Open AccessRON Is Associated with Tumor Progression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
Author(s) -
Yoon Tae Mi,
Lee Dong Hoon,
Lee Joon Kyoo,
Lim Sang Chul
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599812451426a167
Subject(s) - western blot , cancer , cancer research , medicine , gene knockdown , head and neck cancer , metastasis , cell , pathology , immunohistochemistry , head and neck squamous cell carcinoma , cell migration , cell culture , oncology , biology , gene , biochemistry , genetics
Objective To investigate that the recepteur d’origine nantais (RON) expression is expressed in human head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) cells and to evaluate whether RON affects tumor cell behavior in head and neck cancer cell lines, thus serving as a target for molecular therapy in a preclinical model. Method The protein expression of RON by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis was investigated in human head‐neck cancer tissues. To evaluate the impact of RON knock down on behavior of human head‐neck cancer cell lines, invasion and migration assays using small‐interfering RNA were performed. Western blot analysis was used to assess alteration in protein expression. Results RON positive immunoreactions were observed relative to adjacent mucosal tissue in all 28 cases, while 15 cases (53.6%) were over‐expressed. RON over‐expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. RON protein expression was increased in cervical metastatic lymph node tissue by western blot analysis. Treatment of RON ligand, macrophage stimulating proetin (MSP) increased cell migration and invasion in human head‐neck cancer cell lines (SNU 1041, PCI 50). The knockdown of RON significantly suppressed tumor cell migration, invasion. The Erk, p38 phosphorylation was reduced by knockdown of RON in PCI 50. Conclusion RON expression might play an important role in the progression, especially lymphatic metastasis of head and neck squamous cell cancer. Further investigations are needed to assess the potential of RON‐directed molecular therapy in head and neck squamous cell cancer.