Genes involved in neck cancer

Genes in the HLA regio on chromosome 6 are involved in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. So describes Judith Reinders in her PhD-thesis.

Apart from the usual HLA genes, Reinders found nearly all tumors to express MICA RNA. The MICA protein is involved in immune surveillance, immune response to transplants and in susceptibility to some diseases.

Reinders also found decreased RNA expression of regulatory genes in tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue. The mechanistic links between HLA expression and regulatory gene activity are to be explored in future research.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility genes in the HLA region
PhD-advisor 1: prof. dr. J.G. van den Tweel
PhD-advisor 2: prof. dr. P.J. Slootweg
Co-advisor 1: pr. M.G.J. Tilanus
Co-advisor 2: dr. ir. E.H. Rozemuller