Claudin expression is maintained in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of claudin-1, -3, -4, -5 and -7 proteins in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of oral cavity and analyze whether EGF may interfere in the expression of the genes that encode claudins using in vitro models.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of claudins was searched in 36 histologically graded cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The association of expression of claudins with clinical-pathological parameters was evaluated. An in vitro step investigated the influence of EGF on gene expression of claudins by real time RT-PCR technique.

RESULTS:

Claudin-1, -3, -4, -5, and -7 were highly expressed in most mucoepidermoid carcinomas. These expressions were compared with clinicopathological parameters. High expression of claudin-1 was associated with patients over 40 years-old (p = 0.05) and Caucasians (p = 0.024). In vitro experiments demonstrated a tendency for Claudin gene expression increase after EGF stimulus.

CONCLUSIONS:

The expression of claudins is maintained in mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells and EGF could be related with this expression. Our results point out to a fundamental biological importance to CLDNs in normal and neoplastic tissue. The expression patterns of CLDNs does not yet allow a clinical application, but the biological knowledge will ground evidence to new studies towards possible target-therapies.

• Authors: Claudia Fabiana Joca de Arruda, Cláudia Malheiros Coutinho-Camillo, Marcia Martins Marques, Cibele Pidorodeski Nagano, Sheyla Batista Bologna, Barbara Beltrame Bettim, Janaina Naiara Germano, Clovis Antonio Lopes Pinto, Ricardo Hsieh, Silvia Vanessa Lourenço
• Journal: Pathology, research and practice (Pathol Res Pract) Vol. 216 Issue 11 Pg. 153161 (Nov 2020) ISSN: 1618-0631 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 32862070 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Claudins
• Epidermal Growth Factor

Topics

• Adult
• Biomarkers, Tumor (analysis)
• Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid (metabolism, pathology)
• Claudins (metabolism)
• Epidermal Growth Factor (metabolism, pharmacology)
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic (drug effects, physiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Salivary Gland Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology)