beta-catenin expression pattern in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Beta-catenin, a 92 kDa protein that binds to the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin, has an essential role in intercellular adhesion and signal transduction. Aberrant expression of beta-catenin has been associated with progression and metastasis of various human cancers. The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression pattern of beta-catenin in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma and examine the correlation between beta-catenin expression and tumor differentiation, histological grade and lymph node status as well as its clinical significances.


METHODS
Seventy-six patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and sixteen metastatic lymph nodes were studied. The beta-catenin expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The correlation with clinical, histological data was analyzed statistically.


RESULTS
Normal oral epithelium showed strong beta-catenin expression at the cell membrane, but no cytoplasmic or nuclear expression. Different degrees of reduced expression of beta-catenin at the cell membrane were found in 54 cases with squamous cell carcinoma (71%). Cytoplasmic beta-catenin expression was found in 17 tumors (22.4%). Three cases were found with nuclear beta-catenin expression. In sixteen lymph nodes with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, negative beta-catenin expression at the cell membrane was seen in 13 tumors (81.2%) and weak expression in 3 tumors (18.8%). Statistical analysis showed that there was an inverse correlation between beta-catenin expression and lymph node status and histological grade of tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
Reduced beta-catenin expression at the cell membrane is clearly associated with lymph node metastasis. A reduced expression of beta-catenin may constitute a hallmark of aggressive biological behavior of squamous cell carcinoma.
Cai
Zhi-gang
ZG
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Shi
Xiao-jian
XJ
Gao
Yan
Y
Wei
Ming-jie
MJ
Wang
Cun-yu
CY
Yu
Guang-yan
GY
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000737:chemistry; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000032:analysis*
D051176:beta Catenin