CSRP2 promotes cell stemness in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head Neck. 2023 Sep;45(9):2161-2172. doi: 10.1002/hed.27464. Epub 2023 Jul 19.

Abstract

Background: Cysteine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) is discovered as oncogene. The study aims to investigate the clinical significance and potential mechanism of CSRP2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods: CSRP2 expression was explored by immunohistochemistry tissue microarrays and Western blotting in HNSCC. The effect of CSRP2 on the cancer stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HNSCC cells was investigated by sphere formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. The vitro and vivo experiments revealed that CSRP2 modulated cancer stemness and EMT phenotypes in HNSCC.

Results: CSRP2 was overexpressed in HNSCC patients and presented poor prognosis. CSRP2 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion ability of the HNSCC cells. And CSRP2 expression was closely associated with CSCs markers, EMT-transcription factor, new oncoprotein, and immune checkpoint.

Conclusion: The overexpression of CSRP2 indicates poor prognosis and plays a key role in maintaining the cancer cell stemness and EMT.

Keywords: CSRP2; epithelial-mesenchymal transition; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; prognosis; stemness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Humans
  • LIM Domain Proteins / genetics
  • Muscle Proteins / genetics
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscle Proteins / pharmacology
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Phenotype
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • CSRP2 protein, human
  • Muscle Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • LIM Domain Proteins