FHIT RNA and protein expression in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Background: To investigate the possible role of FHIT, a possible tumour sup pressor gene, in oral carcinogenesis, we examined 17 oral squamous cell car cinomas (OSCCs) for genetic alterations. Materials and Methods: Fresh tissu e was obtained during surgery, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -70 degreesC. Nested PCR amplification to examine the integrity of FHIT mR NA was performed on the reverse transcribed complementary DNA obtained from the frozen normal and tumour tissue. Immunohistochemistry was done on form al in-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue protein from the same cases using a po lyclonal antiserum against the full length Fhit. Results: Twelve out 17 (71 %) OSCCs showed reduced or absent Fhit protein and half of the cases with r educed Fhit protein exhibited aberrant RT-PCR products. Conclusion: Immunoh istochemical detection of Fhit protein expression in OSCCs is the more sens itive method to determine the status of Fhit in these tumours, in agreement with previous studies of other tumour types.