Motility-related proteins as markers for head and neck squamous cell cancer

Hypothesis: Increased cell motility is a hallmark of cancer cells. Proteins involved in cell motility may be used as molecular markers to characterize the malignant potential of tumors. Methods: Molecular biology and immunohi stochemistry techniques were used to investigate the expression of a select ed panel of motility-related proteins (Rho A, Pac 2, Cdc42, PI(3)K, 2E4, an d Arp2) in normal, premalignant, and squamous cell cancer cell lines of hum an head and neck origin. To assess the clinical potential of these proteins as molecular markers for cancer, immunohistochemistry was performed on par affin-fixed head and neck cancer specimens (n = 15). Results: All six motil ity-associated proteins were overexpressed in the premalignant and squamous cell cancer cell Lines relative to normal keratinocytes. Immunohistochemis try with Rho A and Pac 2 showed increased staining in areas of cancer but n ot in normal tissue. Conclusion: Proteins involved in cell motility can be used as markers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The head and nec k cell lines used in this study may be used as a model to further investiga te cell motility. Molecular markers of motility could have a significant im pact on the diagnosis and staging of cancers originating from differentiate d non-motile cells.