mediated by cancer cell migration and invasion, which are in part dependent on extracellular matrix degradation by matrix metalloproteinases. Osteoactivin (OA) overexpression plays a role in metastases in several malignancies, and has been shown to upregulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and activity. To determine how OA modulates MMP expression and activity in HNSCC, and to investigate OA effects on cell invasion, we assessed effects of OA treatment on MMP mRNA and protein expression, as well as gelatinase and caseinolytic activity in HNSCC cell lines. We assessed the effects of OA gene silencing on MMP expression, gelatinase and caseinolytic activity, and cell invasion. OA treatment had differential effects on MMP mRNA expression. OA treatment upregulated MMP-10 expression in UMSCC14a (p = 0.0431) and SCC15 (p < 0.0001) cells, but decreased MMP-9 expression in UMSCC14a cells (p = 0.0002). OA gene silencing decreased MMP-10 expression in UMSCC12 cells (p = 0.0001), and MMP-3 (p = 0.0005) and -9 (p = 0.0036) expression in SCC25 cells. In SCC15 and SCC25 cells, OA treatment increased MMP-2 (p = 0.0408) and MMP-9 gelatinase activity (p < 0.0001), respectively. OA depletion decreased MMP-2 (p = 0.0023) and -9 (p < 0.0001) activity in SCC25 cells. OA treatment increased 70 kDa caseinolytic activity in UMSCC12 cells consistent with tissue type plasminogen activator (p = 0.0078). OA depletion decreased invasive capacity of UMSCC12 cells (p < 0.0001). OA's effects on MMP expression in HNSCC are variable, and may promote cancer cell invasion.

DNA Hybridization Arrays for Gene Expression Analysis of Human Oral Cancer

DNA hybridization arrays permit global gene expression profiling to be done in a single experiment. The evolution and challenges of DNA hybridization arrays are reflected in the variety of experimental platforms, probe composition, hybridization/signal detection methods, and bioinformatic interpretation. In tumor biology, DNA hybridization arrays are being used for gene/gene pathway discovery, diagnosis, and therapeutic design. Similar applications are advancing our understanding of oral cancer cell biology.

DNA Microarrays in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to review the technologies underlying DNA microarrays and to explore their use in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: The current literature relating to microarray technology and methodology is reviewed, specifically the use of DNA microarrays to characterize gene expression. Bioinformatics involves computational and statistical methods to extract, organize, and analyze the huge amounts of data produced by microarray experiments. The means by which these techniques are being applied to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery are outlined.

RESULTS: Microarray technologies are having a substantial impact on biomedical research, including many areas relevant to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: DNA microarrays allow for the simultaneous investigationof thousands of individual genes in a single experiment. In the coming years, the application of these technologies to clinical medicine should allow for unprecedented methods ofdiagnosis and treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE: These highly parallel experimental techniques promise to revolutionize gene discovery, disease characterization, and drug development.

Connexin subtype expression during oral carcinogenesis: A pilot study in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and connexin (Cx) expression were reported in association with carcinogenesis in various types of tumours. In an earlier histomorphometric study, the protein levels of Cx subtypes 26, 43 and 45 were differentially expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), corresponding lymph node metastases and dysplasia-free oral mucosa. Moreover, membrane Cx43 acted as an independent prognostic marker in OSCC tissues. This study aimed to confirm the expression of described Cx subtypes at the mRNA level. Hence, a reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of Cx26, Cx43 and Cx45 gene expressions was performed in paired carcinoma and mucosa samples of 15 OSCC patients. Additionally, we assessed the interaction between Cx subtype expression and clinicopathological routine parameters. The RT-qPCR analysis revealed that Cx26 was downregulated in OSCC (P=0.01), while Cx43 was marginally upregulated in cancer tissue (P=0.04). Cx45 was significantly overexpressed in OSCC tissue compared with the intraoral mucosa controls (P<0.01), and remained unchanged at different tumour stages. No significant interactions between differential Cx subtype expression and clinicopathological routine parameters were observed. In conclusion, Cx regulation at the transcriptional level appears to be an early event during the initiation and development of OSCC, and is maintained during further progression. However, the mRNA-protein correlation is variable. This may be indicative of post-transcriptional, translational and degradation regulations being associated with the determination of Cx protein concentration during oral carcinogenesis.

The effects of transfection reagent polyethyleneimine (PEI) and non-targeting control siRNAs on global gene expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful platform utilized to target transcription of specific genes and downregulate the protein product. To achieve effective silencing, RNAi is usually applied to cells or tissue with a transfection reagent to enhance entry into cells. A commonly used control is the same transfection reagent plus a "noncoding RNAi". However, this does not control for the genomic response to the transfection reagent alone or in combination with the noncoding RNAi. These control effects while not directly targeting the gene in question may influence expression of other genes that in turn alter expression of the target. The current study was prompted by our work focused on prevention of vascular bypass graft failure and our experience with gene silencing in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) where we suspected that off target effects through this mechanism might be substantial. We have used Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and bioinformatics analysis to examine the genomic response of HAoSMCs to the transfection reagent alone (polyethyleneimine (PEI)) or in combination with commercially obtained control small interfering RNA (siRNAs) (Dharmacon and Invitrogen).

