Caspase-8 availability in oral cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of the variation in caspase-8 availability and cleavage in oral squamous cell carcinoma
IRAS ID
232080
Contact name
Robert Kennedy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London,
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Control of cell death is frequently disrupted in cancer resulting in overgrowth of tumour cells. The caspase family of enzymes are the key performers of controlled cell death and caspase-8 is frequently mutated in oral cancer. This study will perform DNA sequencing to determine if the gene is wild-type (not mutated). The abundance of inactive (uncleaved) and active (cleaved) caspase-8 will be determined. The levels of the proteins that caspase-8 interacts with (including Bid and cleaved and uncleaved caspase-3) will be determined. Results will be correlated with tumour stage, patient outcome and the presence of immune cells and other microscopic features. This will improve the understanding of the importance of caspase-8 in oral cancer.
Summary of Results
Digital molecular analysis of oral cancer specimens showed low levels of activation of death inducing enzymes in cancer cells. In contrast there were high levels of activation of death inducing enzymes in white blood cells (lymphocytes).
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1824
Date of REC Opinion
31 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion