Dominant Negative p63 Isoform Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Although all three DeltaNp63 isoforms are present in HNSCC, DeltaNp63alpha protein is the predominant isoform expressed in these malignancies. DeltaNp63alpha is also overexpressed in tumors compared with matched normal tissue specimens and is underexpressed in the pro-apoptotic condition of lichen planus. These findings suggest that DeltaNp63alpha plays an anti-differentiation and anti-apoptotic role in the mucosal epithelium of the head and neck, possibly playing a pivotal role in the formation of HNSCC. Currently, DeltaNp63alpha is an attractive target for mechanistic study aimed at therapeutic intervention.