Uncovering the potential of CD44v /SYNE1/miR34a axis in salivary fluids of oral cancer patients

Abstract

Objectives

Late stage diagnosis is one of the major confounders for poor prognosis of oral cancer patients owing to lack of a biomarker to diagnose this disease at an early stage. Moreover, till date invasive biopsies are the only option to assess disease occurrence and progression in this malignancy. Thus, this study aims to identify and assess potential salivary markers in OSCC patients in order to open newer avenues in the field of non-invasive biopsies.

Methodology

Bioinformatic based analysis were performed to identify potential biomarkers that could be assessed in OSCC patients. The expression patterns of CD44v and its genetic and epigenetic modulators were assessed in saliva of OSCC patients, leukoplakia and controls using Real time and methylation specific PCR. Statistical analysis were conducted to understand the significance of these markers in terms of their clinical relevance.

Results

CD44v/SYNE1/miR34a axis was identified using bioinformatics analysis and the expression profile of these markers was assessed in saliva of OSCC patients. CD44v6 and CD44v10 demonstrated a significantly increased expression whereas SYNE1 and miR34a depicted a significantly decreased expression in OSCC patients. Statistical analysis suggested a probable role of CD44v6, SYNE1 and miR34a in early stages of the malignancy whereas a strong association was observed between CD44v6, CD44v10 and miR34a expression with loco-regional aggressiveness and histopathological conditions.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings suggested a plausible role of CD44v/SYNE1/miR34a axis as non-invasive salivary biomarkers to diagnose this disease at an early stage and predict the early onset of metastasis.

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