Overexpression of p27BBP in head and neck carcinomas and their lymph node metastases.
BACKGROUND
p27(BBP) is a regulator of ribosome assembly and an essential nuclear and cytoplasmic component of eukaryotes.


METHODS
We investigated the immunochemical distribution of p27(BBP) in head and neck carcinomas, in the associated normal mucosa, and in regional lymph nodes.


RESULTS
p27(BBP) is detectable in mucosal cells but is overexpressed in carcinomas, highly concentrated in large polymorphous nucleoli, and even larger and more evident in lymph node metastatic foci. Western blotting confirms increased p27(BBP) in carcinomas versus normal mucosa and also in metastatic versus normal lymph nodes. The overexpression of p27(BBP) corresponds to mRNA upregulation in carcinomas. Unexpectedly, a 52-kDa band specifically reacting with antibodies to p27(BBP) was observed in several carcinomas.


CONCLUSIONS
p27(BBP) alterations are common events in the transition to malignancy and are probably involved in squamous carcinoma progression. Immune reagents raised to p27(BBP) may provide additional diagnostic tools for surgical pathology of tumor boundaries and lymph nodes. The 52-kDa band may represent an abnormal form of p27(BBP) expressed by transformed airway epithelia.
Rosso
Paola
P
Otolaryngological Clinic II, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy.
Cortesina
Giorgio
G
Sanvito
Francesca
F
Donadini
Alessandra
A
Di Benedetto
Barbara
B
Biffo
Stefano
S
Marchisio
Pier Carlo
PC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D039642:Eukaryotic Initiation Factors; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C109284:EIF6 protein, human; D039642:Eukaryotic Initiation Factors; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins