[Expression of Notch1 and epidermal growth factor receptor in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesion].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of Notch1 in human tongue squamous carcinoma (TSCC) and precancerous lesion, and to explore the potential relation between Notch1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).


METHODS
The expression of Notch1 and EGFR was detected in human TSCC (n = 41), tongue leukoplakia (LP) (n = 39) and normal tongue mucosa (n = 7) by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
In normal tongue mucosa and LP, the positive staining of Notch1 was mainly distributed in stratum corneum, partially in stratum granulosum and stratum spinosum, but not in stratum basale, while the positive staining of EGFR was mainly distributed in stratum basale, rarely in stratum spinosum, but not in stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. In TSCC, Notch1 expression was mainly distributed in locations of squamous metaplasia, but not in peripheral cells of carcinomas, while EGFR expression was detected mainly in peripheral cells of carcinomas, but not in locations of squamous metaplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Notch1 promotes the differentiation of epithelial cells in tongue mucosa and acts as a tumor suppressor in TSCC. EGFR may act as a negative regulator of Notch1 expression in epithelium of tongue mucosa and TSCC, for maintaining cell proliferation and promoting the tumorigenesis and progression of TSCC.
Huang
Hong-Jie
HJ
Dept. of Stomatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
Ping
Fei-Yun
FY
Hu
Ji-An
JA
Zhao
Shi-Fang
SF
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D014059:Tongue; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms
D066246:ErbB Receptors