Expression of ATP6V1C1 during oral carcinogenesis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with complex etiological factors, including smoking.
• Understanding molecular alterations in OSCC is crucial for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• V-type ATPase protein subunit C1 (ATP6V1C1) is implicated in various cellular processes, but its role in OSCC remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gene and protein expression levels of ATP6V1C1 in OSCC tissues.
• To compare ATP6V1C1 expression in OSCC with normal oral mucosa from smokers, former smokers, and never-smokers.
• To determine the potential of ATP6V1C1 as a biomarker for early detection of OSCC.

Main Methods:

• Gene and protein expression analysis of ATP6V1C1.
• Utilized exfoliative cytology specimens from five distinct subject groups: OSCC patients, normal mucosa of OSCC patients, chronic smokers, former smokers (1 year cessation), and never-smokers.
• Immunohistochemistry was employed for protein expression analysis.

Main Results:

• Significantly elevated ATP6V1C1 gene expression was observed in the OSCC group compared to never-smoker groups.
• Intense ATP6V1C1 protein immunostaining was detected in all OSCC cases, with weak or no staining in smoker, former smoker, and never-smoker groups.
• No significant alterations in ATP6V1C1 gene or protein expression were found in chronic smokers, former smokers, or normal mucosa of OSCC patients, indicating changes occur in later carcinogenesis stages.

Conclusions:

• ATP6V1C1 expression is significantly upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• The observed changes in ATP6V1C1 expression occur during the later stages of oral carcinogenesis.
• ATP6V1C1 holds promise as a potential biomarker for the early detection of OSCC, warranting further investigation.