Are Ski and SnoN Involved in the Tumorigenesis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Smad4?

Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2019 Sep;27(8):626-630. doi: 10.1097/PAI.0000000000000667.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β has been implicated in the tumorigenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Ski and SnoN are negative regulators of transforming growth factor-β/Smad pathway with both prooncogenic and antioncogenic functions in different cancers. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of Ski and SnoN in OSCC for the first time. Smad4 was also evaluated in these tumors. Clinical data on 61 primary OSCCs were gathered, and the specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against SKI, SnoN, and Smad4 and scored semiquantitatively. Spearman rank, Fisher exact, and χ tests were used for statistical analysis, and P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Ski positivity and SnoN positivity were mostly cytoplasmic and found in 96.7% and 100% of the cases, respectively. Smad4 staining was low to negative in 65% of the specimens. No significant relationship was found either among the markers or between each of the proteins and the clinicopathologic data (P>0.05). According to our findings, Ski, SnoN, and Smad4 seem to play a role in OSCC oncogenesis, and we suggest that Ski and SnoN functions may take place independent of Smad4. Considering the dual and complex role of these proteins in tumorigenesis, further investigation to clarify the molecular pathways involved in their mode of action is suggested.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Mouth Neoplasms / genetics
  • Mouth Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Smad4 Protein / genetics
  • Smad4 Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • SKIL protein, human
  • SMAD4 protein, human
  • Smad4 Protein
  • SKI protein, human