Prion protein molecular characteristics in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

  Objective  To observe the molecular characteristics of prion protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues.

  Methods  Molecular characteristics of prion protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues were analyzed with the help of western blot. Distribution characteristics of prion protein and PRNP genetic features in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissue were analyzed by the methods of immunohistochemical and gene sequencing assay, respectively.

  Results  Western blots showed that three types of glycosylation forms of prion proteins were presented in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues. Immunohistochemical assay showed positive expression of prion protein and mainly distributed in cell membrane and cytoplasm, with the increasing of the malignancy in tumor, the level of prion protein increases. Gene sequencing illustrated no mutation in PRNP gene. All codon 129 of PRNP gene were homozygous for methionine and that of 219 were homozygous for glutamate.

  Conclusion  Characteristics of prion protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues are different from center nerve system like brain tissue. Its expression levels were associated with the malignant degree of tumor, which is possible to be a molecular marker for early diagnosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.