RESULTS

Compared to untreated cells, global gene expression of HAoSMcs after transfection either with PEI or in combination with control siRNAs displayed significant alterations in gene transcriptome after 24 h. HAoSMCs transfected by PEI alone revealed alterations of 213 genes mainly involved in inflammatory and immune responses. HAoSMCs transfected by PEI complexed with siRNA from either Dharmacon or Invitrogen showed substantial gene variation of 113 and 85 genes respectively. Transfection of cells with only PEI or with PEI and control siRNAs resulted in identification of 20 set of overlapping altered genes. Further, systems biology analysis revealed key master regulators in cells transfected with control siRNAs including the cytokine, Interleukin (IL)-1, transcription factor GATA Binding Protein (GATA)-4 and the methylation enzyme, Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH-2) a cytokine with an apical role in initiating the inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant off-target effects in HAoSMCs transfected with PEI alone or in combination with control siRNAs may lead to misleading conclusions concerning the effectiveness of a targeted siRNA strategy. The lack of structural information about transfection reagents and "non coding" siRNA is a hindrance in the development of siRNA based therapeutics.

F-18 fluoromisonidazole for imaging tumor hypoxia: imaging the microenvironment for personalized cancer therapy

Hypoxia in solid tumors is one of the seminal mechanisms for developing aggressive trait and treatment resistance in solid tumors. This evolutionarily conserved biological mechanism along with derepression of cellular functions in cancer, although resulting in many challenges, provide us with opportunities to use these adversities to our advantage. Our ability to use molecular imaging to characterize therapeutic targets such as hypoxia and apply this information for therapeutic interventions is growing rapidly. Evaluation of hypoxia and its biological ramifications to effectively plan appropriate therapy that can overcome the cure-limiting effects of hypoxia provides an objective means for treatment selection and planning. Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) continues to be the lead radiopharmaceutical in PET imaging for the evaluation, prognostication, and quantification of tumor hypoxia, one of the key elements of the tumor microenvironment. FMISO is less confounded by blood flow, and although the images have less contrast than FDG-PET, its uptake after 2 hours is an accurate reflection of inadequate regional oxygen partial pressure at the time of radiopharmaceutical administration. By virtue of extensive clinical utilization, FMISO remains the lead candidate for imaging and quantifying hypoxia. The past decade has seen significant technological advances in investigating hypoxia imaging in radiation treatment planning and in providing us with the ability to individualize radiation delivery and target volume coverage. The presence of widespread hypoxia in the tumor can be effectively targeted with a systemic hypoxic cell cytotoxin or other agents that are more effective with diminished oxygen partial pressure, either alone or in combination. Molecular imaging in general and hypoxia imaging in particular will likely become an important in vivo imaging biomarker of the future, complementing the traditional direct tissue sampling methods by providing a snap shot of a primary tumor and metastatic disease and in following treatment response and will serve as adjuncts to personalized therapy.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Lines: S100A2 as a Potential Candidate Protein Inducer of Invasion

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a bile duct cancer, commonly found in Asia including Thailand and especially in the northeastern region of Thailand. To identify the proteins involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis of CCA, protein expression profiles of high-invasive KKU-M213 and low-invasive KKU-100 cell lines were compared using a comparative GeLC-MS/MS proteomics analysis. A total of 651 differentially expressed proteins were detected of which 27 protein candidates were identified as having functions involved in cell motility. A total of 22 proteins were significantly upregulated in KKU-M213, whereas 5 proteins were downregulated in KKU-M213. S100A2, a calcium-binding protein in S100 protein family, is upregulated in KKU-M213. S100A2 is implicated in metastasis development in several cancers. The protein expression level of S100A2 was verified by Western blot analysis. Intriguingly, high-invasive KKU-M213 cells showed higher expression of S100A2 than KKU-100 cells, consistent with proteomic data, suggesting that S100A2 may be a key protein involved in the progression of CCA. However, the biological function of S100A2 in cholangiocarcinoma remains to be elucidated. S100A2 might be a potential biomarker as well as a novel therapeutic target in CCA metastasis.

Identification of tumour-related proteins as potential screening markers by proteome analysis-protein profiles of human saliva as a predictive and prognostic tool

The analysis of biomarkers in saliva as a clinical application offers an attractive, simple and rapid diagnostic tool for the short- and long-term monitoring of pathological disorders and drug therapy. The collection of saliva, either in the pure or in its fractionated form, is a relatively easy and non-invasive procedure that is not harmful to the patients and has no complications at all. However, the fluid collection must be clearly defined due to variations in saliva composition, flow rate and day-to-day variability. In order to minimise possible variations, saliva from five patients without squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) pathology and five with suspicion of oral squamous carcinoma (OSCC) were collected and matched at different days and analysed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DE-PAGE). Approximately 800 spots were identified, corresponding to 151 different gene products. The list of identified proteins includes a large number of structural proteins like keratins, keratin subunits, enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, cytokines, immunoglobulins as well as amylase and other salivary specific glycoproteins. The majority of proteins that are localised in oral epithelia cells were found as unsolved debris in saliva. One of the identified proteins was significantly overexpressed in OSCC and was selected for further validation by Western blot analysis.

