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NUTF2 Promotes Proliferation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

  • 0Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Changzhou Stomatological Hospital, Changzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Oral Diseases +

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June 22, 2025

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June 22, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Nuclear transport factor 2 (NUTF2) is upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), promoting tumor growth. Targeting NUTF2 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for OSCC patients.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its poor prognosis.
  • Nuclear transport factor 2 (NUTF2) plays a role in nucleoprotein transport, but its specific involvement in OSCC pathogenesis is not well understood.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the expression and functional role of NUTF2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which NUTF2 influences OSCC progression.
  • To evaluate NUTF2 as a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of 203 primary OSCC specimens without preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
  • Assessment of NUTF2 expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
  • In vitro functional assays (CCK-8, wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry) to evaluate NUTF2's impact on OSCC cell behavior.
  • In vivo studies using subcutaneous xenograft models to confirm NUTF2's effect on tumor growth.

Main Results

  • NUTF2 expression was significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues compared to normal tissues, correlating with poorer patient prognosis.
  • Overexpression of NUTF2 enhanced OSCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro.
  • The AKT signaling pathway was identified as a key mediator of NUTF2's pro-tumorigenic effects in OSCC.
  • NUTF2 overexpression promoted tumor growth in vivo, validating its role in OSCC progression.

Conclusions

  • NUTF2 is a crucial promoter of OSCC proliferation and progression.
  • The findings suggest that NUTF2, through the AKT pathway, represents a promising molecular target for novel therapeutic interventions in OSCC.

Keywords:

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