Unaltered mRNA Levels of EGFR and PIK3CA in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Since its identification, the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway through PIK3CA, has been known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several solid tumors especially Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Impaired signal transduction through EGFR-PIK3CA may give rise to oncogenic processes because of its key role in regulation of major cellular functions. Several oncogenic mechanisms mediated by unregulated EGFR signaling pathways have been suggested by previous studies including, mutations in genes encoding EGFR and PIK3CA and increased ligands of EGFR. Here, we aimed to compare the total gene expression of EGFR and PIK3CA on mRNA level between HNSCC tissues and normal squamous cell tissues. Methods:  In this pilot study, we examined 31 samples of tumor-infected squamous cell tissues as well as 31 samples of healthy tissues around the tumor as controls for the expression of EGFR and PIK3CA genes using quantitative polymerase chain reactions (Q-PCR). Results: both EGFR and PIK3CA mRNA levels were slightly altered in HNSCC tissues compared with the control group (3% decrease and 9% increase respectively) but these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: our results indicate that total EGRF and PIK3CA expression in mRNA level is not altered in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas compared with that of normal squamous cell tissues.