Involucrin in Laryngeal Dysplasia: A Marker for Differentiation

Combined loss of expression of involucrin and cytokeratin 13 is associated with poor prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of mobile tongue

“…Using microarray and TCGA transcriptomic datasets, mRNA expression levels of IVL and KRT13 were found to be significantly downregulated in OSCC/head and neck SCC as compared to normal controls (Figure 2(A,B)). Interestingly, their expression levels were similar in normal controls and oral dysplasia (Figure 2(A)), despite some previous studies that have shown a downregulation of CK13 or IVL in dysplastic lesions compared to normal controls 29–31 . This discrepancy could be due to different methods used for expression analysis or due to variation in the grade of dysplasia of the specimens used.…”

“…Interestingly, their expression levels were similar in normal controls and oral dysplasia (Figure 2(A)), despite some previous studies that have shown a downregulation of CK13 or IVL in dysplastic lesions compared to normal controls. [29][30][31] This discrepancy could be due to different methods used for expression analysis or due to variation in the grade of dysplasia of the specimens used. In contrast, the upregulation of CK10 mRNA already in oral dysplasia and OSCC/head and neck SCC (Figure 2(A,B)) suggests that its upregulation might be an early event in OSCC.…”

Identification of distinct layers within the stratified squamous epithelium of the adult human true vocal fold

“…Within the CK13 + cell layers, however, the involucrin + subset of layers occurs at the luminal surface of the epithelium and likely represents the most mature differentiated squamous cells. 22,23 Indeed, involucrin is known to be expressed at the surface of stratified squamous epithelia of the epidermis, hard palate, and buccal mucosa. 24 Of note, an association between involucrin expression and well-differentiated tumors has been demonstrated in several studies.…”

“…Indeed, we find that CK13 and CK14 together reliably and reproducibly mark every one of the cells of the epithelium, but they overlap considerably. Within the CK13 + cell layers, however, the involucrin + subset of layers occurs at the luminal surface of the epithelium and likely represents the most mature differentiated squamous cells . Indeed, involucrin is known to be expressed at the surface of stratified squamous epithelia of the epidermis, hard palate, and buccal mucosa .…”

‘Risky’ epithelium in the larynx — a practical diagnosis?

“…Expression of involucrin, cytokeratins and of p21 WAF1 is also disturbed in dysplasias but does not discriminate between groups. [18][19][20][21] All of these markers have the potential to facilitate the recognition of abnormalities associated with epithelial hyperplasias and dysplasias, but none has yet been shown to be superior to morphological grading.…”