Comparative Evaluation on the Expression of Pi3 Kinase - AKT- mTOR Signalling Molecules in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - A Real Time PCR Based Approach

Background: Oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) develops as a result of the accumulation of many genetic mutations that are influenced by genetic predisposition. Upon acquisition of genetic predisposition, the precancerous cells will transform into malignant cells culminating into carcinomas. Advances in genetic research over the past few decades have rendered early detection possible.

Aim: To compare the gene expression of Pi3 Kinase, AKT and mTOR in OSCC and to correlate the expression levels of these molecules with the survival in OSCC patients. Also to understand the role of Pi3 Kinase pathway in OSCC progression thereby attempting targeted therapy in OSCC patients.

Materials and Methods: 10 OSCC samples as well as normal healthy samples were collected and RNA isolation was done using RNA easy kit from Qiagen (Valencia, CA), and then subjected to cDNA synthesis using Human TGF-β1, Human GSK-3β and Human Pi3 kinase primers. Real time PCR was performed using gene specific primers at 40 cycles. The results were retrieved, tabulated and analyzed.

Results: The current research results revealed that there were up regulation of mRNA expression in The PI3K/AKT/mTOR in OSCC patients than in healthy individuals. On comparison, mTOR showed highest mRNA expression levels than AKT and PI3K.

Conclusion: Overexpression of Pi3 kinase, AKT, mTOR plays a crucial role in progression of oral cancer and targeting Pi3 kinase/mTOR pathways could be a novel and targeted approach for OSCC.