Study of Laminin and Fibronectin in Oral Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Kosmehl H, Berndt A, Strassburger S, Borsi L, Rousselle P, Mandel U, Hyckel P, Zardi L, Katenkamp D
Primary Institution: Institute of Pathology and Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena D-07740, Germany
Hypothesis
The expression of laminin and fibronectin isoforms varies with cellular maturation and differentiation, influencing cellular processes such as adhesion and motility.
Conclusion
In oral squamous cell carcinoma, a fetal extracellular matrix conversion is observed, with contributions from both tumor cells and recruited stromal myofibroblasts.
Supporting Evidence
- The basement membrane of fetal oral squamous epithelium contains various laminin chains.
- In adult oral squamous cell carcinoma, certain laminin chains are re-expressed.
- Breaks in the basement membrane correlate with malignancy grade.
- Laminin-5 deposition outside the basement membrane may indicate tumor invasion.
- Oncofetal fibronectins are present throughout the stromal compartment.
- ED-B fibronectin synthesizing cells are found in small areas of the stroma.
Takeaway
This study found that certain proteins in the mouth change when cancer is present, which might help cancer cells move and grow.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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