Membrane connexin 43 acts as an independent prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and localization of connexin (Cx) 26, -43 and -45 in a group of 35 patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with the objective of making a more accurate disease prognosis. We analysed the expression of connexins in tissue samples of primary OSCC, matching oral mucosa free of dysplasia, and its associated lymph node metastases (LNM) by semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry of membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear connexin expression. The levels of expression were correlated with the overall survival time (OS). Cx43 was overexpressed in tumour cells compared to epithelia in dysplasia-free mucosa. High membrane expression of Cx43 on tumour cells was the only statistically significant and independent prognostic factor of short OS (P=0.0088). Membrane expression of Cx43 in matching dysplasia-free mucosa acted similarly, but did not reach statistical significance (P=0.059). No correlation was found between the Cx26, Cx45 expression and OS. We conclude that Cx43 expression in dysplasia-free mucosa may indicate a very early stage of tumour promotion. Although overexpression of Cx43 is found in invasive tumours we only found membrane Cx43 expression to correlate with OS. This observation suggests that cytoplasmic Cx43 serves as storage and only membrane translocation may promote the formation of gap junctions and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) with prognostic relevance.

Downregulation of 14-3-3σ correlates with multistage carcinogenesis and poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Aims

The asymptomatic nature of early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) results in late presentation and consequent dismal prognosis This study characterized 14-3-3σ protein expression in the multi-stage development of ESCC and determined its correlation with clinical features and prognosis.

Materials and Methods

Western blot was used to examine 14-3-3σ protein expression in normal esophageal epithelium (NEE), low grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), ESCC of TNM I to IV stage and various esophageal epithelial cell lines with different biological behavior. Immunohistochemistry was used to estimate 14-3-3σ protein in 110 biopsy samples of NEE, LGIN or HGIN and in 168 ESCC samples all of whom had follow-up data. Support vector machine (SVM) was used to develop a classifier for prognosis.

Results

14-3-3σ decreased progressively from NEE to LGIN, to HGIN, and to ESCC. Chemoresistant sub-lines of EC9706/PTX and EC9706/CDDP showed high expression of 14-3-3σ protein compared with non-chemoresistant ESCC cell lines and immortalized NEC. Furthermore, the downregulation of 14-3-3σ correlated significantly with histological grade (P = 0.000) and worse prognosis (P = 0.004). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that 14-3-3σ protein (P = 0.016) and T stage (P = 0.000) were independent prognostic factors for ESCC. The SVM ESCC classifier comprising sex, age, T stage, histological grade, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and 14-3-3σ, distinguished significantly lower- and higher-risk ESCC patients (91.67% vs. 3.62%, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Downregulation of 14-3-3σ arises early in the development of ESCC and predicts poor survival, suggesting that 14-3-3σ may be a biomarker for early detection of high-risk subjects and diagnosis of ESCC. Our seven-feature SVM classifier for ESCC prognosis may help to inform clinical decisions and tailor individual therapy.

Expression of 14-3-3 sigma, cyclin-dependent kinases 2 and 4, p16, and Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective:

The protein 14-3-3 sigma plays a role in cell cycle arrest by sequestering cyclin-dependent kinase 1 cyclin B1 complexes, as well as cyclin-dependent kinases 2 and 4, hence its definition as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. However, the nature of the interaction between these biological markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether altered expression of these markers contributes to nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis.

Methods:

The study population consisted of 30 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and 10 patients without nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines TW02, TW04 and Hone-1 were also assessed. We analysed levels of messenger RNA and protein for the p16 gene and the 14-3-3 sigma, Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and 4 proteins, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue specimens and cell lines and in normal nasopharyngeal tissue.

Results:

Protein and messenger RNA levels for cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 were significantly higher in nasopharyngeal carcinoma compared with normal tissue, while levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 generally were not; results for 14-3-3 sigma varied. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients had diminished p16 gene expression, compared with normal tissue.

Conclusion:

Levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1 were significantly higher in nasopharyngeal carcinoma than in normal tissue, while p16 gene expression was diminished. These three proteins may contribute to nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis.

A prototype tobacco-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma classifier using RNA from brush cytology

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer in the form of squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is typically detected in advanced stages when treatment is complex and may not be curative. The need for surgical biopsy may contribute to delays in diagnosis and impede early detection. Multiple studies of RNA from surgically obtained tumor samples have revealed many genes differentially expressed with this disease. We sought to determine whether the identified mRNAs could be used as markers by a non-invasive detection system for OSCC using RNA from brush cytology.

METHODS

Levels of mRNAs from 21 genes known to be differentially expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma surgical samples, compared with controls, were shown to be quantifiable in oral brush cytology samples. These mRNAs were quantified in a training set of 14 tumor and 20 non-malignant brush cytology samples from tobacco/betel nut users. With the measurement of two additional mRNAs and analysis using support vector machines algorithm for class prediction of these cancers was produced.

RESULTS

This OSCC classifier based on the levels of 5 mRNAs in RNA from brush cytology initially showed 0.93 sensitivity and 0.91 specificity in differentiating OSCC from benign oral mucosal lesions based on leave-one-out cross-validation. When used on a test set of 19 samples from 6 OSCCs and 13 non-malignant oral lesions, we found misclassification of only one OSCC and one benign lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

This shows the promise of using RNA from brush cytology for early OSCC detection and the potential for clinical usage of this non-invasive classifier.

