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Das Monozyten chemotaktische Protein-1 (MCP-1) ist ein CC-Chemokin, das in seiner Rolle als Chemoattraktor auf Monozyten in der Genese von Malignomen eine wesentliche Rolle spielt. Dabei kann es sowohl zur lokalen Tumorabwehr als auch zur Tumorgenese, Tumor-angiogenese und Metastasierung beitragen. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die MCP-1-Inhibition und die Stimulation durch MCP-1 auf die Koloniebildung und die Zytokinexpression von Plattenepithelkarzinomen der Kopf-Hals-Region (HNSCC) im FLAVINO-Assay. Dieser ist ein klonogener, qualitätskontrollierter Ex-vivo-Koloniebildungsassay, der an der Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde der Universität Leipzig etabliert und patentiert wurde und unter flavinschützenden Bedingungen durchgeführt wird. Weiterhin wird die Eignung von MCP-1, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8) und des Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) als Biomarker in HNSCC, die mithilfe von ELISA in Seren und Kulturüberständen quantifiziert wurden, untersucht. Durch die Stimulation durch MCP-1 und dessen Blockade sowie durch in vivo tolerierbare Konzentrationen von Cisplatin, Docetaxel, Cilengitide und Temsirolimus wurde die Expression der untersuchten Zytokine in den Kulturüberständen der HNSCC unterschiedlich moduliert. Cisplatin und MCP-1 supprimierten die Koloniebildung signifikant, während unter Docetaxel und Temsirolimus eine insignifikante Reduktion und durch Cilengitide eine insignifikante Stimulation der Koloniebildung beobachtet wurde. Die MCP-1-Blockade durch einen Anti-MCP-1-Antikörper führte zu keiner signifikanten Modulation der Koloniebildung. MCP-1 und der Anti-MCP-1-Antikörper senkten die Zytokinexpression, während bis auf Cisplatin alle Zytostatika die Zytokinexpressionen steigerten. Bezüglich der kombinierten Testung der Zytostatika und der MCP-1-Blockade bzw. Stimulation unterschieden sich die Proben, sodass additive, synergistische und antagonistische Effekte resultierten. Da durch MCP-1 gesteuerte tumorassoziierte Makrophagen das Mikromilieu eines Tumors wesentlich beeinflussen, gebührt diesen ebenfalls eine besondere Aufmerksamkeit. In dieser Arbeit wurden unter MCP-1 antitumoröse Effekte beobachtet, sodass weitere klinische Testungen der antitumorösen Wirkung des MCP-1 auf HNSCC lohnenswert erscheinen. Die individuelle Chemoresponse-Testung kann dabei helfen, das biologisch heterogene Verhalten der HNSCC besser zu verstehen. In diesem Sinne wäre die klinische Validierung solcher Testsysteme wertvoll.

Das Monozyten chemotaktische Protein-1 (MCP-1) ist ein CC-Chemokin, das in seiner Rolle als Chemoattraktor auf Monozyten in der Genese von Malignomen eine wesentliche Rolle spielt. Dabei kann es sowohl zur lokalen Tumorabwehr als auch zur Tumorgenese, Tumor-angiogenese und Metastasierung beitragen. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die MCP-1-Inhibition und die Stimulation durch MCP-1 auf die Koloniebildung und die Zytokinexpression von Plattenepithelkarzinomen der Kopf-Hals-Region (HNSCC) im FLAVINO-Assay. Dieser ist ein klonogener, qualitätskontrollierter Ex-vivo-Koloniebildungsassay, der an der Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde der Universität Leipzig etabliert und patentiert wurde und unter flavinschützenden Bedingungen durchgeführt wird. Weiterhin wird die Eignung von MCP-1, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8) und des Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) als Biomarker in HNSCC, die mithilfe von ELISA in Seren und Kulturüberständen quantifiziert wurden, untersucht. Durch die Stimulation durch MCP-1 und dessen Blockade sowie durch in vivo tolerierbare Konzentrationen von Cisplatin, Docetaxel, Cilengitide und Temsirolimus wurde die Expression der untersuchten Zytokine in den Kulturüberständen der HNSCC unterschiedlich moduliert. Cisplatin und MCP-1 supprimierten die Koloniebildung signifikant, während unter Docetaxel und Temsirolimus eine insignifikante Reduktion und durch Cilengitide eine insignifikante Stimulation der Koloniebildung beobachtet wurde. Die MCP-1-Blockade durch einen Anti-MCP-1-Antikörper führte zu keiner signifikanten Modulation der Koloniebildung. MCP-1 und der Anti-MCP-1-Antikörper senkten die Zytokinexpression, während bis auf Cisplatin alle Zytostatika die Zytokinexpressionen steigerten. Bezüglich der kombinierten Testung der Zytostatika und der MCP-1-Blockade bzw. Stimulation unterschieden sich die Proben, sodass additive, synergistische und antagonistische Effekte resultierten. Da durch MCP-1 gesteuerte tumorassoziierte Makrophagen das Mikromilieu eines Tumors wesentlich beeinflussen, gebührt diesen ebenfalls eine besondere Aufmerksamkeit. In dieser Arbeit wurden unter MCP-1 antitumoröse Effekte beobachtet, sodass weitere klinische Testungen der antitumorösen Wirkung des MCP-1 auf HNSCC lohnenswert erscheinen. Die individuelle Chemoresponse-Testung kann dabei helfen, das biologisch heterogene Verhalten der HNSCC besser zu verstehen. In diesem Sinne wäre die klinische Validierung solcher Testsysteme wertvoll.

