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.
Yoshimoto
Tomohito
T
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Dental School, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8525, Japan.
Yamaai
Tomoichiro
T
Mizukawa
Nobuyoshi
N
Sawaki
Koichi
K
Nakano
Makoto
M
Yamachika
Eiki
E
Sugahara
Toshio
T
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