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HMGA 2, but not HMGA 1, is overexpressed in human larynx carcinomas
Author(s) -
Palumbo Antonio,
De Martino Marco,
Esposito Francesco,
Fraggetta Filippo,
Neto Pedro N,
Valverde Fernandes Priscila,
Santos Izabella C,
Dias Fernando L,
Nasciutti Luiz E,
Meireles Da Costa Nathalia,
Fusco Alfredo,
Ribeiro Pinto Luís Felipe
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
histopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.626
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1365-2559
pISSN - 0309-0167
DOI - 10.1111/his.13456
Subject(s) - biology , cancer research , pathology , medicine
Aims Malignant tumours from the upper aerodigestive tract are grouped collectively in the class of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ( HNSCC ). The head and neck tumours were responsible for more than 500 000 cancer cases in 2012, accounting for the sixth highest incidence rate and mortality worldwide among all tumour types. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma ( LSCC ) possesses the second highest incidence rate among all HNSCC . Despite significant advances in surgery and radiotherapy during the last few decades, no treatment has been shown to achieve a satisfactory therapeutic outcome and the mortality rate of LSCC is still high, with a 5‐year survival rate of 64%. Therefore, further investigations are required to identify the pathogenesis of LSCC . Methods and results In order to search for new LSCC biomarkers, we have analysed the expression of the HMGA family members, HMGA 1 and HMGA 2 , by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction ( qRT – PCR ) and immunohistochemistry. HMGA proteins are usually absent in the healthy adult tissues. In contrast, their constitutive expression is a feature of several neoplasias, being associated with a highly malignant phenotype and reduced survival. Here, we report HMGA 2 overexpression in larynx carcinomas. Conversely, HMGA 1 does not show any differences in its expression between normal and carcinoma tissues. Interestingly, HMGA 2 overexpression appears associated with that of two HMGA 1 ‐pseudogenes, HMGA 1P6 and HMGA 1P7 , acting as a sponge for HMGA 1‐ and HMGA 2‐targeting micro RNA s and involved in several human cancers. Conclusions Therefore, HMGA 2 overexpression appears to be a strong feature of larynx carcinoma, supporting its detection as a valid tool for the diagnosis of these malignancies.