Evaluation of CD24 and CD44 as cancer stem cell markers in squamous cell carcinoma and epithelial dysplasia of the oral cavity by q‑ RT‑PCR

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer of the oral cavity
and may be preceded by dysplastic epithelial lesion. Oral SCC (OSCC) contains a rare subset of
cancer cells with self‑renewal ability, termed as cancer stem cells (CSCs). CD24 and CD44 as CSC
markers are cell surface glycoproteins. These markers contribute to the onset, maintenance, and
extension of tumor growth, as well as angiogenesis. In the present study, these two markers were
simultaneously evaluated to provide a specific phenotype for carcinogenesis process in oral cavity.
Materials and Methods: In this analytical‑cross‑sectional study, the expression of CD24 and
CD44 genes was evaluated in 45 OSCCs (20 low‑grade and 25 high‑grade) and 15 oral epithelial
dysplasia specimens by real‑time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‑test, Kendall, and Spearman tests were used for statistical
analysis. The significance level was considered <0.05.
Results: High expression of both markers genes was reported in two‑thirds of samples. There was
no significant difference between studied groups in gene expression of CD24 and CD44 whereas
statistically significant association between CD24 and CD44 was observed in all three groups. This
correlation was more significant in OSCC groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: High expression of CSC markers in OSCC and oral epithelial dysplasia revealed the
importance of accurate examination of dysplastic lesions with high expression of these markers and
the possibility of malignant transformation. Regarding a significant association of two markers, further
studies are necessary to provide a specific phenotype (CD44 high CD24 high) for these lesions.