Expression of Connexin 26 (Cx26) in oral squamous cell carcinoma

连接蛋白是一个由至少12种蛋白质组成的细胞间隙连接通道的家族。连接蛋白26 （Connexin 26, Cx26）是其中的一种亚型，它被认为是癌症转移的一个指标。然而，目前还没有关于该基因在口腔癌中的作用的报道。本研究旨在探讨Cx26基因在口腔鳞状细胞癌（oral SCC）中的表达。并探讨了这些基因与临床病理因素的关系，以及Cx26作为口腔鳞状细胞癌转移指标的适用性。本研究结果提示，Cx26基因的表达可能与口腔SCC的转移有关，且该基因的表达可能与间充质组织相互作用。在临床上，Cx26基因表达可能是获取口腔SCC细胞转移信息的有用方法。

Connexins are a family of at least 12 proteins that make up intercellular channels of gap junction. Connexin 26 (Cx26) is one of those subtypes, and it is indicated to become an index to the cancer metastasis. However, there have been no reports of the role of this gene in oral cancer.The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the expression of the Cx26 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (oral SCC). The relationship between these genes and clinico-pathological factors and the applicability of Cx26 as an index of cancer metastasis in oral SCC was also investigated.The results of this study suggested that Cx26 gene expressions may be associated with metastasis of oral SCC, and the expression of this gene may interact with mesenchymal tissue. Clinically, Cx26 gene expression may be useful approach in obtaining information concerning the metastasis of oral SCC cells.