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Muthumanickam P, Ramasubramanian A, Pandi C, Kannan B, Pandi A, Ramani P, Jayaseelan VP, Arumugam P. The novel m6A writer methyltransferase 5 is a promising prognostic biomarker and associated with immune cell infiltration in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2024. [PMID: 38939970 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging research has identified the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and its regulatory enzymes, including methyltransferase 5 (METTL5), as critical players in cancer biology. However, the role of METTL5 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a comprehensive study to investigate the expression and implications of METTL5 in OSCC. We recruited 76 OSCC patients to analyze METTL5 mRNA and protein expression using RT-qPCR and western blot. Additionally, we analyzed METTL5 expression and its correlation with clinical features, patient prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and biological pathways using the TCGA-HNSCC dataset, which primarily consists of OSCC samples. RESULTS Our findings revealed significant overexpression of METTL5 in OSCC tissues compared to normal tissues. The high expression of METTL5 is associated with advanced cancer stages, higher tumor grades, nodal metastasis, and poorer patient outcomes, indicating its involvement in cancer progression. In silico functional analysis revealed that METTL5 plays a role in multiple biological pathways, highlighting its importance in cancer biology. Moreover, METTL5 has complex relationships with immune regulatory genes, suggesting its potential role in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment. CONCLUSION METTL5 is a promising candidate for the prognosis and therapeutic intervention of OSCC. Its overexpression in cancer tissues, association with clinical features, and intricate links to immune regulatory networks underscore its significance in this malignancy. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex factors influencing OSCC, and provides a foundation for future research and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadharshini Muthumanickam
- Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Abilasha Ramasubramanian
- Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Chandra Pandi
- Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Balachander Kannan
- Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Anitha Pandi
- Clinical Genetics Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Pratibha Ramani
- Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan
- Clinical Genetics Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Paramasivam Arumugam
- Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
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Murugesan D, Kannan B, As SG, Jayaseelan VP, Arumugam P. Alteration of SERPINH1 is associated with elevated expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and its clinicopathological significance. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2024; 125:101811. [PMID: 38432483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and contributes significantly to the burden of disease in South Asia, partially due to the lack of effective screening strategies. Identifying essential biomarkers is crucial for improved prognosis and treatment. This study investigates the potential of SERPINH1 as a prognostic marker in HNSCC, highlighting its significance amidst the molecular complexity. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas HNSCC cohort, comprised of 520 tumors and 44 normal tissues, was analyzed using cBioportal, UALCAN, and Protein atlas tools. Expression patterns, survival outcomes, and clinical correlations of SERPINH1 were evaluated. In-depth analyses involved oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patient samples, protein expression, and functional exploration using various in-silico tools. RESULTS SERPINH1 exhibited significant alteration and upregulation in HNSCC and OSCC, indicating its pan-cancer potential. Immunohistochemistry confirmed its overexpression in primary HNSCC tumors. Association analyses linked altered SERPINH1 levels with tumor stage, grade, metastasis, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and patient prognosis. Functional analyses unveiled SERPINH1's involvement in critical cellular pathways and interactions with various proteins. CONCLUSION The significant alteration of SERPINH1 associated with upregulated expression in HNSCC and OSCC positions it as a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions and continued exploration of various malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhakshinya Murugesan
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Poonamalle High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Balachander Kannan
- Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Smiline Girija As
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Poonamalle High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan
- Clinical Genetics Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Paramasivam Arumugam
- Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
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Gopalakrishnan K, Kannan B, Pandi C, Pandi A, Ramasubramanian A, Jayaseelan VP, Arumugam P. Aberrant expression of VASP serves as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2024:S2212-4403(24)00288-8. [PMID: 38816308 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To address the molecular markers linked to the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we sought to analyze the expression of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoproteins (VASP) in OSCC samples. STUDY DESIGN This study used 51 OSCC patients and The Cancer Genome Atlas-Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-HNSC) dataset to analyze VASP expression. The association between VASP mRNA expression and HNSCC clinicopathological features, tumor infiltration, functional roles, and gene co-expression of VASP also were evaluated. RESULTS Our study observed increased VASP mRNA expression in OSCC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, supported by TCGA-HNSC dataset analysis. Elevated VASP levels correlated with advanced tumor stage, higher grade, nodal metastasis, and poor survival, indicating its potential as a prognostic marker. Protein analysis and immunohistochemistry confirmed these findings, and in silico analysis revealed VASP involvement in key cancer-related processes and its correlation with IL8, RAP1A expression, and tumor infiltration levels. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, VASP emerges as a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker for OSCC within HNSCC, emphasizing the importance of exploring its regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic applications. The revealed pathways present avenues for targeted treatment in OSCC. Despite limitations, this study provides valuable insights with potential implications for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karpakavinayakam Gopalakrishnan
- Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Balachander Kannan
- Molecular Biology Lab, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Chandra Pandi
- Molecular Biology Lab, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Anitha Pandi
- Clinical Genetics Lab, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Abilasha Ramasubramanian
- Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan
- Clinical Genetics Lab, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India
| | - Paramasivam Arumugam
- Molecular Biology Lab, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, TN, India.
