A novel CD44 v3 isoform is involved in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression.
OBJECTIVE
CD44 comprises a family of isoforms involved in tumorigenesis. Here we investigate the role of CD44 isoforms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression.


METHODS
HNSCC specimens underwent reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot analysis. After surface biotinylation, FaDu (hypopharyngeal HNSCC) and CD44v3-transfected COS-7 cells were CD44 antibody-precipitated and compared by Western blot analysis. FaDu cells underwent double immunofluorescence staining and growth assays.


RESULTS
Southern blot analysis suggested differential CD44v3 isoform expression in tumor and normal tissue. Cloning and sequencing revealed 2 novel CD44v isoforms. Western blot analysis suggested CD44v3 expression in COS-7 transfectants and FaDu. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed co-localization of CD44v3 and actin in FaDu projections. Anti-CD44v3 antibody decreased FaDu growth.


CONCLUSIONS
HNSCC tissue and FaDu appear to express CD44v3 isoforms. These isoforms may promote tumorigenesis.


CONCLUSIONS
CD44v3 isoforms may be effective tumor markers and targets for HNSCC therapy.
Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University of Miami, FL 33101, USA. efranzman@med.miami.edu
E J
EJ
Franzmann
D T
DT
Weed
F J
FJ
Civantos
W J
WJ
Goodwin
L Y
LY
Bourguignon
D015139:Blotting, Southern; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D018450:Disease Progression; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
C121450:CD44V3,8-10; D017931:DNA Primers; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D020033:Protein Isoforms