Amplification of Rad9 in head and neck cancer

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In the recent years, evidence is increasing indicating the existence of a subpopulation of resistant tumor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that cannot be eradicated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Human Rad9 is involved in cell cycle checkpoints, repair of damaged DNA, and apoptosis. Previous studies suggest that Rad9 is frequently amplified in epithelial tumor cells of head and neck cancer, but little is known about its role in the development of head and neck cancer. Here we studied the direct association of Rad9 and p53 results in regulation of the expression of P21 gene. Immunohistochemistrical analysis in head and neck cancer detected the accumulation of Rad9 in the nuclei of tumor cells, which colocalized with p53. In addition, molecular biological studies revealed the direct association of Rad9 and Rev7, an error-prone DNA polymerase. Collectively, these findings suggest that hRad9 may play a role in genetic instability and carcinogenesis. Further experiments might reveal its role as a diagnostic and prognostic factor, and possibly as a therapeutic target.