The primary focus of this research is the mechanisms of cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. These cancers typically originate in squamous cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces of head and neck. HNSCC is commonly treated with a platinum based agent, cisplatin. While the drug does offer strong antitumor effects, its prolonged use often results in tumor-acquired resistance, which limits treatment effectiveness. We have shown that cisplatin treatment induces the expression of a pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family member Noxa, which then initiates caspase- dependent apoptosis through its binding and sequestration of pro-survival protein MCL-1 for its inactivation. Without Noxa induction, cell death is significantly reduced when treating HNSCCs with cisplatin. The objectives of this study are (1) to determine the molecular mechanisms by which Noxa induces cell death in HNSCC cells; (2) to determine the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin-resistance in isogenic HNSCC cell lines. We observed an increase of apoptosis by ectopic expression of Noxa in all HNSCC cell lines tested, but not in immortalized human normal oral keratinocytes (NOK), suggesting that Noxa overexpression is sufficient to induce tumor-specific cell death. Noxa-induced cell death was mediated by BAX and BAK activation. BAK activation was mediated through Noxa binding to MCL-1, but not BCL-XL. Cisplatin- resistant cells induced less Noxa and apoptosis, supporting that Noxa induction is prerequisite for apoptosis induced by cisplatin. Taken together, Noxa induces tumor- specific cell death in HNSCC cells primarily through BAX and BAK activation, which suggests the therapeutic potential of this protein.

As neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço constituem um importante problema de saúde pública devido à alta incidência e alguns tipos estão associados a fatores comportamentais como consumo de álcool e tabaco. Apesar desses dados, a doença, especialmente em sua fase inicial, pode ser curada e alguns tipos podem ser prevenidos. Portanto, existe a necessidade de identificar e validar novos biomarcadores em câncer de cabeça e pescoço com aplicação em prognóstico e seleção de terapias mais adequadas. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi validar o perfil de três proteínas, SET, hnRNP K e MARK3 em tumores de cabeça e pescoço, e verificar a potencial aplicação como marcadores de diagnóstico e prognóstico em HNSCC, bem como propor um papel para estas proteínas na tumorigênese. Foram analisadas 22 amostras de tumores de cabeça e pescoço por western blotting (WB) e 96 amostras (91 tumores, 4 biópsias e 1 controle) dispostas em duplicata em lâmina de tissue microarray, obtidas no Brasil e cedidas pelo Grupo GENCAPO, por imunohistoquímica (IHC). Os dados obtidos foram correlacionados com todos os parâmetros clínicos e patológicos e com prognóstico do paciente com HNSCC por um período de 48 meses. Os resultados obtidos por WB e IHC mostraram acúmulo e fragmentação da SET e acúmulo nuclear e citoplasmático da hnRNP K nos tumores comparado a respectiva margem cirúrgica e tecido normal. A hnRNPK mostrou valor prognóstico sendo associada a sobrevida global do paciente. A proteína c-Myc e a sua forma fosforilada foram analisadas nas amostras de tumores e suas respectivas margens cirúrgicas devido a sua relação com SET, PP2A e hnRNP K. Os resultados mostraram acúmulo da c-Myc fosforilada e total nas amostras tumorais, o que coincidiu com aumento de SET e hnRNP K. Com relação