Differential expression of 70–kDa heat shock‐protein in human oral tumorigenesis

Abstract

AbstractTo understand the biological events underlying the multistep process of oral tumorigenesis we have studied the expression of 70–kDa heat‐shock protein, HSP70, in human normal, pre‐malignant and malignant oral tissues. Expression of HSP70 was assessed in oral‐tissue specimens using a mouse monoclonal antibody against HSP70 by immunostaining and immunoblot‐ting analysis. Strong nuclear and cytoplasmic HSP70 immunostaining was observed in oral squamous‐cell carcinomas (30/ 38). Mild to moderate HSP70 expression was observed in oral dysplastic lesions (19/30) and basal low level of HSP70 was observed in normal oral tissues. The results were corroborated by immunoblotting analysis. The wide variation in HSP70 expression in normal, pre‐malignant and malignant oral lesions suggests that it is differentially expressed during oral carcinogen‐esis and may be implicated in tumor development. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.