In situ hybridization detection of homeobox genes reveals distinct expression patterns in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Aims: To analyse the expression of three homeobox genes (HOXA7, PITX1 and PRRX1) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and the relationship of such expression to certain distinct histopathological features of OSCC and in comparison to adjacent non-neoplastic epithelium (NT).

Methods And Results: Digoxigenin-labelled riboprobes that are specific for each homeobox gene were generated and in situ hybridization was carried out on frozen sections. In NT samples, HOXA7 and PITX1 transcripts were found more frequently in all epithelial layers, while PRRX1 was expressed in the basal layer.

Expression of homeobox genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines treated with all-trans retinoic acid.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) may arise from potentially malignant oral lesions. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA), which plays a role in cell growth and differentiation, has been studied as a possible chemotherapeutic agent in the prevention of this progression. While the mechanism by which atRA suppresses cell growth has not been completely elucidated, it is known that homeobox genes are atRA targets.