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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
12:03

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: July 25, 2011

MAP kinase modulation in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Alessia Aguzzi1, Daniele Maggioni, Gabriella Nicolini

  • 1Department of Neurosciences and Biomedical Technologies, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.

Anticancer Research
|April 1, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) shows reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. This specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway alteration may correlate with tumor growth in OSCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent cancer globally.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are key signal transducers.
  • The role of MAPK pathways in cancer development requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the activation status of the MAPK signaling pathway in OSCC.
  • To determine if specific MAPK alterations are associated with OSCC progression.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoblotting was used to analyze MAPK expression and activation in 30 OSCC tissue samples and paired non-neoplastic tissues.
  • ELISA assays were performed to evaluate the activation and expression of MAPK JNK/SAPK.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant reduction in phospho-ERK1/2 (p44/p42) levels was observed in OSCC tissues compared to normal tissues.
  • No significant differences in p38MAPK or JNK/SAPK levels were found between tumor and control tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation is a potential hallmark of OSCC.
  • These findings suggest a correlation between decreased ERK1/2 activity and OSCC tumor growth.

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