Expression of p63 and 14-3-3sigma in normal and hyperdifferentiated mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to analyze p63 and 14-3-3sigma expression in normal and hyperdifferentiated head and neck mucosa. STUDY DESIGN: Compare the in vivo expression of p63 and 14-3-3sigma by immunohistochemistry in normal mucosa and oral lichen planus, a benign mucosal lesion marked by hyperdifferentiation and apoptosis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: p63 is underexpressed and 14-3-3sigma is overexpressed in lichen planus on immunohistochemical analysis. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings support the hypothesis that p63 plays an antidifferentiation role, whereas 14-3-3sigma plays a prodifferentiation role in the upper aerodigestive tract epithelium. Lichen planus is a valuable model for the study of p63, 14-3-3sigma, and mucosal differentiation. p63 and 14-3-3sigma may be molecular markers for oral lichen planus.