à proteína MARK3, observou-se sua redução no tumor e menor sobrevida livre de doença. Foi realizado ensaio de RNA de interferência (RNAi) contra hnRNP K e SET em linhagem de carcinoma oral (HN13). A redução da proteína SET por RNAi levou a redução significativa da hnRNP K, enquanto a hnRNP K gerou menor efeito na proteína SET, sugerindo um efeito regulatório na expressão ou manutenção da hnRNP K pela SET na célula tumoral. A interferência contra a hnRNP K também reduziu a proliferação celular tumoral. Em conclusão, o aumento da proteína SET está associado à desmoplasia em HNSCC e pode ser um potencial marcador específico para essa condição. hnRNP K e MARK3 podem servir como potenciais marcadores em HNSCC e ajudar a identificar um subgrupo de pacientes com pobre prognóstico. A hnRNPK exerce efeito positivo na proliferação da célula tumoral. SET e hnRNP K podem atuar como fatores oncogênicos favorecendo o aumento de c-Myc. / The head and neck cancers constitute a major public health problem due to the high incidence and some types are associated with behavioral factors such as consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Despite these data, the disease, especially in its early stage can be cured and some types can be prevented. Therefore, there is a need to identify and validate new biomarkers in head and neck cancer, with applications in prognosis and selection of therapies most appropriate. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were validation of the profile of three proteins, SET, hnRNP K and MARK3 in tumors of head and neck, and verify the potential application as markers for diagnosis and prognosis in HNSCC, and suggest a role for these proteins in tumorigenesis. We analyzed 22 samples of head and neck tumors by western blotting (WB) and 96 samples (91 tumors, 4 biopsies and 1 control) arranged in duplicate in the tissue microarray slide, obtained in Brazil and assigned by the GENCAPO Group, by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The data were correlated with all clinical and pathological parameters and prognosis of patients with HNSCC for a period of 48 months. The results obtained by WB and IHC showed the SET accumulation and fragmentation and hnRNP K nuclear and cytoplasmic accumulation in tumor compared to the surgical margin and normal tissue. The hnRNPK prognostic value has been associated with overall survival of patients. The c-Myc protein and its phosphorylated form were analyzed in tumor and surgical margins samples due to its relationship with SET, PP2A and hnRNP K. The results showed accumulated total and phosphorylated c-Myc in tumor samples, which was coincided with increase in SET and hnRNP K. Regarding the protein MARK3 was observed its reduction in tumor and lower disease-free survival. RNA interference (RNAi) against hnRNP K and SET were performed in oral squamous cell carcinoma line (HN13). SET protein reduction by RNAi led to significant reduction of hnRNP K, and hnRNP K showed a minor effect on SET protein, suggesting a regulatory effect on expression or maintenance of hnRNP K by SET in tumor cells. Interference against hnRNP K also reduced tumor cell proliferation. In conclusion, increased SET protein is associated with desmoplasia in HNSCC and may be a potential specific marker for this condition. hnRNP K and MARK3 can serve as potential markers in HNSCC and help identify a subgroup of patients with poor prognosis. The hnRNPK must act a positive effect on cell proliferation of the tumor. SET and hnRNP K may act as oncogenic factors contributing for c-Myc activity.

