Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: its impact on lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Many studies have demonstrated EMT's critical role in lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). During EMT, epithelial cancer cells lose intercellular adhesion and apical-basal polarity and acquire mesenchymal properties like motility and invasiveness. A major feature of EMT is cadherin switching, involving downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin. The TGF-β/SMAD pathway can also induce EMT. We aimed to evaluate EMT markers as predictors of lymph node metastasis in OSCC. Methods: We performed genetic profiling of 159 primary OSCCs from TCGA, analyzing expression of EMT markers including cadherin switch genes (CDH1, CDH2), TGF-β/SMAD pathway genes, SNAIL, and keratins. Samples were divided into high (stage III-IV) and low (stage I-II) grade groups. Differential expression analysis was performed. Results: TGF-β/SMAD pathway genes like SMAD6 were upregulated in high-grade tumors. N-cadherin and SNAIL2 were overexpressed in node-positive tumors. Keratins were downregulated in these groups. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate EMT marker expression correlates with lymph node metastasis in OSCC. Developing therapies targeting regulators like N-cadherin may prevent metastasis and improve outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate EMT signaling in OSCC progression.