Immunohistochemical expression of tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis and fibroblast growth factor‐inducible immediate early response protein 14 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its implications

Abstract

Aim To study the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and fibroblast growth factor‐inducible immediate early response protein 14 (Fn14) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), to elucidate the possible role of TWEAK‐Fn14 in OSCC development. Methods Immunohistochemistry for TWEAK‐Fn14 was performed on 61 oral mucosal samples: healthy oral mucosa (HOM; N = 15); oral dysplastic lesions (ODL; N = 15); and OSCC (N = 31). Extent of staining (ES) and immunoreactive score (IRS) were assessed. The data was statistically analyzed. Results All OSCC expressed TWEAK, and the Fn14 expression was noted in 90% of OSCC. A significant difference in the TWEAK and Fn14 expression was noted among the groups. ES and IRS of TWEAK‐Fn14 significantly increased in OSCC compared with ODL and HOM. ES of TWEAK was significantly higher than Fn14 in all 3 groups. ES of TWEAK‐Fn14 was significantly higher at the invasive tumor front (ITF) than in the whole tumor. TWEAK‐Fn14 showed a significant association with clinicopathological parameters of prognostic significance. Conclusion Findings suggest that TWEAK and Fn14 may participate in the growth and progression of OSCC. Increased expression of TWEAK‐Fn14 at the ITF may facilitate increased proliferation, altered differentiation and invasion.

A novel gene-based model for prognosis prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

“…TNFRSF12A was highly expressed in tumors. Besides, it expressed significantly higher at the invasive tumor front than in the whole tumor [ 32 ]. As reported, mechanistically, high expression of TNFRSF12A stimulates cell migration and invasiveness.…”

Loco-Regional Control and Sustained Difference in Serum Immune Protein Expression in Patients Treated for p16-Positive and p16-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…TNFRSF12A (FN14, TWEAKR, and CD266—tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily 12A) is the receptor for TWEAK, with low expression in most tissues. TNFRSF12A appears to be an important protein in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of tumour cells and is overexpressed in many different cancers [ 19 , 20 ]. In a case–control study, Chang et al identified that the serum levels of TNFRSF12A were lower in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer than in healthy controls and were not correlated with cell type, TNM stage, or metastasis status [ 21 ].…”