Relative Expression of OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Versus Adjacent Non- Tumor Tissue

Abstract

Objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for over 90% of oral neoplasms. Finding molecular<br />markers for predicting prognosis is a high priority. The core transcription factors, OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG that<br />regulate embryonic stem cell pluripotency have been implicated in progression of various malignancies. The predictive<br />value of these markers and their role in the development of OSCC is still controversial. In this study, we therefore<br />evaluated their expression in OSCCs and adjacent non-tumor tissue. Methods: A total of 60 frozen tumor and adjacent<br />non-tumor tissue samples from 30 patients with OSCC were examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase<br />chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Clinical and pathological data of patients including tumor stage, lymph node metastasis<br />and tumor grade were also recorded. Results: Expression of SOX2 was significantly higher in adjacent non-tumor as<br />compared to tumor tissue (P=0.04). No statistically significant differences were found for expression of OCT4 (P=0.50)<br />and NANOG (P=0.68). Also, there was no significant association between expression of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG<br />and clinical or pathological data (P>0.05), although slightly higher values were noted in patients without lymph node<br />metastasis. Conclusion: Based on the present data, decreased expression of SOX2 is correlated with carcinogenesis<br />in the oral cavity and development of OSCC.