title: Decreased expression of DARPP-32 in oral premalignant and malignant lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  DARPP-32 is a neuronal protein that plays a central role in dopaminergic neurotransmission. Although DARPP-32 may contribute to the pathogenesis of several human malignancies, its expression has never been investigated in oral premalignant and malignant lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  DARPP-32 expression was examined using immunohistochemistry in 14 normal oral mucosa, 5 normal lower lip mucosa, 41 oral leukoplakia (OL), 30 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 20 lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC) specimens. Differences of its expression between groups were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OSCC and OL with moderate or severe dysplasia showed lower DARPP-32 expression in relation to normal oral mucosa. LLSCC showed lower DARPP-32 expression than normal lower lip mucosa and OSSC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The decreased expression of DARPP-32 in oral premalignant and malignant lesions suggests a tumor suppressor role for this protein in the tumorigenesis of these lesions.
authors: Departments of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors: Flávio Juliano
authors: FJ
authors: Pimenta
authors: Martinho Campolina Rebello
authors: MC
authors: Horta
authors: Paula Vieira
authors: PV
authors: Vidigal
authors: Bruno Rezende
authors: BR
authors: De Souza
authors: Luiz
authors: L
authors: De Marco
authors: Marco Aurélio
authors: MA
authors: Romano-Silva
authors: Ricardo Santiago
authors: RS
authors: Gomez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D051937:Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein 32 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D051937:Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein 32; C497928:PPP1R1B protein, human