IADR Abstract Archives

Flow Cytometric Co-expression of Bmi-1 & ABCG2 Identifies OSCC

Objectives: The quest for deeper understanding of the processes involved in cancer has led to a widely accepted model of cancer initiation and progression based on the concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs).  Many of the properties of stem cells have been observed in cells within human cancers.  The objective of this research is to investigate and characterise the expression of purported CSC biomarkers ABCG2, ALDH1, Bmi-1, and transcription factors Snail-1, Snail-2, Twist-1 and Twist-2 in normal, dysplastic and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines.

Methods: The expression of the CSC markers ABCG2, ALDH1 and Bmi-1 were examined by flow cytometry in cell lines OKF6 (normal oral mucosa), DOK (mild dysplastic mucosa), POE (severe dysplasia) and PJ15, SCC04, SCC09, SCC15, SCC25 (oral squamous cell carcinomas).   RT-PCR was utilised to characterise expression of stem-ness related genes Snail 1 & 2 and Twist 1 & 2 in the same cell lines.

Results: Bmi-1 and ABCG2 co-expression is increased in OSCC compared to normal and dysplastic cell lines.  ALDH1 and Twist-2 expression is increased in dysplastic and OSCC cell lines.  Snail-1 expression is decreased in dysplastic and increased in OSCC cell lines.  Snail-2 expression is increased in dysplastic and decreased in OSCC cell lines.

Conclusions: The investigation of CSC biomarkers in these cell lines has elucidated valuable understanding in characterising the initiation and progression of HNSCCs.  Co-expression of stem cell markers Bmi-1 and ABCG2 may identify OSCC.  ALDH1 and Twist-2 expression may be an important indicator of a tissue’s progression through dysplasia to OSCC.  The relationship between Snail 1 and 2 in oral tissues, as it progresses through dysplasia to OSCC, needs further investigation.  Future research of CSC biomarkers in OSCC primary tissue will provide deeper understanding of the disease process and will have profound implications for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting
2012 Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting (Denarau Island, Fiji)
Denarau Island, Fiji
2012

Scientific Groups
  • Pitty, Luke  ( University of Queensland, Brisbane, N/A, Australia )
  • Dalley, Andrew  ( University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, N/A, Australia )
  • Farah, Camile  ( University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, N/A, Australia )
    • Oral Medicine and Pathology