Different expression patterns of beta-defensins in human squamous cell carcinomas.
The expression of human beta-defensin genes in oral squamous cell carcinomas(SCCs) was demonstrated by in situ hybridization. The expression of HBD-2 was observed not only in the inflamed lesions with bacterial infection but also in the non-inflamed carcinomas themselves (evident in 15 out of 20 carcinomas). However, HBD-3 expression was found in only 4 out of 20 SCCs. In the normal oral epithelia, the expression of HBD-2 and HBD-3 was only detected in the areas adjacent to the SCCs. These results suggest that HBD-2 might play a role in SCCs, which is different from the native defensive role of these proteins. HBD-2 may lead to the death of normal keratinocytes adjacent to the SCCs, which might, in turn, indirectly assist in the multiplication of tumor cells.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Dental School, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8525, Japan.
Tomohito
T
Yoshimoto
Tomoichiro
T
Yamaai
Nobuyoshi
N
Mizukawa
Koichi
K
Sawaki
Makoto
M
Nakano
Eiki
E
Yamachika
Toshio
T
Sugahara
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000235:genetics*
C422950:DEFB103A protein, human; C106641:DEFB4A protein, human; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D023083:beta-Defensins