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Reduction of LOX- and LOXL2-mRNA expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
T Rost1, V Pyritz, I O Rathcke
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Marburg, Deutschhausstr. 3, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
Background:
Besides other molecular functions, the lysyl oxidase gene (LOX) has been assumed and shown to have a tumor suppressive function in vitro and in vivo. The cancer-related functions of both LOX and LOXL2 have not yet been investigated in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).
Materials And Methods:
We examined the mRNA levels of LOX and LOXL2 in ten malignantly transformed cell lines and sixteen malignant tissue samples of different graded and staged HNSCC by RT-PCR.
Results:
The LOX-mRNA level in both cell lines and tissues of HNSCC was markedly reduced as opposed to benign keratinocyte cell lines and mucosal tissue samples of the upper aerodigestive tract. Similar results were shown for LOXL2-mRNA levels in cell lines, whereas no reduction of LOXL2-mRNA levels was found in the malignantly transformed tissues.
Conclusion:
These findings support the presumption that LOX is involved in tumor suppressive processes and also of LOXL2 playing a role in malignant transformation.
Insights
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) mRNA levels are reduced in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This suggests LOX and LOXL2 play tumor suppressive roles in HNSCC development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene exhibits tumor suppressive functions.
- Cancer-related roles of LOX and LOXL2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the expression of LOX and LOXL2 in HNSCC.
- Determine the potential role of LOX and LOXL2 in HNSCC pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Examined mRNA levels of LOX and LOXL2 using RT-PCR.
- Analyzed ten HNSCC cell lines and sixteen HNSCC tissue samples.
- Compared expression in malignant tissues/cells versus benign controls.
Main Results:
- Markedly reduced LOX mRNA levels observed in HNSCC cell lines and tissues compared to benign controls.
- LOXL2 mRNA levels were reduced in HNSCC cell lines but not in malignant tissues.
- Findings suggest differential roles of LOX and LOXL2 in HNSCC.
Conclusions:
- LOX likely functions as a tumor suppressor in HNSCC.
- LOXL2 may also play a role in the malignant transformation of HNSCC.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.