A quantitative co‐localization analysis of large unspliced tenascin‐CL and laminin‐5/γ2‐chain in basement membranes of oral squamous cell carcinoma by confocal laser scanning microscopy

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Abstract
Background: A structural interaction of the oncofetal large tenascin‐C splice variants (Tn‐CL) and the γ2‐chain of laminin‐5 (Ln‐5/γ2) was recently demonstrated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In situ different patterns of co‐localization and co‐deposition of both proteins could be detected. Especially the co‐localization in re‐established basement membrane (BM) structures seemed to be biologically meaningful within the process of tumour progression. Methods: The amount of Tn‐CL incorporated in reorganized OSCC BM structures at the tumour margins was investigated by a laser scanning microscopy‐based quantitative co‐localization analysis. Results: In the BM of normal oral mucosa no Tn‐CL could be detected. In dysplastic and neoplastic oral mucosa a distinct co‐localization of Tn‐CL and Ln‐5/γ2 in the BM region could be observed. The extent of Tn‐CL arrangement into reorganized BM structures correlated with malignancy grade. Conclusions: The results suggest at first, a modulation of carcinomatous BM structures by the inclusion of oncofetal matrix proteins during tumour progression and secondly, the BM incorporation of the adhesion‐modulating molecule Tn‐CL as a pre‐invasive structural phenomenon in OSCC.

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