Evaluation of HIF1-A gene in tumor cells of Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (CCP) is a heterogeneous class of tumors because it affects several regions such as the mouth, larynx, nasopharynx and thyroid, making it difficult to diagnose the disease early and prognosis. Even with advances in treatment the survival rate for this type of cancer is still low due to tumor recurrence and the formation of metastases. One explanation for these events is the presence of a population of stem-tumor cells (CTT), which are resistant to chemo and radiotherapy, causing the tumor to reappear. CTTs are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal, uncontrolled proliferation and metastatic ability. Angiogenesis is one of the major processes involved in the development of cancer and the onset of metastasis as they provide nutrients and oxygen for tumor growth. In view of this, it is important to identify angiogenic biomarkers that can help in the early diagnosis of cancer and in the elaboration of prevention strategies. For this, the present project aims to identify tumor stem cells in two CCP cell lines and to evaluate the gene and protein expression of the HIF-1± gene in head and neck cancer stem cells. The cell lines HEP-2 - laryngeal carcinoma and HN13 - oral cavity carcinoma will be cultured and then separated into CTTs + and CTTs - by flow cytometry, also will be done the culture tests of colonies of tumor spheres, test of the potential invasion and cell proliferation assay. After separation, the extraction of RNA, RT-PCR and analysis of gene expression and protein dosage will be performed. The data obtained will be treated statistically. It is expected to find altered expression of the HIF-1± gene associated with the change in the concentration of the protein synthesized by this gene in stem-tumor cells and to compare with non-trunk-tumor cells of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.