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Aberrant DNA hypermethylation-silenced SOX21-AS1 gene expression and its clinical importance in oral cancer

Cheng-Mei Yang1, Tsung-Han Wang2, Hung-Chih Chen1

  • 1Department of Stomatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ; Department of Dental Technology, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Clinical Epigenetics
|December 10, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Long noncoding RNA SOX21-AS1 is downregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma due to promoter hypermethylation. Reduced SOX21-AS1 expression indicates a poor prognosis for OSCC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical in cellular processes, but their role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is not fully understood.
  • This study investigates the functional significance of lncRNAs in OSCC development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify dysregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • To investigate the role of the lncRNA SOX21-AS1 in OSCC pathogenesis and its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

Main Methods:

  • Transcriptome profiling of OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues using next-generation sequencing.
  • Analysis of SOX21-AS1 expression, promoter activity, and DNA methylation status.
  • Functional assays (transient transfection) to assess the impact of SOX21-AS1 on cell proliferation and invasion.

Main Results:

  • 14 lncRNAs were upregulated and 13 downregulated in OSCC tissues.
  • SOX21-AS1 expression was significantly decreased in OSCC, associated with promoter hypermethylation.
  • SOX21-AS1 suppressed oral cancer cell growth and invasion.
  • Low SOX21-AS1 expression correlated with advanced stage, larger tumor size, and poorer survival in OSCC patients.

Conclusions:

  • SOX21-AS1 dysfunction, driven by promoter hypermethylation, is implicated in OSCC.
  • Reduced SOX21-AS1 expression serves as a potential adverse prognostic biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Keywords:
DNA methylationLncRNANext-generation sequencingOral cancerSOX21SOX21-AS1

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