Myeloid cell leukemia-1 is a molecular indicator for malignant transformation of oral lichen planus

Podophyllotoxin reduces the aggressiveness of human oral squamous cell carcinoma through myeloid cell leukemia‑1

Podophyllotoxin (PPT), which is derived from the podophyllum plant, exhibits marked cytotoxic effects against cancer cells; however, the precise molecular mechanism underlying its activity against human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been elucidated. In the present study, the mechanism by which PPT induced cytotoxicity in two OSCC cell lines, HSC3 and HSC4, was determined. The effects of PPT on cytotoxicity in HSC3 and HSC4 cells were analyzed using Annexin V/PI double staining, Sub‑G1 analysis, soft agar assays, western blotting, and quantitative PCR. The changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed using a JC‑1 assay and cytosolic and mitochondrial fractionation. A myeloid cell leukemia‑1 (Mcl‑1) overexpression cell lines were also established to study the role of Mcl‑1 on apoptosis. The results showed that PPT inhibited the growth of the two human OSCC cell lines and induced apoptosis, which was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Compared with the control, PPT reduced the expression of Mcl‑1 in both cell lines through a proteasome‑dependent protein degradation process. Overall, these results suggested that targeting of Mcl‑1 protein by PPT induced apoptosis, providing a foundation for further pre‑clinical and clinical study of its value in the management of OSCC.

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 expression in cancers of the oral cavity: a scoping review

Background

B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members play important roles in cell survival as well as cell death. The role of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), an important member of the Bcl-2 family, is well established in hematopoietic malignancies. However, the association between Mcl-1 and oral cavity, cancers is not clearly defined.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted until June 30, 2021, using four major databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Medical subject headings keywords for Mcl-1, along with its other identifiers, and head and neck cancers (only oral cavity tumors) were used to evaluate the expression, function, molecular association, and therapeutic approach of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers and precancers.

Findings

Mcl-1 expression was associated with the progression of oral cavity cancers. The molecular mechanism and pathways of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers established via experimental results have been highlighted in this review. Moreover, the various synthetic and naturally derived therapeutic agents targeting Mcl-1 have been documented.

Novelty/Improvement

Based on our present review, Mcl-1 appears to be an effective anticancer target that can be used in the therapeutic management of oral cancers.

Markers associated with malignant transformation of oral lichen planus: A review article

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the autoimmune diseases associated with chronic inflammation that involves several complications including the potential for malignant transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma. Pathogenesis of OLP are yet to be fully comprehended however, it has been demonstrated that the epithelial cells in OLP lesions are affected by cytotoxic T lymphocytes leading to immunological reactions. Various factors are reported to act as diagnostic markers for predicting and monitoring the cancerous progression. Hence, in this review, we summarize and present the latest studies regarding the predictive markers associated with malignant potential of OLP.

Markers of Oral Lichen Planus Malignant Transformation

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology with significant impact on patients' quality of life. Malignant transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered as one of the most serious complications of the disease; nevertheless, controversy still persists. Various factors seem to be involved in the progression of malignant transformation; however, the mechanism of this process is not fully understood yet. Molecular alterations detected in OLP samples might represent useful biomarkers for predicting and monitoring the malignant progression. In this review, we discuss various studies which highlight different molecules as ominous predictors of OLP malignant transformation.

Biomarkers in Tumorigenesis Using Cancer Cell Lines: A Systematic Review

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite many research advancements in the field, the genetic changes regulating the transformation of normal oral cells into malignant cells have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have evaluated carcinogenesis at the molecular level. Cancer cell lines are commonly used in biomedical research because they provide an unlimited source of cells and represent various stages of initiation and progression of carcinogenesis in vitro. Aims: The objective of the study was to review original research articles using cancer cell lines as a tool to understand carcinogenesis and to identify the genes involved in tumor development. Additionally, we also examined the application of the genes as predictive biomarkers. Methods and Materials: Several databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, and Science Direct, were searched from 1985 to December 2016 using various combinations of the following key words: “mouth neoplasm”, “cell lines”, and “tumorigenesis”. Original experimental studies published in English were included. We excluded letters to the editor, historic reviews, and unpublished data from the analysis. Results: There were 17 studies (in vitro) included in the analysis. There were 14 genes and 4 miRNAs involved in malignant transformation of oral keratinocytes into cancer cells. The most commonly studied genes were p53, cyclin D1, and hTERT. Conclusion: Additional reviews and studies are needed to identify a panel of genes specific to various potentially malignant disorders and to aid in the early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) because tumorigenesis involves the mutation of multiple genes. Furthermore, improving advanced cost-effective diagnostic methods may benefit the public health sector.