ANLN promotes carcinogenesis in oral cancer by regulating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway

Bing Wang1, Xiao-Li Zhang2, Chen-Xi Li3,4

  • 1Oncological Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, Stomatological School of Xinjiang Medical University, Stomatology Research Institute of Xinjiang Province, No.137 Liyushan South Road, 830054, Urumqi, PR China.

Abstract

Insights

The anillin (ANLN) protein promotes oral cancer progression by activating the PI3K/mTOR pathway. Inhibiting ANLN may offer a new therapeutic strategy for oral cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Oral cancer poses a significant threat to human life and quality of life.
  • The protein anillin (ANLN) has been implicated in promoting cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ANLN in oral cancer.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of ANLN's function in oral cancer.

Main Methods:

  • ANLN expression was downregulated using RNA interference (RNAi).
  • Cell behaviors (proliferation, cell cycle, invasion, apoptosis) were assessed.
  • Western blotting was employed to explore the molecular mechanism.

Main Results:

  • ANLN expression is significantly higher in oral tumors than normal tissues and correlates with shorter survival.
  • ANLN knockdown in oral cancer cells reduced proliferation and invasion, but increased apoptosis.
  • ANLN knockdown decreased the levels of key PI3K/mTOR pathway proteins (PI3K, mTOR, Akt, PDK-1).

Conclusions:

  • ANLN promotes oral cancer progression by activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway.
  • ANLN represents a potential therapeutic target for oral cancer drug development.

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