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Updated: Jun 14, 2025
In Vivo CRISPR/Cas9 Screening to Simultaneously Evaluate Gene Function in Mouse Skin and Oral Cavity
Published on: November 2, 2020
Multi-omics reveals miR-181a-5p regulates PPAR-driven lipid metabolism in Oral squamous cell carcinoma: Insights from
Tian Wang1, Yaqi Liu2, Xuehai Wu3
1School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shanxi Medical University, No 56, Xinjian South Rd, Taiyuan, 030032, China; The Laboratory Animal Center, Shanxi Medical University, No 56, Xinjian South Rd, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
Abstract:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a therapeutic challenge due to its complex molecular landscape and metabolic adaptability. This study integrates proteomic and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the role of miR-181a-5p in OSCC pathogenesis using CRISPR/Cas9-generated whole-body knockout (KO) mice. By inducing OSCC with the chemical carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), we identified significant dysregulation of lipid metabolism-associated proteins and tumor regulators in miR-181a-5p-KO tumors compared to wild-type controls. Quantitative proteomics revealed enrichment of the PPAR signaling pathway, with 12 key genes upregulated in KO mice, mechanistically linking miR-181a-5p deficiency to enhanced lipid droplet biogenesis and immunosuppressive microenvironments. Serum biomarker validation demonstrated elevated Cyfra21-1, SCC-Ag, and ISG20 levels in KO mice, correlating with tumor aggressiveness and radioresistance. Multi-omics integration further identified a diagnostic-prognostic protein signature with 89 % specificity for miR-181a-5p-deficient OSCC subtypes. These findings establish miR-181a-5p as a master regulator of PPAR-mediated metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion, offering novel proteome-driven insights into therapeutic targeting of lipid metabolism and biomarker discovery in OSCC. SIGNIFICANCE: This study integrates transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to elucidate the critical role of miR-181a-5p in regulating lipid metabolism via the PPAR signaling pathway during oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) pathogenesis. Loss of miR-181a-5p enhances lipid metabolism, promoting membrane biosynthesis and metastasis. Multi-omics profiling identified a specific diagnostic-prognostic protein signature, highlighting CES3 and ISG20 as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapeutic targeting in miR-181a-5p-deficient OSCC. The research establishes a foundation for miRNA-based liquid biopsy and PPAR-targeted nanotherapy. Mouse knockout models recapitulating human OSCC spatial biology validated miR-181a-5p's role in tumor initiation.