Insulin signaling via Akt2 switches plakophilin 1 function from stabilizing cell adhesion to promoting cell proliferation

Downregulation of adherens junction proteins is a frequent event in carcinogenesis. How desmosomal proteins contribute to tumor formation by regulating the balance between adhesion and proliferation is not well understood. The desmosomal protein plakophilin 1 can increase intercellular adhesion by recruiting desmosomal proteins to the plasma membrane or stimulate proliferation by enhancing translation rates. Here, we show that these dual functions of plakophilin 1 are regulated by growth factor signaling. Insulin stimulation induced the phosphorylation of plakophilin 1, which correlated with reduced intercellular adhesion and an increased activity of plakophilin 1 in the stimulation of translation. Phosphorylation was mediated by Akt2 at four motifs within the plakophilin 1 N-terminal domain. A plakophilin 1 phospho-mimetic mutant revealed reduced intercellular adhesion and accumulated in the cytoplasm, where it increased translation and proliferation rates and conferred the capacity of anchorage-independent growth. The cytoplasmic accumulation was mediated by the stabilization of phosphorylated plakophilin 1, which displayed a considerably increased half-life, whereas non-phosphorylated plakophilin 1 was more rapidly degraded. Our data indicate that upon activation of growth factor signaling, plakophilin 1 switches from a desmosome-associated growth-inhibiting to a cytoplasmic proliferation-promoting function. This supports the view that the deregulation of plakophilin 1, as observed in several tumors, directly contributes to hyperproliferation and carcinogenesis in a context-dependent manner.

Evaluation of 14-3-3 protein family levels and associated receptor expression of estrogen and progesterone in human uterine leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE

Uterine leiomyomas represents a major public health problem. Despite their prevalence, the causation and pathogenesis of leiomyomas are poorly understood. A broad range of organisms and tissues contain 14-3-3 proteins which have been associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases through participating in signal transduction pathways. This study was designed to evaluate which 14-3-3 isoforms might be optimal targets in leiomyomas, and to further explore their relationship with estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER and PR).

METHODS

Paired samples of leiomyoma and adjacent myometrium were obtained from 80 subjects who had surgical excision of uterine leiomyomas. The expression of 14-3-3 isoforms was detected by Western bolt and RT-PCR, and their relationship with ER and PR was analysed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The expressions of 14-3-3σ had decreased significantly in leiomyoma compared with that in normal myometrium and was negatively correlated with ER and PR by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION

The down-regulation of 14-3-3σ in leiomyoma suggests that 14-3-3σ may play a role in tumorigenesis, and that its mechanism may be involved in the up-regulation of ER and PR.

Tumor cell and carcinoma-associated fibroblast interaction regulates matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Co-culture of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts and SCC-25 oral squamous carcinoma cells (OSCC), results in conversion of PDLs into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Paracrin circuits between CAFs and OSCC cells were hypothesized to regulate the gene expression of matrix remodeling enzymes in their co-culture, which was performed for 7days, followed by analysis of the mRNA/protein expression and activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and other relevant genes. Interleukin1-β, transforming growth factor-β1, fibronectin and αvβ6 integrin have shown to be involved in the regulation of the MMP and TIMP gene expression in co-culture of CAFs and tumor cells. In addition, these cells also cooperated in activation of MMP pro-enzymes. It is particularly interesting that the fibroblast-produced inactive MMP-2 has been activated by the tumor-cell-produced membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). The crosstalk between cancer- and the surrounding fibroblast stromal-cells is essential for the fine tuning of cancer cells invasivity.

Aberrant stratifin overexpression is regulated by tumor-associated CpG demethylation in lung adenocarcinoma

We previously have shown the aberrant overexpression of stratifin (SFN, 14-3-3 ς) in lung adenocarcinoma. Although SFN is known to facilitate tumor cell proliferation, the mechanism that underlies its aberrant expression has remained unclear. SFN, the downstream target of p53, often has been reported to be hypermethylated and subsequently silenced in certain cancers; however, its hypomethylation-linked reactivation has not yet been validated. In this study, we investigated the DNA methylation status of the SFN promoter region using 8 lung cancer cell lines and 32 specimens of adenocarcinoma tissue. Real-time methylation-specific PCR analysis showed that although both normal lung tissue and adenocarcinoma in situ bore a completely methylated SFN promoter, the promoter region in almost all invasive adenocarcinomas was at least partially methylated. The expression of SFN and its level of methylation were correlated strongly. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that the level of methylation became reduced with progression of the pathologic stage, although no clear relationship between methylation level and p53 abnormality was found. These results suggest that methylation-related silencing of SFN occurs in both normal lung tissues and adenocarcinoma in situ, and that demethylation of the SFN promoter participates in the aberrant expression of SFN in invasive adenocarcinoma cells, independently of p53 alteration. This novel finding might be informative for clarifying the mechanism that underlies the progression of early lung adenocarcinoma.

Expression of Plakophilins (PKP1, PKP2, and PKP3) in breast cancers

Plakophilins (PKP) are desmosomal plague proteins, which belong to the p120ctn subfamily of armadillo repeat containing proteins. We aimed to analyze the role of plakophilins in breast cancer and its clinical progress. We have performed immunohistochemical study of the PKP1,2,3 in breast carcinoma. The study included 108 patients with breast cancer and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We investigated the associations between staining intensity and some clinicopathologic features like tumor size, axillary node status, stage, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, grade, hormone receptor status, and c-erb B2. The mean age of patients was 46 years (22-78). In breast cancer, compared with normal tissue, PKP1 and PKP2 expressions were indifferent (P > 0.05), but PKP3 expression was significantly increased in breast cancer (P = 0.0014). Although PKP1 and PKP2 expression levels were not correlated with clinicopathological parameters, increased PKP3 expression was positively correlated with node positivity and grade (P = 0.000, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Overexpressed PKP3 is likely to be an essential contributor to a growth-promoting pathway and to aggressive features of breast cancer.

