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NTRK Gene Expression Analysis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mexican Population
Lilibeth Stephania Escoto-Vasquez1, Javier Portilla-Robertson1, Josué Orlando Ramírez-Jarquín2
1Oral Medicine and Pathology Department, Postgraduate and Research Division, Dentistry School, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
Abstract:
Oral cancer holds the sixth position in malignancies worldwide; 90% correspond to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Diverse reports suggest that NTRK genes and their receptors are key oncogenesis regulators to tumor progression in human cancers. Objective: To analyze the NTRK and Trk expression and their association with clinicopathological features of OSCC in Mexican patients' samples. Material and Methods: We analyzed 95 OSCC cases of pan-trk immunoexpression through a software-assisted method. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR employing the ΔΔCT method. Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman's correlation tests were performed. Results: Our mean age was 62.4 (±16.9) years. A total of 37 cases were tumors in the lateral border of the tongue. Age was significantly associated with the anatomical site. 42% (40 of 95) cases were pan-trk positive. A total of 21 cases showed intense immunoexpression predominantly in poorly differentiated OSCC, with a significant correlation between immunoexpression and age and gender. Gene expression showed that poorly differentiated cases exhibited higher NTRK2 expression, while well-differentiated cases demonstrated NTRK3 significantly higher expression. Conclusions: Our results suggest that NTRK family expression is present in OSCC, with differential expression related to differentiation degree. Additional information about their activation or mutational status could reinforce their potential as a possible primary or adjuvant treatment target.
Insights
NTRK gene and Trk receptor expression is present in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Their differential expression correlates with tumor grade, suggesting potential as therapeutic targets for oral cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Oral cancer is a significant global health concern, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounting for 90% of cases.
- NTRK genes and their receptors are implicated as key regulators in the oncogenesis and progression of various human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of NTRK genes and Trk receptors in OSCC.
- To analyze the association between NTRK/Trk expression and clinicopathological features in Mexican OSCC patient samples.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pan-Trk immunoexpression in 95 OSCC cases using a software-assisted method.
- Gene expression analysis via RT-qPCR using the ΔΔCT method.
- Statistical analysis including Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman's correlation tests.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between age and the anatomical site of tumors.
- 42% of cases were pan-Trk positive, with intense immunoexpression observed in poorly differentiated OSCC, correlating with age and gender.
- NTRK2 expression was higher in poorly differentiated OSCC, while NTRK3 expression was significantly higher in well-differentiated cases.
Conclusions:
- NTRK family gene expression is confirmed in OSCC, with distinct expression patterns related to the degree of tumor differentiation.
- Further research into NTRK activation or mutational status could establish their role as therapeutic targets for OSCC.
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