Sequential increases in 4F2hc expression during DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis

Background: Although it is known that amino acid transporters are up-regulated for continuous growth in transformed cells, alterations in the 4F2hc expression levels between normal and cancer cells are unclear. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the alteration of the inducible 4F2hc expression level in hamster buccal cancers. Materials and Methods: The expression profile of 4F2hc on normal buccal mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from different differentiation stages in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal carcinogenesis was examined using immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Immunoreactivity for 4F2hc was detected in almost all the layers of the normal mucosa as well as in the tumor cells and keratin layer of SCC. In particular, the 4F2hc expression level increased progressively via hamster buccal pouch malignant progression. Conclusion: The results suggest that 4F2hc expression is associated with the development of DMBA-induced oral carcinomas. In addition, 4F2hc overexpression in SCC indicates that 4F2hc may play an important role in the development and progression of oral SCC.