Loss of ACVRIB leads to increased squamous cell carcinoma aggressiveness through alterations in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion proteins.

ABSTRACT: Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) and esophagus (ESCC) pose a global public health issue due to high mortality rates. Unfortunately, little progress has been made in improving patient outcomes. This is partially a result of a lack of understanding the mechanisms that drive SCC progression. Recently, Activin A signaling has been implicated in a number of cancers, yet the role of this pathway in SCC remains poorly understood. We have previously discovered that the Activin A ligand acts as a tumor suppressor when epithelial Activin receptor type IB (ACVRIB) is intact; however, this effect is lost upon ACVRIB downregulation. In the present study, we investigated the function of ACVRIB in the regulation of SCC. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ACVRIB-knockout and knockdown using s

SUBMITTER: Loomans HA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5752684 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature