Expression of molecular markers Jab1 and Akt1 in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

AIM：To analyze the expression of Jab1 and Akt1 in paired human primary and recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissues, to explore the relationships between their expression and molecular mechanism and further to identify the potential treatment target of rNPC. METHODS：Paired primary and recurrent NPC archival samples (n=45) from Affiliated Foshan Hospital and Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were collected. The expression of Jab1 and Akt1 was determined by the method of immunohistochemistry (SABC). The expression of Jab1 and Akt1 in CNE-1, CNE-2, CNE-2R and HONE1 cells before and after ionizing radiation (IR) was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS：The expression of Jab1 and Akt1 increased in recurrent NPC tissues compared with the primary tumors (both P<0.05). The expression of Jab1 and Akt1 increased in CNE-1, CNE-2R and HONE1 cells in comparison with CNE-2 cells. Furthermore, Jab1 expression was elevated in CNE-1, CNE-2, CNE-2R and HONE1 cells after receiving IR. CONCLUSION：Over-expression of Jab1 and Akt1 contributes to the resistance of NPC cells with irradiation, and induces recurrence of NPC. Therefore, Jab1 and Akt1 serve as potential tumor targets for the treatment of recurrent NPC.