[Telomerase hTRT mRNA expression in oral squamous cell carcinogenesis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between telomerase hTRT gene expression and malignant development of oral mucosa epithelium.


METHODS
82 cases were detected by in situ hybridization technique for hTRT gene, including 7 cases of normal oral mucosa, 7 cases of hyperplasia lesions, 30 case sof oral precancerous lesions (dysplasia lesion), 8 cases of oral mucosa carcinoma in situ and 30 cases of oral squamous cell carcinomas.


RESULTS
1. Weaker expression of hTRT mRNA was observed in normal oral mucosa and hyperplasia lesions. Positive cells were present in basal layer and parabasal layer, and hTRT positivity was 21.4% (3 of 14). 2. The expression of hTRT mRNA in the precancerous lesions was gradually strong associated with phenotypic progression and the degree of dysplasia. Positive cell extended to multi-layered epithelium, and hTRT positivity was 46.7% (14 of 30). 3. Strong hTRT mRNA expression was observed in squamous cell carcinoma, and the positivity was 81.6% (31 of 38).


CONCLUSIONS
Telomerase hTRT gene expression is closely related to the malignant degree of oral mucosa, the reactivated telomerase may play a crucial role in the progression of oral cancer.
Zhang
L
L
School of Stomatology, Shanghai Second Medical University.
Zhang
W
W
Liu
Z
Z
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D019098:Telomerase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019098:Telomerase