Evaluation of Dermokine, Matriptase and Interleukin-1 as markers of the malignization process of potentially malignant oral lesions

• Grant number: 24/13367-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Katiuchia Uzzun Sales
• Grantee: Kevin Luiz Lopes Delphino
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma, originating from the epithelial lining cells of the head and neck, is a major global public health problem. Late diagnosis implies a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 50% and aggressive treatment options. Understanding that early diagnosis significantly improves the disease treatment scenario increases survival rates. It enhances patients' quality of life, and markers of oral squamous cell carcinomahave been investigated to discover new therapeutic targets. Preliminary results from our research group showed increased expression of matriptase and dermokine in tissue samples of potentially malignant oral lesions (PMOLs). This study aims to evaluate whether there is modulation between the signaling pathways elicited by matriptase anddermokine, considering that these pathways share downstream targets, such as IL-1, which will be evaluated using the CRISPR-Cas-9 gene editing technique to knock out matriptase and dermokine in immortalized keratinocyte cell lines. Additionally, ELISA will be performed to analyze IL-1 and IL-8 in normal primary oral keratinocytes treated with recombinant matriptase and dermokine, as well as blood samples collected from patients diagnosed with PMOLs. In conclusion, the continuation of this research opens promising alternatives for earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments for oral squamous cell carcinoma.