[Relationship between DEK oncogene expression and oral squamous cell carcinoma]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving OSCC development and metastasis is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression levels of the DEK gene in OSCC tissues and metastatic lymph nodes.
• To explore the potential role of DEK in the pathogenesis and metastatic potential of OSCC.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 33 OSCC specimens, 28 metastatic lymph node specimens, and 33 adjacent normal oral tissues.
• Detection of DEK mRNA and protein expression using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively.
• Statistical analysis of expression data using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• DEK mRNA and protein were significantly overexpressed in OSCC tissues (81.2%, 76.8%) and metastatic lymph nodes (82.1%, 82.1%) compared to normal adjacent tissues (27.3%, 18.2%).
• The observed differences in DEK expression between cancerous and adjacent tissues were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• The gene DEK is frequently overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• DEK may play a significant role in the initiation and progression of OSCC, including its metastatic spread.