EXPRESSION PATTERN OF NUCLEOSTEMIN IN PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMA AND MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA OF SALIVARY GLANDS: EX-VIVO STUDY
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Submitted: 2026-04-08
© 2026 by author(s) and The Gufo Inc.
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Abstract
Background: Pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma are the most common benign and malignant
salivary gland tumors, respectively. The role of cancer stem cells and autophagy in tumor progression and
aggressiveness is crucial. Nucleostemin, a stem cell-enriched nucleolar protein, plays a role in stemness, proliferation,
and tumor progression however, its role in salivary gland tumorigenesis remains unexplored until now.
Materials and Methods: This study evaluated nucleostemin immunohistochemical expression in 27 samples,
including normal salivary gland tissue, pleomorphic adenoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Nucleostemin
immunoexpression was analyzed via Leica Qwin 500 software. Statistical analysis using ANOVA test, Bonferroni
post hoc correction test, were performed to assess differences across groups.
Results: Nucleostemin nuclear expression was highest in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (27.55 ± 1.91), followed by
pleomorphic adenoma (16.89 ± 1.64), and showed the least expression in normal salivary glands (0.47 ± 0.08).
Conclusion: This research revealed notable expressions of nucleostemin in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and
pleomorphic adenoma suggesting its potential role in tumor biology. Further studies with larger samples and
clinicopathological correlation are recommended.