Abstract
Background/Aim: Galectin-3 has been associated with activated Wnt pathway, translocating beta-catenin into the nucleus. However, it is still unknown whether this lectin drives the Wnt signaling activation in lesions from galectin-3-deficient (Gal3-/-) mice. The purpose was to study beta-catenin expression in tongue lesions from Galo3-/- and wild-type (Gal3+/+) mice and the status of Wnt signaling. Materials and Methods: Twenty Gal3-/- and Gal3+/+ male mice were challenged with 4-nitroquinolin-1-oxide and killed at week 16 and 32. Tongues were processed and stained with H&E to detect dysplasias and carcinomas. An imunohistochemical assay was performed to evaluate beta-catenin expression. Results: Carcinomas were more evident in Gal3+/+ than Gal3 -/- mice (55.5% vs. 28.5%, respectively; p>0.05). Elevated expression of non-membranous beta-catenin was observed in dysplasias and carcinomas from both groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Absence of galectin-3 does not interfere in the pattern of beta-catenin expression and therefore in the mediation of the Wnt signaling pathway.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2805-2811 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Anticancer Research |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 9 |
State | Published - Sep 2011 |
Keywords
- Beta-catenin
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mice
- Oral carcinogenesis
- Tongue
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cancer Research
- Oncology