Exploring the role of DNA methylation of telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter region (THOR) in oral carcinogenesis - a pilot study on oral potentially malignant disorders and oral carcinomas
admin-cespu
Principal Investigator:
Luís Monteiro
Leader Institution:
UNIPRO, IUCS-CESPU
Research Team:
Maria Leonor Delgado, Pedro Castelo-Branco, José Pacheco, Antonio Correia Paiva, Saman Warnakulasuriya
Funding entity:
CESPU
Budget:
5400 €
Period covered:
01/09/2025-2026
Abstract:
Introduction: Oral cancer (OC), represents a significant global health challenge. hTERT reactivation, via DNA methylation, namely on TERT Hypermethylated Oncological Region (THOR) represents a promise as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker. Objectives: to investigate THOR DNA methylation's role in oral carcinogenesis; evaluating the relationship between THOR methylation and clinical/pathological, and prognostic variables in OPMD/OC; and exploring its role as candidate biomarker for early diagnosis. Methodology: The project involves characterizing clinical and pathological samples (normal tissues, Oral Leukoplakia (OL), OC), evaluating hTERT protein (by IHC) and quantify THOR methylation using quantitative pyrosequencing. Expected Results: We anticipate identifying distinct THOR methylation patterns between OL and OC, providing insights into oral carcinogenesis. This could establish THOR methylation as a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis in oral cancer. Conclusion: This project will enhance our understanding of oral cancer development and contribute to the identification of innovative, minimally invasive diagnostic tools, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Introduction: Oral cancer (OC), represents a significant global health challenge. hTERT reactivation, via DNA methylation, namely on TERT Hypermethylated Oncological Region (THOR) represents a promise as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker. Objectives: to investigate THOR DNA methylation's role in oral carcinogenesis; evaluating the relationship between THOR methylation and clinical/pathological, and prognostic variables in OPMD/OC; and exploring its role as candidate biomarker for early diagnosis. Methodology: The project involves characterizing clinical and pathological samples (normal tissues, Oral Leukoplakia (OL), OC), evaluating hTERT protein (by IHC) and quantify THOR methylation using quantitative pyrosequencing. Expected Results: We anticipate identifying distinct THOR methylation patterns between OL and OC, providing insights into oral carcinogenesis. This could establish THOR methylation as a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis in oral cancer. Conclusion: This project will enhance our understanding of oral cancer development and contribute to the identification of innovative, minimally invasive diagnostic tools, ultimately improving patient outcomes.