O carcinoma epidermóide por se tratar de uma doença genética, apresenta dificuldades em relação ao seu tratamento. As vias de sinalização celular por controlarem os mecanismos responsáveis pela proliferação e sobrevivência da célula, são de extrema importância nos estudos da biologia do câncer e oncogênese. Aberrações cromossômicas que afetam a estrutura e a expressão de genes e proteínas que regulam componentes das vias de sinalização são diretamente correlacionadas com o desenvolvimento e progressão tumoral. Vários genes e proteínas vêm sendo avaliados na busca de um alvo terapêutico quimioterápico, algo pouco estudado em carcinomas epidermóides bucais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a influência do quimioterápico 17-AAG e do fator de crescimento epitelial (EGF) nos níveis das proteínas NFkB, Ciclina D1 e Cdk4 nas linhagens de carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço (HN6 e HN31) e no queratinócito imortalizado (HaCat). Este trabalho destinou-se também a estudar uma possível inter-relação entre as proteínas Metalotioneína e NFkB e suas interações com as proteínas Ciclina D1 e Cdk4 nas linhagens celulares HN6 , HN31 e (HaCat, para uma maior compreensão de seus efeitos nas vias de sinalização celular e conseqüente progressão do câncer). Para análise a respeito da localização e os níveis das proteínas MT, NFkB, Ciclina D1 e Cdk4 foram utilizados ensaios de imunofluorescência e western blot, respectivamente.Os resultados apontaram um melhor perfil apoptótico da linhagem HN31 frente ao tratamento com 17-AAG, apresentando diminuição significante dos níveis de NFkB e Ciclina D1, além de exibir importante decréscimo nos níveis de Cdk4. A proteína MT parece não sofrer ação do NFkB. A indução de proliferação celular realizada por EGF exerceu um aumento dos níveis das proteínas NFkB e Ciclina D1, sugerindo um papel importante das vias de sinalização estimuladas por EGF (Akt, NFkB e Ciclina D1) na progressão tumoral dessas linhagens.Por fim, a ocorrência de estímulo nos níveis da proteína MT por parte do EGF, sugeriram um importante papel do EGF e da MT na resistência a apoptose nas linhagens estudadas. / Squamous cell carcinomas as a genetic diseases, presents certain difficulties in relation to their treatment. The process of cell signaling for overseeing the mechanisms responsible for cellular proliferation and survival are very important in studies of the biology of cancer and development. Chromosomal alterations affecting the structure and expression of genes and proteins that regulate the process of signaling components are directly correlated with the development and tumor progression. Several genes and proteins are being evaluated in the search for a biological marker that could help in the understanding of cancer as well as in its prognosis, and mainly in search of therapeutic target chemotherapy, something little studied in oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to examine the influence of chemotherapy 17-AAG and the epithelial growth factor (EGF) in the levels of proteins NFkB, Cyclin D1 and Cdk4 in strains of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HN6 and HN31) and immortalized in keratinocytes(HaCat). This work is also intended to explore a possible inter-relationship between the Metallothionein and NFkB proteins and their interactions with the proteins Cyclin D1 and Cdk4 in cell lines HN6, HN31 and (HaCat, to a greater understanding of its effects on pathways of cellular signaling and consequent progression of cancer. For analysis regarding the location and levels of the protein MT, NFkB, Cyclin D1 and Cdk4 were used tests of immunofluorescence and western blot. Results showed a better apoptotic profile of HN31 treated with 17-AAG, showing decrease levels of NFkB and Cyclin D1, with a important decrease in the levels of Cdk4. The metallothionin protein does not appear to suffer action of NFkB. The induction of cell proliferation conducted by EGF had increased levels of NFkB and Cyclin D1 proteins, suggesting an important role in the process of signaling stimulated by EGF (Akt, NFkB and Ciclina D1) in tumor progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The occurrence to stimulate the levels of metallothionein protein by the EGF, suggest an important role of EGF and MT in resistance to apoptosis in the studied cell lines.

O carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço é responsável por 90% das neoplasias malignas, nesta região. Molecularmente, inúmeras vias de sinalização, ainda não muito bem compreendidas, são responsáveis pelo seu crescimento e invasão para tecidos vizinhos, além de metástases para órgãos distantes. Este trabalho destinou-se a avaliar o crosstalk entre as vias de sinalização do Wnt e PI3K, quando células de carcinoma epidermóide (HN6 e HN31) e queratinócitos imortalizados (HaCat), foram estimulados com 50nM Wortmannin (metabólito fúngico que mimetiza a função da PTEN) e 10ng/ml EGF (fator de crescimento epitelial). Para isto, proteínas-chave, pertencentes a estas vias, foram localizadas e quantificadas no interior celular: PTEN, ?