CENP-F gene amplification and overexpression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Background. Antibodies against cancer-related genes have been detected in human cancers including head and neck cancers. High titers of c-Myc autoantibodies have been linked to gene amplification and tumor progression. Centromere protein-F (CENP-F) autoantibodies have been detected in patients with various cancers, suggesting similar gene alteration. Methods. CENP-F and c-MYC amplification was assessed in 72 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Tumor and matched mucosa from 22 patients were analyzed for CENP-F mRNA levels by RT-PCR. Results. The larynx was the site most altered by amplification of either gene. CENP-F and c-MYC were amplified in 11% and 17% of the tumors, respectively. Coamplification was found in 7% of the tumors, most of which showed regional node involvement. CENP-F mRNA was overexpressed in 36% of tumors, and 23% of paired mucosa. Conclusion. Our results provide the first evidence that CENP-F gene is amplified and overexpressed in HNSCC. No correlation was noted between CENP-F amplification and clinicopathologic parameters. However, CENP-F overexpression correlated with nodal metastasis. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.