Expression Pattern of the Cancer Stem Cell Marker "Nestin" in Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the expression pattern and localization of nestin, in an attempt to explore its role in oral carcinogenesis.

Methods: Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to study the expression pattern of nestin in normal mucosa, leukoplakia, and oral squamous cell carcinoma samples. Nestin expression was evaluated in the keratinocytes and blood vessels of all the samples and compared with various clinico-pathological parameters.