Genomic database analysis for head and neck cancer prevention targets: MTOR signal transduction pathway

Abstract

Background: Type II diabetes agents have anticancer effects on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) pathway represents a putative target. Materials and Methods: We interrogated an Affymetrix HNSCC dataset for MTOR-related gene expression. Results: MTOR expression itself was unchanged, but various related genes demonstrated differential expression. Pathway promoters ras homolog (RHEB), MTOR-associated protein (MLST8), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (RPS6KB1) were up-regulated. Expression of growth suppressors tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), and BCL2 apoptosis regulator-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) were reduced in HNSCC. Upstream, phosphatidylinositol-4,5bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were up-regulated in cancer. Conclusion: Several MTOR pathway promoters and tumor suppressors were found to be differentially expressed, favoring MTOR pathway up-regulation in HNSCC. Genomic databases can be interrogated to identify intervention targets and endpoints in HNSCC trials.