Reduced expression of secretogranin VGF in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Laryngeal cancer accounts for one third of all head and neck tumors, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most predominant type, followed by neuroendocrine tumors. Chromogranins, are commonly used as biomarkers for neuroendocrine tumors, including laryngeal cancer. It has been reported that secretogranin VGF, a member of the chromogranin family, can be also used as a significant biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors. However, the expression and role of VGF in laryngeal carcinomas have not been previously investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the expression levels of VGF in laryngeal SCC (LSCC). The present study collected tumor tissues, as well as serum samples, from a cohort of 15 patients with LSCC. The results of reverse transcription quantitative PCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays showed that the selective VGF precursor was downregulated in patients with LSCC. Notably, in tumor tissue, the immunoreactivity for VGF was found in vimentin positive cells, probably corresponding to T lymphocytes. The current preliminary study suggested that the reduced expression levels of VGF observed in tumor tissue and at the systemic level could sustain LSCC phenotype. Overall, VGF could be a potential biomarker for detecting neoplastic lesions with a higher risk of tumor invasiveness, even in non neuroendocrine tumors.