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Updated: May 20, 2026
Heterokaryon Technique for Analysis of Cell Type-specific Localization
Published on: March 11, 2011
Interruption of nuclear localization of ATBF1 during the histopathologic progression of head and neck squamous cell
Xiaodong Sun1, Jie Li, Gabriel Sica
1Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. xsun3@emory.edu
Background:
The AT-motif binding factor 1 (ATBF1) gene is frequently altered at the genetic level in several types of cancer, but its protein expression and subcellular localization have not been well studied in human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs).
Methods:
ATBF1 expression and localization were examined in 5 cell lines and 197 clinical specimens of HNSCC, and correlated with pathologic and clinical characteristics.
Results:
ATBF1 was predominantly localized in the nucleus of hyperplastic squamous epithelium. Whereas nuclear ATBF1 dramatically decreased in invasive tumors (p = .0012), cytoplasmic ATBF1 levels progressively increased from dysplasia to invasive tumors (p < .0001), and the increase correlated with poor survival. Reduced nuclear ATBF1 level was also detected in HNSCC cell lines.
Conclusions:
Nuclear localization of ATBF1 is frequently interrupted in HNSCC, and the interruption is significantly associated with the progression of HNSCC. The cytoplasmic ATBF1 level could be useful for predicting patient survival.
Insights
Nuclear ATBF1 protein levels decrease while cytoplasmic levels increase in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). This shift in ATBF1 localization correlates with tumor progression and can predict patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The AT-motif binding factor 1 (ATBF1) gene is genetically altered in various cancers.
- Its protein expression and subcellular localization remain understudied in human cancers, particularly head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ATBF1 protein expression and subcellular localization in HNSCC.
- To correlate ATBF1 localization with clinicopathological features and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- ATBF1 expression and localization were analyzed in 5 HNSCC cell lines.
- Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 197 clinical HNSCC specimens.
Main Results:
- ATBF1 was primarily nuclear in normal squamous epithelium.
- Nuclear ATBF1 significantly decreased, while cytoplasmic ATBF1 increased progressively from dysplasia to invasive HNSCC.
- Reduced nuclear ATBF1 and increased cytoplasmic ATBF1 correlated with advanced disease and poorer survival.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear ATBF1 localization is frequently disrupted in HNSCC.
- This disruption is linked to HNSCC progression.
- Cytoplasmic ATBF1 levels may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HNSCC patient survival.