Defining global gene expression changes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in female sGnRH-antisense transgenic common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Background

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is critical in the development and regulation of reproduction in fish. The inhibition of neuropeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) expression may diminish or severely hamper gonadal development due to it being the key regulator of the axis, and then provide a model for the comprehensive study of the expression patterns of genes with respect to the fish reproductive system.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In a previous study we injected 342 fertilized eggs from the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with a gene construct that expressed antisense sGnRH. Four years later, we found a total of 38 transgenic fish with abnormal or missing gonads. From this group we selected the 12 sterile females with abnormal ovaries in which we combined suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and cDNA microarray analysis to define changes in gene expression of the HPG axis in the present study. As a result, nine, 28, and 212 genes were separately identified as being differentially expressed in hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary, of which 87 genes were novel. The number of down- and up-regulated genes was five and four (hypothalamus), 16 and 12 (pituitary), 119 and 93 (ovary), respectively. Functional analyses showed that these genes involved in several biological processes, such as biosynthesis, organogenesis, metabolism pathways, immune systems, transport links, and apoptosis. Within these categories, significant genes for neuropeptides, gonadotropins, metabolic, oogenesis and inflammatory factors were identified.

Conclusions/Significance

This study indicated the progressive scaling-up effect of hypothalamic sGnRH antisense on the pituitary and ovary receptors of female carp and provided comprehensive data with respect to global changes in gene expression throughout the HPG signaling pathway, contributing towards improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulative pathways in the reproductive system of teleost fish.

High expression of stratifin is a universal abnormality during the course of malignant progression of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the lung has an extremely favorable prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 100%. However, early invasive adenocarcinoma (EIA) often has a fatal outcome. In this study, we compared the expression profiles of AIS with those of EIA showing lymph node metastasis or a fatal outcome, and screened the differentially expressed genes by cDNA microarray. From the genes selected, we focused on Stratifin (SFN, 14-3-3 σ), which showed significantly higher expression in EIA than in AIS. Immunohistochemistry for SFN revealed that more than 95% of EIAs were immunopositive for SFN, in comparison to only 13% of AISs (p <0.05). Interestingly, positivity was detected not only in the invasive region but also in the in situ spreading component of EIA. Functionally, SFN facilitates the cell proliferation capacity of lung adenocarcinoma. These results indicate that SFN overexpression is a universal abnormality during the stepwise progression from in situ to invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Analysis of RNA from brush cytology detects changes in B2M, CYP1B1 and KRT17 levels with OSCC in tobacco users

RNA expression analysis of oral keratinocytes can be used to detect early oral cancer, but a limitation is the inability to obtain high quality RNA from oral tissue without using biopsies. While oral cytology cell samples can be obtained from patients in a minimally invasive manner, they have not been validated for quantitative analysis of RNA expression. Earlier we showed RNA from brush cytology of hamster Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) demonstrated differential expression of B2M and CYP1B1 using real time RT-PCR in a dibenz[a,I]pyrene, tobacco carcinogen, induced model of this disease. Here we show reproducibility of this approach to measuring gene expression in humans. Cytology brush samples from 12 tobacco and betel related OSCC and 17 nonmalignant oral lesions revealed B2M mRNA was enriched in tumor samples while CYP1B1 mRNA was reduced, similar to what was seen in the model system. Additionally, we showed that KRT17 mRNA, a gene linked to OSCC in another brush cytology study, was also enriched in OSCC versus nonmalignant lesions, again supporting the promise of using RNA from brush oral cytology to reproducibly monitor oral gene expression.

DCAMKL-1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human pancreatic cells through a miR-200a-dependent mechanism

Pancreatic cancer is an exceptionally aggressive disease in great need of more effective therapeutic options. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in cancer invasion and metastasis, and there is a gain of stem cell properties during EMT. Here we report increased expression of the putative pancreatic stem cell marker DCAMKL-1 in an established KRAS transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer and in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Colocalization of DCAMKL-1 with vimentin, a marker of mesenchymal lineage, along with 14-3-3 σ was observed within premalignant PanIN lesions that arise in the mouse model. siRNA-mediated knockdown of DCAMKL-1 in human pancreatic cancer cells induced microRNA miR-200a, an EMT inhibitor, along with downregulation of EMT-associated transcription factors ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail, Slug, and Twist. Furthermore, DCAMKL-1 knockdown resulted in downregulation of c-Myc and KRAS through a let-7a microRNA-dependent mechanism, and downregulation of Notch-1 through a miR-144 microRNA-dependent mechanism. These findings illustrate direct regulatory links between DCAMKL-1, microRNAs, and EMT in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, they demonstrate a functional role for DCAMKL-1 in pancreatic cancer. Together, our results rationalize DCAMKL-1 as a therapeutic target for eradicating pancreatic cancers.

