Overexpression of beta2-microglobulin is associated with poor survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and contributes to oral cancer cell migration and invasion.
beta2-Microglobulin (beta2M), a component of MHC class I molecules, is believed to be associated with tumour status in various cancers. In this study, we examined the expression of beta2M at different malignant stages of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). To determine the possible correlation between beta2M expression and various clinical characteristics, 256 samples from patients with OCSCC were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Strong beta2M expression was significantly correlated with a relatively advanced tumour stage (P<0.001), positive nodal status (P<0.001), and TNM stage (P<0.001). The cumulative 5-year survival rate was significantly correlated with a relatively advanced tumour stage (P<0.001), positive nodal status (P<0.001), TNM stage (P<0.001), and strong expression of beta2M (P<0.001). Thus, elevated beta2M expression is an indicator of poor survival (P<0.001). In addition, we extended our analysis of beta2M expression to the FaDu and SCC25 oral cancer cell lines. beta2-Microglobulin expression was positively correlated with cell migration and invasion in beta2M-overexpressing transfectants in Transwell chambers. The suppression of beta2M expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) was sufficient to decrease cell migration and invasion in vitro. Taken together, our results suggest that beta2M expression in the tissues is associated with survival and may be involved in tumour progression and metastasis in OCSCC.
Department of Otolaryngology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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CH
Chen
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Su
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CY
Chien
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CC
Huang
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HC
Chuang
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Fang
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HY
Huang
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Chen
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Chiou
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D002465:Cell Movement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin