Telomerase and p16 in Head and Neck Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): Soria J C, Morat L, Commo F, Dabit D, Perie S, Sabatier L, Fouret P
Primary Institution: Hôpital Tenon, UFR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
Hypothesis
Alteration of the p16/pRb pathway may cooperate with telomerase activation during cellular immortalization and tumour progression.
Conclusion
Progression of disease is accompanied by a parallel and continuous increase in telomerase activity and alterations in cell cycle regulators.
Supporting Evidence
- 44% of mild dysplastic lesions showed high telomerase activity.
- 67% of moderate/severe dysplastic lesions demonstrated high telomerase activity.
- 92% of squamous-cell carcinomas exhibited high telomerase activity.
- Human papillomavirus infection was found in only 8.3% of the samples.
Takeaway
This study found that as head and neck tumors get worse, they show more telomerase activity and changes in certain proteins that control cell growth.
Methodology
The study analyzed p16 expression and telomerase activity in premalignant lesions and squamous-cell carcinomas using immunohistochemistry and the TRAP assay.
Participant Demographics
The study included 21 premalignant lesions and 27 squamous-cell carcinomas from head and neck epithelium.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.009
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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