Targeting Fibroblast-Derived Interleukin 6: A Strategy to Overcome Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Radioresistance in Head and Neck Cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts have been reported to play a central role in driving cancer progression, promoting metastasis, and conferring resistance to therapy in HNSCC.

Methods

Indirect and direct co-culture models of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC cells with fibroblasts were developed to study the effect of fibroblasts on cancer cells. ELISA was used to measure IL-6 secretion in these models. To dissect the underlying signalling mechanisms, the effects of IL-6, an IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) inhibitor, a MAPK/ERK inhibitor, and a JAK/STAT inhibitor were evaluated. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was assessed by measuring EMT markers and conducting scratch assays and spheroid assays. Radioresistance was evaluated using clonogenic assays. Additionally,

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11763410 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature