Upregulation of sialidase NEU3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with lymph node metastasis.

ABSTRACT: Regional lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a crucial event for its progression, associated with a high rate of mortality. Sialidase, a key enzyme for the regulation of cellular sialic acids through catalyzing the initial step of degradation of glycoproteins and glycolipids, has been implicated in cancer progression. To facilitate the development of novel treatments for HNSCC, we have investigated whether sialidase is involved in the progression of this cancer. We found plasma membrane-associated sialidase (NEU3) to be significantly upregulated in tumor compared to non-tumor tissues; particularly, an increase in its mRNA levels was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. To understand the mechanisms, we analyzed the NEU3-mediated effects

SUBMITTER: Shiga K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4714679 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature