Activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway during oral carcinogenesis process is not influenced by the absence of galectin-3 in mice.

摘要

BACKGROUND/AIM: Galectin-3 has been associated with activated Wnt pathway, translocating beta-catenin into the nucleus. However, it is still unknown whether this lectin drives the Wnt signaling activation in lesions from galectin-3-deficient (Gal3/) mice. The purpose was to study beta-catenin expression in tongue lesions from Gal3/ and wild-type (Gal3/) mice and the status of Wnt signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Gal3/ and Gal3/ male mice were challenged with 4-nitroquinolin-1-oxide and killed at week 16 and 32. Tongues were processed and stained with H&E to detect dysplasias and carcinomas. An imunohistochemical assay was performed to evaluate beta-catenin expression. RESULTS: Carcinomas were more evident in Gal3/ than Gal3/ mice (55.5% vs. 28.5%, respectively; p>0.05). Elevated expression of non-membranous beta-catenin was observed in dysplasias and carcinomas from both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Absence of galectin-3 does not interfere in the pattern of beta-catenin expression and therefore in the mediation of the Wnt signaling pathway.