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Genomic Database Analysis for Head and Neck Cancer Prevention Targets: MTOR Signal Transduction Pathway

Cynthia Koenigsberg1, Frank G Ondrey2

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A. koeni217@umn.edu.

Anticancer Research
|September 29, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Type II diabetes drugs show promise against head and neck cancer by affecting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) pathway. Key pathway genes are altered in HNSCC, suggesting MTOR as a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Type II diabetes medications exhibit anticancer properties against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) pathway is a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC.
  • Understanding MTOR pathway dysregulation is crucial for developing novel cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of MTOR-related genes in HNSCC.
  • To identify potential intervention targets within the MTOR pathway for HNSCC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of an Affymetrix HNSCC gene expression dataset.
  • Interrogation of MTOR-related gene expression patterns.

Main Results:

  • MTOR expression remained unchanged, but associated genes showed differential expression in HNSCC.
  • Upregulation of MTOR pathway promoters (RHEB, MLST8, RPS6KB1) and upstream regulators (PIK3CA, AKT1, PTEN).
  • Downregulation of tumor suppressors (TSC2, PDCD4, BAD) in HNSCC.

Conclusions:

  • Differential expression of MTOR pathway components and tumor suppressors favors pathway activation in HNSCC.
  • Genomic databases are valuable for identifying therapeutic targets and endpoints in HNSCC clinical trials.
Keywords:
MTORchemopreventionhead and neck squamous carcinoma

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