Heat Shock Protein 70-2 is Overexpressed in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between the expression of HSP70-2 and the development of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Furthermore, the study evaluates the potential function of HSP70-2 in the pathogenesis of malignant diseases of the oral cavity.

Methods: Using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, Western blot, indirect immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry, the expression of HSP70-2 mRNA and protein in OPMD and OSCC tissues and cells was investigated. Using liposomal vector transient transfection to specifically knock down HSP70-2 gene expression in pertinent cell lines in vitro, the role of HSP70-2 in the development of oral malignant disorders was further investigated.

Results: Studies on OPMD and OSCC tissues and cell lines revealed that HSP70-2 mRNA and protein were substantially expressed. Furthermore, it was discovered that the expression levels corresponded with the degree of disease development. Downregulating the HSP70-2 gene specifically reduces the proliferation, viability, colony-forming ability, migration, and invasion of OPMD and OSCC cells. Furthermore, it will cause apoptosis and control cell cycle arrest.

Conclusion: HSP70-2 exhibited a significantly differential expression in both NM, OPMD, and OSCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, HSP70-2 plays a function in the development of oral malignant illnesses.

Clinical relevance: HSP70-2 is a promising biomarker for predicting the malignant transformation of Oral leukoplakia (OLK) and early diagnosis of OSCC. It is highly anticipated that HSP70-2 will be a potential target for the early intervention and blockage of OLK malignant transformation, given its established role in the development of oral malignant disorders. With regard to the treatment of OSCC, the same provides a referable target for siRNA-based therapeutic modalities.