AFF4 promotes tumorigenesis and tumor-initiation capacity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating SOX2.

ABSTRACT: Super elongation complex (SEC) controls gene transcription by releasing Pol II from pausing. Previous studies have shown that dysfunction of SEC was associated with multiple human cancers, such as leukemia and breast cancer. However, the role of SEC in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development remains largely unknown. In this study, we found expression of AF4/FMR2 family member 4 (AFF4), the core component of SEC, was upregulated dramatically in HNSCC cell lines and tumor tissues. By using siRNA-mediated depletion and overexpression of AFF4, we demonstrated AFF4 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of HNSCC cells. Moreover, we found AFF4 enhanced the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and sphere formatting activity and was required for the tumor-initiation cap

SUBMITTER: Deng P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6031063 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature