METHODS: We performed genetic profiling of 159 primary OSCCs from TCGA and analyzed the expression of EMT markers, including cadherin switch genes (CDH1, CDH2), and TGF-β/SMAD pathway genes. Samples were divided into advanced (stage III-IV) and early (stage I-II) stage groups. Differential expression analysis was performed, as well as an independent validation study containing fresh OSCC samples.
RESULTS: TGF-β/SMAD pathway genes such as SMAD6 were upregulated in advanced stage tumors. N-cadherin and SNAIL2 were overexpressed in node-positive tumors. Keratins were downregulated in these groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that EMT marker expression correlates with lymph node metastasis in OSCC. Developing therapies targeting regulators such as N-cadherin may prevent metastasis and improve outcomes.
方法:我们对来自TCGA的159个原发性OSCC进行了遗传分析,并分析了EMT标记的表达,包括钙粘蛋白开关基因(CDH1,CDH2),和TGF-β/SMAD通路基因。将样品分为晚期(III-IV期)和早期(I-II期)阶段组。进行差异表达分析,以及包含新鲜OSCC样本的独立验证研究。
结果:TGF-β/SMAD通路基因如SMAD6在晚期肿瘤中上调。N-cadherin和SNAIL2在淋巴结阳性肿瘤中过表达。角蛋白在这些组中下调。
结论:我们的研究结果表明,在OSCC中,EMT标志物的表达与淋巴结转移相关。开发靶向调节因子如N-钙粘蛋白的疗法可以预防转移并改善结果。