Fusobacterium nucleatum-reprogrammed adipocytes promote tumor cisplatin resistance through the CCL2-CCR2 axis in the necrotic metastatic neck nodes of head and neck carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Necrosis plays a pivotal role in the development of cisplatin resistance in metastatic neck lymph nodes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the precise mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.

Methods

We employed qPCR and DNA in situ hybridization to detect Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in postoperative tissue specimens from node-positive HNSCC patients. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed to analyze gene expression changes in adipocytes following F. nucleatum co-culture. RNA and protein expression alterations were validated via qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA. Additionally, subcutaneous xenograft tumor models were utilized for in vivo validation.

Results

F. nucleatum was found to preferentially colonize necro

SUBMITTER: Li F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12750780 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature