Gene Expression of GSK3, TGF ?-1 and PI3 Kinase in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma – A Real Time PCR Based Approach

ABSTRACT

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most predominant type of oral cancer which has a poor prognosis, with 5-year survival rates less than 50%. Clinical characteristics such as tumor position, TNM classification and method of treat- ment, as well as histological grades have all been studied as OSCC prognostic factors but evaluating the genetic expression is the evolving trend in early diagnosis. Aim: To compare the gene expression of TGF-?-1, GSK3, Pi3 kinase in OSCC and normal tissue samples and to correlate the expression levels of these molecules with the pathological grading and survival in OSCC patients. Also to understand the role of GSK3 in Pi3 kinase pathway and TGF-? signaling pathway in OSCC progression thereby attempting targeted therapy in OSCC patients. Materials and Methods: 10 OSCC samples as well as normal healthy samples were collected and RNA isolation was done us- ing RNA easy kit from Qiagen (Valencia, CA), and thensubjected to cDNA synthesis using Human TGF-?1, Human GSK3? and Human Pi3 kinase primers. Real time PCR was performed using gene specific primers at 40 cycles. The results were retrieved, tabulated and analyzed. Results: The current research results revealed that there were up regulation of mRNA expression in GSK3, TGF ?-1 and Pi3 kinase in OSCC patients than in healthy individuals. On comparison, Pi3 kinase showed highest mRNA expression levels than GSK3 and TGF ?-1. Conclusion: The expression of GSK3 and its role in activation of Pi3 kinase pathway plays a crucial role in progression of oral cancer and targeting GSK3?could be a novel and targeted approach for treating OSCC.