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Prasad P, Kannan B, Sriram G, Jaber M, Khair AMB, Ramasubramanian A, Ramani P, Jayaseelan VP, Arumugam P. Waterpipe smoke condensate induces epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and promotes metastasis of oral cancer by FOXD1 expression. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2024:101900. [PMID: 38692456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Smoking is a major contributor to global oral cancer cases, necessitating urgent intervention. FOXD1, involved in developmental processes and various cancers, shows promise as a prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study investigates the impact of waterpipe smoke condensate (WPSC) on OSCC, focusing on FOXD1 role in inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. METHODS The study involved using OSCC cells treated with WPSC to evaluate their proliferation, colony formation, gene expression, and protein levels. The researchers also explored the clinical relevance of their findings using online databases to analyze FOXD1 expression in cancer tissues and its correlation with clinicopathological features and patient survival. Additionally, in silico tools were employed for functional analysis, pathway enrichment, and network exploration. RESULTS The study found that WPSC increased the expression of FOXD1 in OSCC cells, which led to increased cell growth. The study also showed that FOXD1 plays a critical role in the EMT process induced by WPSC, as evidenced by changes in the expression of EMT-related genes and proteins. Clinical analysis revealed that FOXD1 was significantly associated with more aggressive tumor features and poorer prognosis in cancer patients. CONCLUSION The study highlights FOXD1 as a key player in OSCC pathogenesis and a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target, particularly when influenced by WPSC exposure. Further research is needed to explore FOXD1 molecular mechanisms and clinical implications to enhance OSCC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathibha Prasad
- Medical and Dental Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE; Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Balachander Kannan
- Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Gopu Sriram
- Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Medical and Dental Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE; Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Al Moutassem Billah Khair
- Medical and Dental Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE; Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Abilasha Ramasubramanian
- Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Pratibha Ramani
- Department of Oral Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Vijayashree Priyadharshini Jayaseelan
- Clinical Genetics Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Paramasivam Arumugam
- Molecular Biology Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
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David JJ, Kannan B, Pandi C, Jayaseelan VP, Vasagam JM, Arumugam P. Increased SEC14L2 expression is associated with clinicopathological features and worse prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Odontology 2024:10.1007/s10266-024-00929-x. [PMID: 38575815 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-024-00929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal expression of SEC14L2 has been implicated in many human cancers. However, the role of SEC14L2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the expression and prognostic roles of SEC14L2 in OSCC. OSCC tumors and adjacent non-tumors were collected from OSCC patients and used for SEC14L2 mRNA expression by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Additionally, the expression of SEC14L2 was further analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas-Head Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-HNSCC) dataset to identify its relationship with HNSCC clinical characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier plot was used to assess survival rates, and the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database was used to examine the correlation between SEC14L2 expression and tumor immune cell infiltration. In silico tools also looked at SEC14L2 involvement in cancer pathways through its protein network. The mRNA and protein levels of SEC14L2 are notably higher in both OSCC and HNSCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Upregulation of SEC14L2 was associated with advanced tumor stages, grades, metastasis, HPV-negative, and TP53 mutations in cancer patients. In addition, the high expression of SEC14L2 was negatively correlated with the poor survival of cancer patients and the infiltration of diverse immune cells in cancer patients. According to the findings of this investigation, SEC14L2 is significantly elevated in OSCC/HNSCC patients and associated with a worse prognosis. More investigation and clinical studies are required to completely understand the therapeutic potential of SEC14L2 in HNSCC and convert these findings into better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah Justin David
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Balachander Kannan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Chandra Pandi
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Jeevitha Manicka Vasagam
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Paramasivam Arumugam
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Research, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India.
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