Expression of 14-3-3 σ protein in normal and neoplastic canine mammary gland

14-3-3 σ protein is a negative cell cycle regulator, with both reduced and elevated levels associated with cancer in humans. This study assessed the expression of this protein in canine mammary tissues using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. 14-3-3 σ was detected in 97% of the mammary tissue samples examined and was found in both myoepithelial (MECs) and epithelial (ECs) cells. Expression levels were elevated and reduced in neoplastic ECs and MECs, respectively (P<0.001). Intense expression of 14-3-3 σ was detected in neoplastic ECs infiltrating blood vessels and lymph nodes and suggests a possible role for this protein in the malignant transformation of mammary neoplasms. Moreover, double immunostaining for 14-3-3 σ and the MEC-specific marker p63, confirmed that 14-3-3 σ is a highly sensitive marker of MECs since all p63-positive cells were also positive for 14-3-3 σ. However, this protein is not exclusive to MECs as ECs also labelled positively.

Expression of plakophilins (PKP1, PKP2, and PKP3) in gastric cancers

BACKGROUND

The importance of cell-cell junction proteins (including armadillo proteins) in tumor biology is known, but limited with regard to plakophilins. We explored the relationship between plakophilins (PKP1, PKP2, PKP3) to gastric cancer via immunohistochemical techniques.

METHODS

We compared the immunohistochemistry of PKPs in 34 gastric adenocarcinomas and 20 normal gastric tissues.

RESULTS

In gastric cancer, PKP1 expression was unchanged but PKP2 and PKP3 were significantly decreased as compared to normal controls. There was no observable clinical association with PKP1 or PKP2 expression; however, low PKP3 level and poor prognosis appeared to correlate with regards to node number and tumor stage. The mean disease-free survival (DFS) was 38 ± 3 months (range: 32 - 44) and mean overall survival (OS) 42 ± 4 months (range: 38 - 50). Decreased PKP2 appeared to negatively impact DFS.

CONCLUSION

Decreased PKP2 and PKP3 may be early prognostic markers and loss of PKP3 expression during gastric carcinoma progression may indicate an invasive phenotype.

Role of 14-3-3σ in poor prognosis and in radiation and drug resistance of human pancreatic cancers

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. Unlike other solid tumors such as testicular cancer which are now curable, more than 90% of pancreatic cancer patients die due to lack of response to therapy. Recently, the level of 14-3-3σ mRNA was found to be increased in pancreatic cancers and this increased expression may contribute to the failure in treatment of pancreatic cancers. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis.

METHODS

Western blot analysis was used to determine 14-3-3σ protein level in fresh frozen tissues and was correlated to clinical outcome. A stable cell line expressing 14-3-3σ was established and the effect of 14-3-3σ over-expression on cellular response to radiation and anticancer drugs were tested using SRB assay and clonogenic assays. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis analyses were performed using propidium iodide staining and PARP cleavage assays.

RESULTS

We found that 14-3-3σ protein level was increased significantly in about 71% (17 of 24) of human pancreatic cancer tissues and that the 14-3-3σ protein level in cancers correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that over-expression of 14-3-3σ in a pancreatic cancer cell line caused resistance to γ-irradiation as well as anticancer drugs by causing resistance to treatment-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest.

CONCLUSION

The increased level of 14-3-3σ protein likely contributes to the poor clinical outcome of human pancreatic cancers by causing resistance to radiation and anticancer drugs. Thus, 14-3-3σ may serve as a prognosis marker predicting survival of pancreatic cancer patients and guide the clinical treatment of these patients.

S100A2 in cancerogenesis: a friend or a foe?

Owing to the exceptional intracellular distribution and the heterogeneous expression pattern during transformation and metastasis in various tumors, the EF-hand calcium-binding protein S100A2 attracts increasing attention. Unlike the majority of S100 proteins, S100A2 expression is downregulated in many cancers and the loss in nuclear expression has been associated with poor prognosis. On the other hand, S100A2 is upregulated in some cancers. This mini review highlights the general characteristics of S100A2 and discusses recent findings on its putative functional implication as a suppressor or promoter in cancerogenesis.

Molecular diagnostics for head and neck pathology

Molecular diagnostic techniques are quickly finding a role in the detection and diagnosis of tumors, and in predicting their behavior. They may also prove useful in developing new therapeutic approaches to head and neck cancer. The surgeon working in the craniomaxillofacial region should have an understanding of these technologies, their availability in various settings, and how they affect various aspects of treatment, particularly in the detection and treatment of malignancies. This article offers an overview of recent advances in molecular diagnostic techniques, with their implications for diagnosis and management of head and neck tumors.

Plakophilin 1 stimulates translation by promoting eIF4A1 activity

p120 armadillo protein plakophilin 1 binds to eukaryotic translation factor eIF4A1, recruiting it into cap-binding complexes and stimulating translation.

Plakophilins 1–3 (PKP1–3) are desmosomal proteins of the p120^ctn family of armadillo-related proteins that are essential for organizing the desmosomal plaque. Recent findings identified PKPs in stress granules, suggesting an association with the translational machinery. However, a role of PKPs in controlling translation remained elusive so far. In this study, we show a direct association of PKP1 with the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (eIF4A1). PKP1 stimulated eIF4A1-dependent translation via messenger RNA cap and encephalomyocarditis virus internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) structures, whereas eIF4A1-independent translation via hepatitis C virus IRES was not affected. PKP1 copurified with eIF4A1 in the cap complex, and its overexpression stimulated eIF4A1 recruitment into cap-binding complexes. At the molecular level, PKP1 directly promoted eIF4A1 adenosine triphosphatase activity. The stimulation of translation upon PKP1 overexpression correlated with the up-regulation of proliferation and cell size. In conclusion, these findings identify PKP1 as a regulator of translation and proliferation via modulation of eIF4A1 activity and suggest that PKP1 controls cell growth in physiological and pathological conditions.

