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Three-Dimensional 3D Tumor Spheroid Invasion Assay
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Axon guidance molecule semaphorin3A is a novel tumor suppressor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Zhao Wang1,2, Jie Chen1,2, Wei Zhang1

  • 1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.

Oncotarget
|January 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Semaphorin3A (SEMA3A) acts as a tumor suppressor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Its restoration inhibits cancer growth and presents a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Semaphorin3A (SEMA3A) is an axon guidance molecule with known roles in inhibiting oncogenesis.
  • The specific role and therapeutic potential of SEMA3A in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain to be fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression pattern and biological functions of SEMA3A in HNSCC.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SEMA3A as a potential treatment for HNSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Gain-of-function assays using adenovirus transfection and recombinant SEMA3A protein.
  • In vitro studies assessing cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • In vivo xenograft models to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Lower SEMA3A expression correlated with shorter overall survival in HNSCC patients, indicating prognostic importance.
  • SEMA3A overexpression inhibited HNSCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and induced apoptosis by modulating cell cycle and caspase proteins.
  • SEMA3A suppressed migration, invasion, and EMT, partly via inhibition of NF-κB and SNAI2.
  • Intratumoral SEMA3A delivery significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • SEMA3A functions as a tumor suppressor in HNSCC tumorigenesis.
  • SEMA3A demonstrates significant therapeutic potential and represents a novel therapeutic target for HNSCC.
Keywords:
HNSCCNF-kappaBSnailapoptosissemaphorin3A

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