Increased Expression of the PRL-3 Gene in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Dysplasia Tissues

Abstract

Phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL) belongs to a class of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family, whichis known so far to consist of 3 members, PRL-1, PRL-2, and PRL-3. The aim of this study was to uncover therole of PRL genes in development of oral malignancy. We analyzed expression levels of the 3 PRL genes in 50human oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), 11 dysplasia and 12 normal mucosa tissues by a real-time RTPCRmethod. PRL-3 but not PRL-1 or PRL-2 expressions were significantly higher in OSCC and dysplasia thanin normal mucosa tissues. Additionally, PRL-3 expressions were significantly higher in OSCC tissues harboringdominant-negative p53 or recessive p53 mutation than in those harboring wild-type p53. These results suggestthat PRL-3 plays a role in oral cancer development and can be useful as a marker of pre-malignant and malignantlesion of oral mucosa.

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