Clinical relevance of nine transcriptional molecular markers for the diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in tissue and saliva rinse

BACKGROUND

Analysis of 23 published transcriptome studies allowed us to identify nine genes displaying frequent alterations in HNSCC (FN1, MMP1, PLAU, SPARC, IL1RN, KRT4, KRT13, MAL, and TGM3). We aimed to independently confirm these dysregulations and to identify potential relationships with clinical data for diagnostic, staging and prognostic purposes either at the tissue level or in saliva rinse.

METHODS

For a period of two years, we systematically collected tumor tissue, normal matched mucosa and saliva of patients diagnosed with primary untreated HNSCC. Expression levels of the nine genes of interest were measured by RT-qPCR in tumor and healthy matched mucosa from 46 patients. MMP1 expression level was measured by RT-qPCR in the salivary rinse of 51 HNSCC patients and 18 control cases.

RESULTS

Dysregulation of the nine genes was confirmed by the Wilcoxon test. IL1RN, MAL and MMP1 were the most efficient diagnostic markers of HNSCC, with ROC AUC > 0.95 and both sensitivity and specificity above 91%. No clinically relevant correlation was found between gene expression level in tumor and T stage, N stage, tumor grade, global survival or disease-free survival. Our preliminary results suggests that with 100% specificity, MMP1 detection in saliva rinse is potentially useful for non invasive diagnosis of HNSCC of the oral cavity or oropharynx, but technical improvement is needed since sensitivity was only 20%.

CONCLUSION

IL1RN, MAL and MMP1 are prospective tumor diagnostic markers for HNSCC. MMP1 overexpression is the most promising marker, and its detection could help identify tumor cells in tissue or saliva.

Proteomic profiling of differential display analysis for human oral squamous cell carcinoma: 14-3-3 σ Protein is upregulated in human oral squamous cell carcinoma and dependent on the differentiation level

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has an absolute majority of all oral cancer. We used proteomic technology to analyze the protein expression profile in OSCC tissues and accompanying surrounding normal tissues in four oral locations (buccal mucosa, gingival mucosa, oral floor, and tongue). Ten protein spots were overexpressed more strongly in cancer tissues than normal ones, and were identified as proliferating cell nuclear antigen, 14-3-3 ε, 14-3-3 σ, proteasome subunit α type 5, translationally controlled tumor protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit, macrophage capping protein, and mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase subunit α. Macrophage capping protein and mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase subunit α had two spots. Especially, we focused on 14-3-3 σ protein, one of the eight identified proteins, and assessed its expression level in four oral locations of OSCC by using differential display methods. The expression level of 14-3-3 σ protein was upregulated in four locations of oral cavity. Eight proteins which we identified in this study may play an important role in OSCC carcinogenesis and progression and could be used as diagnostic biomarkers of OSCC.

Copy number gain and oncogenic activity of YWHAZ/14-3-3zeta in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Gene amplification, a common mechanism for oncogene activation in cancers, has been used in the discovery of novel oncogenes. Low-level copy number gains are frequently observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) where numerous amplification events and potential oncogenes have already been reported. Recently, we applied restriction landmark genome scanning to study gene amplifications in HNSCC and located novel and uncharacterized regions in primary tumor samples. Gain on chromosome 8q22.3, the location of YWHAZ (14-3-3zeta), is found in 30-40% HNSCC cases. Data obtained from fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on HNSCC tissue microarrays confirmed frequent low-level YWHAZ copy number gain and protein overexpression. YWHAZ mRNA was frequently upregulated in patients' tumor tissues. Furthermore, YWHAZ RNAi significantly suppressed the growth rate of HNSCC cell lines, and overexpression of YWHAZ in HaCaT immortalized human skin keratinocytes promotes overgrowth, as well as morphological changes. Reduced YWHAZ levels increased the G1/G0-phase proportion, decreased the S-phase proportion and the rate of DNA synthesis. Based on this evidence, we suggest that YWHAZ is a candidate proto-oncogene and deserves further investigation into its role in HNSCC carcinogenesis.

Prevalence of head and neck cancers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

INTRODUCTION

Head and neck cancer constitute one of the commonest cancers in India. Use of smokeless tobacco (pan masala, gutka, zarda, etc.) is the maximum in Gujarat, especially in and around Ahmedabad, and it is responsible for a large majority of these cancers.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

The present study was carried out to study the patient's characteristics, prevalence, treatment modalities and histopathological subtypes of head and neck cancer in and around Ahmedabad.

METHODS

A cross-sectional and observational study was carried out at the Head and Neck Services Department of Aastha Oncology Associates, Medi-Surge Hospitals, Ahmedabad, from December 2006 to May 2007. Patients were made to fill up the Case Record Form (CRF) with their informed consent. Proforma of the CRF included patient's age, gender, income, education, family history, lifestyle, signs and symptoms, various investigations, treatment options and adverse effects during treatment and follow up. Preponderance of cancer was found in males (86%) with maximum prevalence in age group 41-60 years (69%). 58% cases were habitual tobacco chewers. Majority of head and neck cancers constituted the tongue, buccal mucosa and alveolus cancers. Radiotherapy and surgery were major treatment options in 44% patients. Blood parameters profile in all the three treatment groups was found to be lower than the control group.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a properly structured and site specific data like this pin points to the magnitude and pattern of head and neck cancer problem in India and it can augment the National Cancer Registry Program.

