Objective The aim of this study was to observe the expression of mTOR(mammalian target of rapamycin)and its substrates in oral squamous cell carcinoma.Methods mTOR and its substratesα1、α2、β1、β2isoforms of p70 S6 kinase(p70S6k) and 4EBP1 were examined by means of RT-PCR, Western-blot test.Results The result of RT-PCR showed that in poorly differ- entiated tissue, the expression level ofmTOR and its substratesα1、α2、β1、β2isoforms of p70 S6k increased obviously, while that of 4EBP1 decreased, while that in well differentiated tissue was second to it, the normal oral tissue was the last. The expression of Western-blot was the same as the RT-PCR.Conclusion The expression of mTOR and its substrates differs in different types of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The result suggests that mTOR, p70 S6K and 4EBP1 might play important roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma. It may be an important target protein to treat tumor in the future.
