Expression Of FAK, ILK, PTEN In Human Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Most cells are anchorage-dependent for survival and growth. Adhesion of cell to cell or cell to extracellular martrix (ECM) is very important for normal cells. Loss of adhesion to cell or ECM often results in apoptosis. Tumor cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth, invasion to surrounding tissues and metastatic spread to distant site. They can be independent on adhesion for survival and proliferation. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and integrin linked kinase (ILK) are signaling proteins, which are important for the signal transduction from cell adhesion. PTEN can repress their ability. The abnormal function of FAK and ILK is thought to be highly related with the action of tumor cells. Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a common cancer in head and neck with high recurrence rate and metastasis rate. Up to date the studies about TSCC in this area are not sufficient. Objective: To investigate the expression of FAK, ILK and PTEN and their clinical significance in TSCC and to study the relationship between FAK, ILK and PTEN. Methods: FAK, ILK and PTEN expressions in 65 paraffin-embedded specimens of TSCC and 65 corresponding non-cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results: The expression level of FAK and ILK in TSCC is higher than those in normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression of PTEN is lower than it in normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression levels of FAK and ILK are found related . Conclusion: The FAK and ILK coordinate to take part in the development of TSCC. The lost of PTEN is related with TSCC.