PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway proteins are differently expressed in oral carcinogenesis

Author(s)

Martins, Fabiana ; de Sousa, Suzana C. O. M. ; dos Santos, Elisa ; Woo, Sook-Bin ; Gallottini, Marina

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE; v. 45, n. 10, p. 746-752, NOV 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 10

Abstract

BACKGROUND: PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway is associated with several cellular functions and is frequently changed in several malignancies. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunohistochemical expression pattern of components in PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), comparing to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and nondysplastic oral tissues (NDOT). METHODS: A total of 186 cases of NDOT, OED and OSCC were retrieved. Nuclear staining and cytoplasmic staining of the keratinocytes were considered positive, and the percentage of positive cells was calculated. RESULTS: Increased immunoreactivity from NDOT to OED and OSCC was seen for all proteins. In NDOT cases, positivity was found only for pS6 (52.9%) and p4EBP1 (13.5%). In OED, immunoreactivity was observed for pAKT (62.2%), pmTOR(28.6%), pS6 (70.8%), and p4EBP1 (42.9%). In OSCC cases, immunoreactivity was found for pAKT (83.3%), pmTOR(50%), pS6 (77.4%), and p4EBP1(50%). The pAKT and pmTOR expression was higher in OED (<0.001, Fisher's exact test) and OSCC (<0.001, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated higher pAKT and pmTOR expression during carcinogenesis of oral mucosa, differing considerably among OED and OSCC specimens when compared to NDOT. These proteins can be considered potential diagnostic markers for early detection of cancer. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/09910-4 - Immunohistochemical study of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway expression in potentially malignant oral lesions
• Grantee: Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado de Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants