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Expression of a novel marker, Ubc9, in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Author(s) -
Ronen Ohad,
Malone James P.,
Kay Paul,
Bivens Christopher,
Hall Kelly,
Paruchuri Lakshmi P.,
Mo YinYuan,
Robbins K. Thomas,
Ran Sophia
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21048
Subject(s) - carcinogenesis , pathology , basal (medicine) , downregulation and upregulation , head and neck , epithelium , immunohistochemistry , cancer research , biology , medicine , cancer , gene , biochemistry , surgery , insulin
Abstract Background. Ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme (Ubc9) is a novel enzyme involved in posttranslational modification of cellular proteins. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of Ubc9 in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).Methods. SCCHN specimens were stained with anti‐Ubc9 antibodies, scored using a semiquantitative method, and statistically analyzed.Results. Forty‐six tumors were stained, 26 of which included adjacent mucosa. Ubc9 was significantly upregulated in the malignant and peritumoral tissues compared with mucosa from normal individuals. In peritumoral tissues, Ubc9 expression was detected in the basal and suprabasal epithelial layers. No Ubc9 was detected in epithelial cells in normal mucosa. These differences in Ubc9 expression were statistically significant ( p < .0001). Tumor Ubc9 expression significantly correlated with clinical and pathologic stage.Conclusions. Ubc9 is significantly overexpressed in the primary SCCHN tumors and peritumoral mucosa compared with normal epithelial cells. These findings suggest that Ubc9 may play an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression of SCCHN. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009