Abstract:
Objective To explore whether EZH2 can regulate the expression of miR-200b/a/429 and, thus, affect human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).
Methods EZH2 was knocked down in TSCC lines SCC15 and UM-1 with siRNA (si-EZH2) method. The expression levels of EZH2 and epithelial mesenchymal transition related proteins were detected by Western blot. qPCR was used to determine the expression level of miR-200b/a/429 after knockdown of EZH2. Transwell and wound-healing assays were employed to detect the invasion and migration ability of tumor cells. The cytoskeleton was observed with an immunofluorescence assay. EZH2 expression in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was detected by an immunofluorescence assay and qPCR.
Results EZH2 was significantly knocked down by siRNA, thus the expression level of miR-200b/a/429 and E-cadherin increased. While the expression of the N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 proteins decreased; the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells in the si-EZH2 group was markedly inhibited. The EZH2 expression level in patients with lymph node metastasis in HNSCC specimens was higher than those without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01).
Conclusions EZH2 inhibits the expression of miR-200b/a/429 and promotes the invasion and migration of TSCC cells.