Correlation between expression of protein PLUNC/BPIF family and fusion MECT1-MAML2 in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells

• Grant number: 16/09232-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2016
• End date: January 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Pablo Agustin Vargas
• Grantee: Débora Lima Pereira
• Supervisor: Lynne Bingle
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Sheffield, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 15/20496-6 - CORRELATION BETWEEN EXPRESSION OF PROTEIN PLUNC/BPIF FAMILY AND FUSION MECT1-MAML2 IN MUCOEPIDERMOIDE CARCINOMA CELLS, BP.DR

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the second most common salivary gland tumor and the most frequent malignant salivary gland tumor. Clinical presentation can be variable ranging from a well-defined swelling to tumors with a more aggressive behavior. The histopathologic features are considered as being low, intermediate or high grade, and this can often result in additional variability in prognosis. Other pathologies, such as undifferentiated squamous cells carcinoma, can present with the same histological features as high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and so the diagnosis becomes challenging. About one-third of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas demonstrate a specific translocation t(11;19)(q21;p13), the MECT1-MAML2 fusion oncogene. This translocation is associated with many pathways responsible for cell proliferation and differentiation and previous studies have shown that the presence of the translocation can result in a better prognosis, and thus outcome, for the patients. PLUNC (BPIF protein) family members have been identified in our previous studies to have the potential to act as important biomarkers for development, progression and identification of the varying grades of mucoepidermoid carcinomas. In this study we will evaluate the presence of the MECT1-MAML2 translocation in association with PLUNC (BPIF protein) family members and the interplay of these on the tumor development and progression. The longer-term aims of the study are, therefore, to bring a new prospective to the diagnosis, prognosis of mucoepidermoid carcinomas and to elucidate important mechanisms that could suggest novel targets for effective therapies. (AU)