E-cadherin, β-catenin and Snail immunoexpression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

E-cadherin, β-catenin and Snail are important molecules involved in cellular adhesion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Loss of E-cadherin expression, nuclear relocation of β-catenin and high expression of Snail are connected to tumor progression, rapid cell growth and metastasis. The aim of our study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of β-catenin, E-cadherin and Snail, depending on clinico-morphological aspects of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Our results revealed variable E-cadherin, β-catenin and Snail expression, depending on differentiation degree and tumor stage. These markers can be helpful in identifying the aggressive laryngeal squamous carcinomas.