-catenina, Akt, pAkt e Ciclina D1. As técnicas de imunofluorescência e western blot foram utilizadas, respectivamente, para observar a localização e os níveis destas proteínas, nos diferentes compartimentos celulares. Os resultados mostraram que a ativação da via do PI3K, pelo EGF, promoveu a proliferação celular, independentemente da via de sinalização do Wnt. Quando as células foram tratadas com wortmannin, houve depleção dos níveis citosólicos e totais de pAkt associada ao acúmulo citoplasmático de ciclina D1. Igualmente, não houve alteração nos níveis da proteína ?-catenina. Ademais, detectou-se a presença de PTEN nuclear em todas as linhagens estudadas. Desta forma, estas células de carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço, apresentaram mecanismos de bloqueio e de ativação da proliferação celular, predominantemente, por atividade das proteínas PTEN (atividades citoplasmática e nuclear) e Akt, após o tratamento com wortmannin e EGF. / Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents 90% of all head and neck malignancies. Cancer growth, invasion and metastasis are due to several signaling pathways that, unfortunately, are not completely understood. The aim of this study was the crosstalk evaluation between PI3K and Wnt signaling pathways in two different HNSCC cell lines (HN6 and HN31) and HaCat cell line (immortalized keratinocytes), treated with 50nM wortmannin and 10ng/ml EGF (epidermal growth factor). Western blot and imunofluorescence were performed in order to analyze Wnt, PTEN and PI3K signaling key target proteins: PTEN, Akt, CyclinD1 and ?-catenin. Results showed that ?-cateninindependent cellular proliferation was promoted by PI3K signaling pathway EGF-dependent activation. After wortmannin treatment, correlation between decreased phospho-Akt levels and cytosolic cyclin D1 accumulation was found. Also, all cell lines exhibited nuclear PTEN activity. Taking these results together, we conclude that the Cyclin D1 positive and negative modulations, after EGF and wortmannin treatments, were due to, respectively, Akt and PTEN proteins.

O carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço é responsável por 90% das neoplasias malignas, nesta região. Molecularmente, inúmeras vias de sinalização, ainda não muito bem compreendidas, são responsáveis pelo seu crescimento e invasão para tecidos vizinhos, além de metástases para órgãos distantes. Este trabalho destinou-se a avaliar o crosstalk entre as vias de sinalização do PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 e p53 em quatro linhagens de células de carcinoma epidermóide (HN6, HN19, HN30 e HN31) e queratinócitos imortalizados (HaCat), estimulados com EGF (fator de crescimento epitelial) e 17-AAG. Para observar a localização e os níveis de PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 e p53 nos diferentes compartimentos celulares estas proteínas foram localizadas e quantificadas no interior celular através das técnicas de imunofluorescência e western blot, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que a ativação da via do PI3K/Akt, pelo EGF, promoveu a proliferação celular, sendo HN31 a linhagem celular de melhor resposta proliferativa. Quando as células foram tratadas com 17-AAG a linhagem HN31 foi a que melhor traçou um perfil apoptótico com diminuição dos níveis de Akt, ausência de Mdm2 e aumento dos níveis de PTEN e p53. As linhagens celulares HN6 e HN19 continuaram apresentando níveis significativos de Akt e Mdm2, o que sugere um potencial mais agressivo devido a manutenção do comportamento proliferativo e anti-apoptótico destas linhagens. / Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents 90% of all head and neck malignancies. Cancer growth, invasion and metastasis are due to several signaling pathways that, unfortunately, are not completely understood. The aim of this study was the crosstalk evaluation among PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 and p53 signaling pathways in four different HNSCC cell lines (HN6, HN19, HN30 and HN31) and HaCat cell line (immortalized keratinocytes), all of than treated with 10ng/ml EGF (epidermal growth factor) and 2?M 17-AAG. Western blot and imunofluorescence were performed in order to analyze PI3K/Akt signaling key target proteins: PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 and p53. Treatment of HNSCC cell lines with EGF resulted in activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and enhanced cell proliferation. The results showed higher proliferative activity in HN31 cell line. The treatment of HNSCC cell lines with 17-AAG inhibited the proliferation in various levels. HN31 cell lines expressed PTEN and p53 in high levels and low expression for Akt and Mdm2 proteins. These findings suggest that 17-AAG can induce p53-dependent apoptosis in HN31 cell lines. On the contrary, HN6 and HN19 cell lines displayed high levels of Akt and Mdm2 proteins, resulting in decreased apoptosis and increased aggressive potential.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is an extremely common and devastating disease with a bleak prognosis. Despite intensive research, survival rates have not improved over the past 30 years principally due to untreatable recurrent/metastasising disease. