Analysis of TNS3-203 and LRRFIP1-211 Transcripts as Oral Cancer Biomarkers

Abstract

Introduction: A recent pan-cancer transcriptome analysis indicated differential activity of alternative promoters of genes TNS3 and LRRFIP1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma compared to non-cancerous tissue. The promoters upregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma regulate expression of transcripts TNS3-203 and LRRFIP1-211. Objective: Our aim was to investigate the biomarker potential of TNS3-203 and LRRFIP1-211 transcripts in oral cancer, the most common type of head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: An in silico approach was used to characterize the promoters and transcripts of interest. Relative expression of TNS3-203 and LRRFIP1-211 transcripts was evaluated by qRT-PCR in a group of 46 oral cancer patients in samples of cancer and adjacent non-cancerous tissue. Results: TNS3-203 was significantly overexpressed in oral cancer compared with matched non-cancerous tissue, so this transcript can potentially be used as a diagnostic biomarker. There were no differences in LRRFIP1-211 level between analyzed tissues. None of the investigated transcripts has prognostic potential in oral cancer. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate the diagnostic potential of TNS3-203, but not LRRFIP1-211 transcript and its role in oral carcinogenesis. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.