Expression of galectins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background Galectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins thought to be important for cell growth and differentiation, whose expression is altered in some tumors with aggressive phenotype. Our objective was to evaluate the expression of galectins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods Fourteen HNSCC cell lines and four primary tumor specimens were evaluated using immunoblotting, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 35 primary HNSCCs. Results Galectin-1 and galectin-3 were expressed in most HNSCC cell lines and primary tumor specimens. Galectin-1 was detected in the basal layer of normal adjacent mucosa, in connective tissue stroma, and at the periphery of invasive tumor islands. Galectin-3 localized to superficial mucosal layers, and adjacent to keratin pearls is in invasive carcinoma. Conclusions Galectins are manifested in HNSCC tumors and are localized to the cell surface, where they may participate in cellular interactions. The expression pattern of galectins appears to be associated with degree of squamous differentiation, suggesting a potential role for galectins as biologic and differentiation markers in HNSCC. HEAD & NECK 1996;18:422–432 © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.