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PRR4: A novel downregulated gene in laryngeal cancer

Seda Ekizoglu1, Turgut Ulutin1, Jalal Guliyev2

  • 1Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34098, Turkey.

Oncology Letters
|March 16, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Proline-rich 4 (PRR4) gene expression significantly decreases in most laryngeal tumors, suggesting its potential role in preventing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma development. Smoking status did not impact PRR4 levels in healthy individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) encompass various tumors, with laryngeal cancer being the most prevalent.
  • Proline-rich 4 (PRR4) protein, synthesized in lacrimal glands, is known for potential antimicrobial functions in ocular and oral surfaces.
  • Previous research suggests PRR4's protective roles, but its involvement in laryngeal carcinogenesis remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential expression of genes in laryngeal tumors.
  • To determine the role of the proline-rich 4 (PRR4) gene in laryngeal carcinogenesis.
  • To analyze PRR4 gene expression in laryngeal tissues and saliva samples.

Main Methods:

  • GeneFishing Assay was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in laryngeal tumors.
  • Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to quantify PRR4 gene expression.
  • Laryngeal tissue samples from 90 patients and saliva from 50 healthy individuals (25 smokers, 25 non-smokers) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • A GeneFishing Assay identified 27 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in laryngeal tumors.
  • PRR4 gene expression was significantly decreased in 72.2% (65/90) of laryngeal tumor tissues compared to normal tissues.
  • No significant difference in PRR4 gene expression was observed between healthy smokers and non-smokers.

Conclusions:

  • The PRR4 gene exhibits decreased expression in a majority of laryngeal tumors.
  • These findings suggest that reduced PRR4 expression may be implicated in the development of laryngeal cancer.
  • PRR4 warrants further investigation as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Keywords:
GeneFishingannealing control primerdifferently expressed geneexpressionlaryngeal cancer

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