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Profiling invasiveness in head and neck cancer: recent contributions of genomic and transcriptomic approaches
Lluís Nisa1,2,3, Daniel Matthias Aebersold4,5, Roland Giger6
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland. lluis.nisa@dkf.unibe.ch.
Abstract:
High-throughput molecular profiling approaches have emerged as precious research tools in the field of head and neck translational oncology. Such approaches have identified and/or confirmed the role of several genes or pathways in the acquisition/maintenance of an invasive phenotype and the execution of cellular programs related to cell invasion. Recently published new-generation sequencing studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have unveiled prominent roles in carcinogenesis and cell invasion of mutations involving NOTCH1 and PI3K-patwhay components. Gene-expression profiling studies combined with systems biology approaches have allowed identifying and gaining further mechanistic understanding into pathways commonly enriched in invasive HNSCC. These pathways include antigen-presenting and leucocyte adhesion molecules, as well as genes involved in cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Here we review the major insights into invasiveness in head and neck cancer provided by high-throughput molecular profiling approaches.
Insights
High-throughput molecular profiling reveals key genes and pathways driving head and neck cancer invasion. Understanding these molecular drivers, like NOTCH1 and PI3K, aids in developing targeted therapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- High-throughput molecular profiling is crucial in translational oncology.
- Invasive phenotypes in head and neck cancers are linked to specific genes and cellular programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review insights into head and neck cancer invasiveness using high-throughput molecular profiling.
- To highlight the role of genetic mutations and pathway enrichments in cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of new-generation sequencing studies in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
- Integration of gene-expression profiling with systems biology approaches.
- Review of literature on molecular profiling in head and neck cancer.
Main Results:
- NOTCH1 and PI3K pathway mutations are prominent in HNSCC carcinogenesis and cell invasion.
- Enriched pathways in invasive HNSCC include those involved in antigen presentation, leukocyte adhesion, and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
Conclusions:
- High-throughput profiling provides significant understanding of head and neck cancer invasiveness.
- Identified pathways and mutations offer potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