14-3-3sigma Modulates pancreatic cancer cell survival and invasiveness

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential role of 14-3-3sigma in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

14-3-3 isoform expression was determined by real-time quantitative PCR in laser capture normal pancreatic ductal cells and pancreatic cancer cells and in 5 pancreatic cancer cell lines. PANC-1 cells, with low levels of 14-3-3sigma, were stably transfected with a human 14-3-3sigma cDNA. Conversely, high endogenous 14-3-3sigma levels in T3M4 cells were suppressed by specific short hairpin RNA. Apoptosis, motility, and invasiveness were studied.

RESULTS

The cancer cells in 7 PDAC samples expressed high levels of 14-3-3sigma mRNA by quantitative PCR when compared with normal pancreatic duct cells. 14-3-3sigma protein levels were high in BxPC3, COLO-357, and T3M4 cells, intermediate in ASPC-1 cells, and low in PANC-1 cells. Most cell lines released detectable amount of 14-3-3sigma into conditioned medium. Overexpression of 14-3-3sigma in PANC-1 cells led to resistance to cisplatinum-induced apoptosis, increased basal migration, and increased invasion in response to epidermal growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-I. By contrast, short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous 14-3-3sigma in T3M4 cells did not alter migration but led to enhanced cisplatinum sensitivity, increased invasiveness in response to epidermal growth factor, and decreased invasiveness in response to insulin-like growth factor-I.

CONCLUSIONS

14-3-3sigma contributes to the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells and exerts cell type-dependent effects on cell migration and invasion. Therefore, strategies aimed at suppressing 14-3-3sigma expression and function may have a therapeutic benefit in subgroups of patients with PDAC.

Identification of candidate molecular markers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by microarray analysis of subtracted cDNA libraries constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization

To identify differentially expressed genes and scan candidate molecular markers in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We constructed four subtracted cDNA libraries using suppression subtractive hybridization technique, then randomly picked about 1200 colonies from the libraries to construct cDNA microarray and analyzed the gene expression profile in 19 NPCs, three NPC-derived cell lines, and 10 chronic inflammation of nasopharyngeal mucosa tissue samples using the cDNA microarray. We used real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in-situ hybridization techniques to confirm our microarray results. The results showed that there were 37 highly expressed colonies and 68 poorly expressed colonies in NPC. Thirty-two known genes were identified by sequencing 105 differentially expressed colonies in NPC. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium carcinoma (PLUNC)-associated and homo sapien cell division cycle 37 homolog (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-like 1 (CDC37L1) genes had a higher frequency than others in the 68 poorly expressed colonies in NPC. The frequency of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A gene was the highest in the 37 highly expressed colonies in NPC; after that were member RAS oncogene family and secreted protein, acidic, cysteine-rich genes. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in-situ hybridization techniques confirmed that the NPC group had a lower frequency of PLUNC and CDC37L1 expression than the groups of chronic inflammation of nasopharyngeal mucosa (P<0.01). The data suggested that PLUNC and CDC37L1 genes might be the putative molecular markers of NPC. For the first time we found that there was a close relationship between CDC37L1 and NPC.

Oral tongue cancer gene expression profiling: Identification of novel potential prognosticators by oligonucleotide microarray analysis

Background

The present study is aimed at identifying potential candidate genes as prognostic markers in human oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by large scale gene expression profiling.

Methods

The gene expression profile of patients (n=37) with oral tongue SCC were analyzed using Affymetrix HG_U95Av2 high-density oligonucleotide arrays. Patients (n=20) from which there were available tumor and matched normal mucosa were grouped into stage (early vs. late) and nodal disease (node positive vs. node negative) subgroups and genes differentially expressed in tumor vs. normal and between the subgroups were identified. Three genes, GLUT3, HSAL2, and PACE4, were selected for their potential biological significance in a larger cohort of 49 patients via quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

Results

Hierarchical clustering analyses failed to show significant segregation of patients. In patients (n=20) with available tumor and matched normal mucosa, 77 genes were found to be differentially expressed (P< 0.05) in the tongue tumor samples compared to their matched normal controls. Among the 45 over-expressed genes, MMP-1 encoding interstitial collagenase showed the highest level of increase (average: 34.18 folds). Using the criterion of two-fold or greater as overexpression, 30.6%, 24.5% and 26.5% of patients showed high levels of GLUT3, HSAL2 and PACE4, respectively. Univariate analyses demonstrated that GLUT3 over-expression correlated with depth of invasion (P<0.0001), tumor size (P=0.024), pathological stage (P=0.009) and recurrence (P=0.038). HSAL2 was positively associated with depth of invasion (P=0.015) and advanced T stage (P=0.047). In survival studies, only GLUT3 showed a prognostic value with disease-free (P=0.049), relapse-free (P=0.002) and overall survival (P=0.003). PACE4 mRNA expression failed to show correlation with any of the relevant parameters.

Conclusion

The characterization of genes identified to be significant predictors of prognosis by oligonucleotide microarray and further validation by real-time RT-PCR offers a powerful strategy for identification of novel targets for prognostication and treatment of oral tongue carcinoma.