NHERF1 expression in squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity

BRANDIZZI D; GIACCO CA; BRENDA DEMACOPULO; GANDOLFO M; ACOSTA HAAB G; VORNETTI S; CABRINI RL; EL KREIMANN

Rosario, Santa Fe

Congreso; XLVII Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontologica (SAIO), Presentación Oral.; 2014

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación Odontologica

NHERF1 is an adaptor protein which stabilizes macromolecular complexes in the apical membrane of epithelial cells in polarized tissues. It also interacts with molecules involved in cell growth and cancer progression. Its expression seems to play an important part in carcinogenesis and cancer progression and could be a new biomarker for advanced malignant tumors. To date, there is no record of studies of NHERF1 expression in oral cancer or its potential role in oral carcinogenesis. Aim: This paper presents preliminary results of expression of NHERF1 in human oral carcinomas. Materials and Methods: Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) obtained from paraffin blocks from Pathological Anatomy archives were studied. Patient identity was kept confidential, pursuant to the ethical, legal and juridical regulations established in national (Argentinean National Drug, Food and Medical Technology Administration, ANMAT, Ruling 5330/97) and international bioethical standards such as the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Six cases with histological diagnosis of OSCC were studied. All the samples showed different levels of NHERF1 protein expression in the tumor zone. A diffuse reaction in the cytoplasm was observed, in contrast to the reaction in non-tumoral areas adjacent to the tumor contained in the biopsies of the carcinoma (field cancerization model), which showed high immuno-marking intensity (overexpression of NHERF1). The NHERF1 reaction was positive in other normal tissues such as cells of minor salivary glands. Some cells of the inflammatory infiltrate in relation to the tumor showed low levels of protein expression. Conclusions: We have presented preliminary results of the study of NHERF1 protein in oral squamous cell carcinomas. The data obtained provide evidence of expression in tumoral cells and areas adjacent to the tumor. Low NHERF1 expression in tumoral cells suggests a potential role as tumor suppressor in oral cancer. Nevertheless, further studies on a larger number of samples, including normal and pre-cancerous tissues, are needed to confirm this study hypothesis.