Detection of TGIF1 homeobox gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma according to histologic grading

ObjectiveTGIF1 homeobox gene involvement in oral cancer has not yet been investigated. This study analyzed the expression of TGIF1 transcripts and protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Study designSnap-frozen samples from 16 patients were taken from both OSCC and nontumoral adjacent epithelium (NT) for in situ hybridization (ISH). Forty-six paraffin-embedded samples of OSCC were submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC). A descriptive analysis of the transcript signal detection was accomplished, and TGIF1 immunoexpression was carried out considering protein levels, localization, and cellular differentiation.ResultsISH reactions showed TGIF1 transcripts with a signal that was frequently intense in NT, and generally weak in OSCC, and that had stronger transcript signal in well-differentiated areas of OSCC when compared with poorly differentiated ones. IHC reactions had poorly differentiated cases associated with TGIF1 protein expression in both the nucleus and cytoplasm (P = .05, Fisher test).ConclusionsTGIF1 gain or loss of function might possibly play a role in oral cancer cell differentiation.