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Updated: May 24, 2026
Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Expression of SIRT1 in ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Luiz Filipe de A Alves1, Bruno F Fernandes, Julia V Burnier
1Department of Ophthalmology, Brazilian Air Force Central Hospital Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Background:
The class III histone deacetylase SIRT1 is overexpressed in many malignancies and has been implicated in inactivating proteins that are involved in tumor suppression and DNA damage repair. In the current study, we examined the expression of SIRT1 in normal epithelium (NE) compared with ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) to elucidate a possible role for SIRT1 in the development or progression of this malignancy.
Methods:
We examined SIRT1 expression by immunohistochemistry in 47 cases of OSSN and 10 specimens of NE. Our sample included 11 benign lesions (papillomas), 25 cases of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia, and 11 malignant lesions of squamous cell carcinoma. The extent of staining and intensity was scored and the combined raw data were then converted to the German Immunoreactive Score.
Results:
Nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of SIRT1 was observed in all cases of OSSN. For the NE specimens, 50% showed negative expression and 30% weak expression, and 20% were considered significantly immunoreactive. The differential expression of SIRT1 between NE and OSSN was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Additionally, when the staining pattern in cases of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia was evaluated, the staining of the more differentiated surface cells was remarkably weaker compared with the cells located closer to the basal membrane.
Conclusions:
SIRT1 may play an important role in the development and progression of epithelial tumors of the conjunctiva. Further research into the potential of SIRT1 as a novel therapeutic target is warranted.
Insights
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is overexpressed in ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), suggesting a role in conjunctival tumor development. This finding highlights SIRT1 as a potential therapeutic target for these epithelial tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase, is frequently overexpressed in various cancers.
- SIRT1 plays a role in deactivating tumor suppressor proteins and DNA damage repair mechanisms.
- Its role in ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) development and progression remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the expression levels of SIRT1 in normal conjunctival epithelium (NE) and OSSN.
- To determine the potential involvement of SIRT1 in the pathogenesis of OSSN.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess SIRT1 expression in 47 OSSN cases and 10 NE specimens.
- The study included benign papillomas, conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- Staining intensity and extent were quantified using the German Immunoreactive Score.
Main Results:
- SIRT1 was detected in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments in all OSSN cases.
- In contrast, 50% of NE specimens showed negative SIRT1 expression, 30% weak, and 20% significant immunoreactivity.
- A statistically significant difference in SIRT1 expression was observed between NE and OSSN (P < 0.0001).
- In CIN, SIRT1 expression was weaker in differentiated surface cells compared to basal cells.
Conclusions:
- SIRT1 is significantly upregulated in OSSN compared to normal conjunctival epithelium.
- The findings suggest SIRT1 is implicated in the development and progression of conjunctival epithelial tumors.
- SIRT1 represents a promising novel therapeutic target for OSSN.
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