NRF2 signaling plays an essential role in cancer progression through the NRF2-GPX2-NOTCH3 axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: The activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has been observed in various cancers. Yet its exact contribution to the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains undetermined. We previously found that NRF2 signaling is critical for the differentiation of squamous basal progenitor cells, while disruption of NRF2 causes basal cell hyperplasia. In this study, we revealed a correlation between elevated NRF2 activity and poor outcomes in HNSCC patients. We demonstrated that NRF2 facilitates tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion, as evidenced by both in vitro and in vivo studies. Significantly, NRF2 augments the expression of the antioxidant enzyme GPX2, thereby enhancing the proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties of HNSCC cells.

SUBMITTER: Jin X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11437035 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature