SIGNIFICANCE OF OCTAMER-BINDING TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 4 (OCT4) EXPRESSION IN ORAL EPITHELIAL DYSPLASIA AND ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a role in both oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Octamer-binding protein 4 (OCT4) is one of the CSC indicators that shows an increase in OSCC. OCT4 has been recognized as a potential CSC marker in OSCC samples and cell lines. This protein is fundamental for self-renewal of immature embryonic stem cells and pluripotency. Premalignant lesions commonly precede OSCC, and signaling proteins play a significant role in transformation.Aim of the study: To Assess the expression of OCT4 in oral epithelial dysplasia and different grades of squamous cell carcinoma affecting the oral cavity.Material and Methods: Eighty cases of OED and OSCC, noticed in the oral pathology department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University were included. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological differentiation. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using the antibody against OCT4.Results: Almost all of the epithelial dysplasia cases examined in the study had a negative immunoreaction to OCT4 . However, oct-4 exhibited a considerable immunopositivity in different phases of squamous cell carcinoma, with increased OCT4 immunopositivity in moderately to poorly differentiated OSCC.Conclusion: The elevated expression of OCT4 from dysplastic mucosa to squamous cell carcinoma could indicate that this gene assumes a part in oral mucosal carcinogenesis. Overall, increasing the grade of squamous cell carcinoma and diminishing cellular differentiation resulted in a greater expression of this gene.