c-Fos/ c-Jun transcription factors in non-small cell lung carcinoma

During lung carcinoma development, progression and metastasis, a variety of gross (chromosome) and specific (gene) genomic alterations are detected in dysplastic, neoplastic, and progressively malignant transformed epithelia as early or late genetic events. Oncogenes' overactivation combined with suppressor genes silence are crucial genetic events in malignant and pre-malignant epithelia. Especially, deregulation of crucial signalling transduction pathways that interact with strong transcription factors - such as c-Fos and c-Jun - leads to an aberrant expression of other critical genes responsible for cell homeostasis. Upregulation of c-Fos and c-Jun leading to other oncogenes overactivation seems to be correlated with aggressive biological behaviour in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). In the current special molecular article we explored the role of c-Fos/c-Jun complex deregulation in NSCLC based on their interactions with other genes that demonstrate modified expression profiles.

Evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor gene and chromosome 7 alterations in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, using chromogenic in situ hybridization on tissue microarrays

AIMS

To identify subgroups of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx, characterized by the specific deregulation mechanism of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, and to evaluate EGFR protein expression levels and correlate these with biological and clinicopathological parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using tissue microarray technology, 50 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary laryngeal SCCs were cored and re-embedded into one block. Immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in situ hybridization were performed.

RESULTS

Epidermal growth factor receptor protein over-expression was observed in 27/50 (54 per cent) cases and was statistically associated with tumour grade (p=0.028). Epidermal growth factor receptor gene alterations were identified in 5/50 (10 per cent) cases, which demonstrated amplification (n=4) and deletion (n=1). Chromosome 7 instability was detected in 8/50 (16 per cent) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidermal growth factor receptor over-expression is a frequent event in SCCs, but it does not predict a specific molecular mechanism of gene deregulation for targeted therapeutic strategies via monoclonal antibodies.