Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma share key oncogenic signatures

Abstract

To investigate similarities in the gene profile of Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma that may justify a carcinogenic potential, we analyzed the gene expression signatures of Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in early and advanced stages. Based on gene expression data from public databases, we used a bioinformatics approach to compare expression profiles, estimate immune infiltrate composition, identify differentially and co-expressed genes, and propose putative therapeutic targets and associated drugs. Our results revealed gene expression patterns related to processes of keratinization, keratinocyte differentiation, cell proliferation and immune response in common between Oral Lichen Planus and early and advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, with the cornified envelope formation and antigen processing cross-presentation pathways in common between Oral Lichen Planus and early Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Together, these results reveal that key tumor suppressors and oncogenes such as PI3, SPRR1B and KRT17, as well as genes associated with different immune processes such as CXCL13, HIF1A and IL1B are dysregulated in OLP.

GENEvaRX: A Novel AI-Driven Method and Web Tool Can Identify Critical Genes and Effective Drugs for Lichen Planus

“…These results demonstrate how T-cells attack the epidermis of the skin (Figure 4) [46], contributing to LP pathogenesis. It is worth noting that KRT17 has been reported to be a potential therapeutic targets for OLP [15]. Keratin 19 (KRT19) has been found to be expressed in OLP [47, 48].…”

“…Keratin 19 (KRT19) has been found to be expressed in OLP [47, 48]. KRT16 has been reported to be associated with LP in the wound repair process [14] and IFI27 has been reported to be overexpressed in OLP [15]. IRF1 and IFITM1 have been induced in LP, demonstrating their involvement in the skin injury process [49].…”

“…De Lanna et al [15] performed a bioinformatics analysis to gain further biological insights regarding the malignant transformation of OLP by identifying shared molecular signatures, thereby distinguishing OLP from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The input datasets are publicly available from the GEO (GSE52130, GSE56532, and GSE41613) and were related to OLP (and healthy controls), OSCC in advanced stages, and in stages I and II with the corresponding healthy controls.…”

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and intraepithelial neoplasia among patients diagnosed with erosive lichen planus (LP): A study of 130 patients

“…Gene expression patterns in keratinization, keratinocyte differentiation, cell proliferation, cornified envelope formation, antigen processing cross-presentation and immune response share common features in oral LP and early and advanced oral SCC. 4,5 According to previous studies, tongue localization, red type (atrophic or erosive pattern), tobacco and alcohol use as well as HCV infection significantly increases the risk for malignant transformation of oral LP. 3 Furthermore, females aged between 60 and 70 years are believed to be at higher risk for malignancy development, when compared to males.…”

“…4 When asked about follow-up for a micronodular, infiltrative BCC excised 0.1 mm from the deep margin, ChatGPT recognised the close margin but failed to acknowledge that infiltrative subtypes and micronodular histopathology are associated with higher recurrence rates. 5 As such, it suggested clinical monitoring…”