Upregulation of nucleoporin 88 is associated with nodal metastasis and poor differentiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Nucleoporin 88 (Nup 88) is a component of the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) that mediates nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of macromolecules, Nup 88 has been reported to be up-regulated in a wide variety of malignancies. Studies show that overexpression of this antigen is associated with the development, agressiveness, differentiation and prognosis in some tumours. Since no study has been carried out in the relationship between the Nup 88 expression and clinicopathological features in the patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), this study aimed to determine Nup 88 expression in OSCC and its clinicopathological significance. Nup 88 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 20 normal oral mucosa specimens and 83 OSCC tissues. The frequency of positive Nup 88 expression was gradually increased from normal oral mucosa (10%) to primary OSCC (40%, P=0.012). The Nup 88 positive rate in OSCC patient with nodal metastasis was significantly higher than those without nodal metastasis (64% vs. 21%, P=0.000085). The frequency of positive Nup 88 expression was significantly different between worse and better differentiation (80 vs. 27%, P=0.000024). Nup 88 expression was not related to the patients' gender, age, location and tumour size (P>0.05). In conclusion, Nup 88 may play an important role in tumorigenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Upregulation of Nup 88 is associated with nodal metastasis and poor differentiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma.