Expression of WNT10A gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) constitutes the most frequent malignant tumour of the oral cavity. Considering the significant roles the wingless-type mammary tumour virus integration site family (WNT) plays in physiological and pathological events, this study aims to investigate WNT10A gene expression in OSCC. Methods: The cohort was composed of 59 specimens: 49 with OSCC and 10 controls. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) from the samples was extracted, cDNA was synthesized and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed, with human gene an protein symbol ACTB/ACTB (β-ACTIN) as internal control. Results: The number of OSCC samples for the four tumour, node and metastases (TNM) stages was: 5 (10.2%) stage I, 10 (20.4%) stage II, 9 (18.3%) stage III and 25 (51.1%) stage IV. For real-time PCR analysis, significant difference was found between control samples and OSCC stage IV (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Higher levels of WNT10A expression was observed in OSCC stage IV, suggesting a potential role in tumour progression.