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The expression of the receptor for glycation endproducts (RAGE) in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Regina Landesberg1, Victoria Woo, Linda Huang

  • 1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. rl351@columbia.edu

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics
|January 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) expression is linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) differentiation. RAGE levels were highest in well-differentiated OSCC, suggesting a role in early tumor development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and their receptor, RAGE, are implicated in inflammation and cell growth.
  • RAGE is increasingly recognized for its role in epithelial tumor progression and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of RAGE in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • To correlate RAGE expression with the histological differentiation of OSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to examine RAGE expression in 38 OSCC tissue samples.
  • Western blot analysis was performed on a subset of OSCC and normal oral mucosa samples.
  • RAGE positivity was defined as >25% positive cells.

Main Results:

  • RAGE positivity was detected in 10/10 well-differentiated, 3/4 well-to-moderately differentiated, 3/9 moderately differentiated, 1/7 moderate-to-poorly differentiated, and 0/8 poorly differentiated OSCCs.
  • RAGE staining percentage was significantly higher in well-differentiated tumors compared to moderately and poorly differentiated tumors (P < .05).
  • Western blot analysis revealed higher RAGE expression in normal oral mucosa compared to OSCC tissues.

Conclusions:

  • RAGE immunoreactivity in OSCC correlates with histological differentiation.
  • RAGE expression is significantly reduced in poorly differentiated OSCC compared to well-differentiated tumors.
  • These findings suggest RAGE may play a role in the early stages of OSCC development.

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