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is an equally common disease in cats with an even less favourable prognosis than humans. Human and feline squamous cell carcinomas share similar etiopathogenesis, molecular markers, tumour biology and treatment thus making FOSCC an excellent model for HNSCC. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), under the direction microRNAs (miRNAs/mirs) could be a key driver in oncogenic transformation and chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to induce resistance to characterise the EMT/resistance phenotype and to investigate whether common miRNA-mediated pathways are present in HNSCC and FOSCC that drive this phenomenon. We used epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-inhibitor gefitinib to induce resistance in HNSCC and FOSCC and investigated the associated EMT-related molecular changes. In vitro and in vivo invasive and migratory properties of both species were explored to determine whether resistance and/or EMT status conferred a functional advantage. We determined the miRNA expression pattern during acquisition of resistance to gefitinib in both species by next generation sequencing and screened candidate miRNAs as potential therapeutics. We found that gefitinib-resistance produced a previously unrecognised biphasic response that consisted of two distinct phenotypes, a highly invasive mesenchymal phenotype during early resistance, and a more epithelial phenotype associated with established resistance. The biphasic nature of this transition may prove critical in establishing effective therapeutic targets and the timing of treatment to overcome resistance or in preventing local invasion or metastatic spread of squamous cell carcinoma. We found that the major anti-apoptotic PI3K/AKT pathway was activated in transitioning and resistant cells of both species as demonstrated upregulation of AKT, pAKT and c-FLIP together with inactivation of PTEN by phosphorylation. This indicates that avoidance of apoptosis may be a major pathway in resistance that could be targeted therapeutically. We showed that three miRNAs were differentially expressed in both gefitinib-resistant human and feline cell lines: miR-107 was downregulated, and miR-551b and miR-574 were upregulated. These microRNAs provide potential therapeutic targets in the fight against drug resistance in head and neck cancer although much further research needs to be conducted to elucidate the complex network of interactions that may be affected by targeting these powerful regulatory molecules.

O carcinoma epidermóide de cabeça e pescoço é responsável por 90% das neoplasias malignas, nesta região. Molecularmente, inúmeras vias de sinalização, ainda não muito bem compreendidas, são responsáveis pelo seu crescimento e invasão para tecidos vizinhos, além de metástases para órgãos distantes. Este trabalho destinou-se a avaliar o crosstalk entre as vias de sinalização do PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 e p53 em quatro linhagens de células de carcinoma epidermóide (HN6, HN19, HN30 e HN31) e queratinócitos imortalizados (HaCat), estimulados com EGF (fator de crescimento epitelial) e 17-AAG. Para observar a localização e os níveis de PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 e p53 nos diferentes compartimentos celulares estas proteínas foram localizadas e quantificadas no interior celular através das técnicas de imunofluorescência e western blot, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que a ativação da via do PI3K/Akt, pelo EGF, promoveu a proliferação celular, sendo HN31 a linhagem celular de melhor resposta proliferativa. Quando as células foram tratadas com 17-AAG a linhagem HN31 foi a que melhor traçou um perfil apoptótico com diminuição dos níveis de Akt, ausência de Mdm2 e aumento dos níveis de PTEN e p53. As linhagens celulares HN6 e HN19 continuaram apresentando níveis significativos de Akt e Mdm2, o que sugere um potencial mais agressivo devido a manutenção do comportamento proliferativo e anti-apoptótico destas linhagens. / Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents 90% of all head and neck malignancies. Cancer growth, invasion and metastasis are due to several signaling pathways that, unfortunately, are not completely understood. The aim of this study was the crosstalk evaluation among PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 and p53 signaling pathways in four different HNSCC cell lines (HN6, HN19, HN30 and HN31) and HaCat cell line (immortalized keratinocytes), all of than treated with 10ng/ml EGF (epidermal growth factor) and 2?M 17-AAG. Western blot and imunofluorescence were performed in order to analyze PI3K/Akt signaling key target proteins: PTEN, Akt, Mdm2 and p53. Treatment of HNSCC cell lines with EGF resulted in activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and enhanced cell proliferation. The results showed higher proliferative activity in HN31 cell line. The treatment of HNSCC cell lines with 17-AAG inhibited the proliferation in various levels. HN31 cell lines expressed PTEN and p53 in high levels and low expression for Akt and Mdm2 proteins. These findings suggest that 17-AAG can induce p53-dependent apoptosis in HN31 cell lines. On the contrary, HN6 and HN19 cell lines displayed high levels of Akt and Mdm2 proteins, resulting in decreased apoptosis and increased aggressive potential.