Expression of interferon regulatory factor 6, muscle segment homeobox 1, paired box gene 9, homeo box B3, and related to tyrosine kinases in human cleft-affected tissue

Background and Aim: Recent studies demonstrate direct roles of different genes during formation of secondary palate, but there are no still data about local expression and distribution of gene products in cleft palate affected human tissue. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate cleft disordered cartilage and bone for detection of local expression of key regulators of palatogenesis and its correlations. Materials and Methods: The study involved 16 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Tissue samples were proceeded for detection of interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6), muscle segment homeobox 1 (MSX1), paired box gene 9 (PAX9), homeo box B3 (HOXB3), and related to tyrosine kinases with biotin-streptavidin immunohistochemistry. Distribution of immunoreactive structures was detected semiquantitatively. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney test and Pearson′s correlation test. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between expression of IGFR6, MSX1, and HOXB3 in the cartilage and bone. We also detected statistically significant correlation between the expressions of PAX9 and MSX1 in the bone tissue. Conclusions: Cleft lip and palate disordered cartilage is characterized by more pronounced expression of IRF6, MSX1, and PAX9. Expression of HOXB3 is more characteristic for cleft lip and palate affected bone. Considered as a whole, our results suggest that the cleft lip and palate affected cartilage seems more plastic in tissue remodeling what can probably result in qualitative postoperative tissue reconstruction.