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Molecular Cancer
Published in: Molecular Cancer 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Suppression of Aurora-A-FLJ10540 signaling axis prohibits the malignant state of head and neck cancer

Authors: Chang-Han Chen, Alice YW Chang, Shau-Hsuan Li, Hsin-Ting Tsai, Li-Yen Shiu, Li-Jen Su, Wen-Lung Wang, Tai-Jen Chiu, Sheng-Dean Luo, Tai-Lin Huang, Chih-Yen Chien

Published in: Molecular Cancer | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a highly invasive cancer. Aurora-A has been reported for a number of malignancies. However, the identity of downstream effectors responsible for its aggressive phenotype in HNC remains underinvestigated.

Methods

The mRNA and protein expression levels of Aurora-A and FLJ10540 were assessed in HNC specimens and cell lines using RT-qPCR, western blot, Oncomine, and microarray database analysis. The downstream molecular mechanisms of Aurora-A were confirmed by RT-qPCR, western blot, luciferase reporter, confocal microscopy analyses, immunoprecipitation, colony formation, cell viability, and xenograft model. Cellular functions in response to Aurora-A-modulated downstream targets such as FLJ10540 and MMPs were examined in vitro and in vivo, including cell growth, motility and chemosensitivity. Aurora-A/FLJ10540/MMPs expression was determined in cancer and adjacent normal tissues from HNC patients by immunohistochemistry approach.

Results

In the current study, Aurora-A exhibited similar gene expression profiles with FLJ10540 by using accessibly public microarray and Oncomine database analysis, raising the possibility that these molecules might coordinately participate in cancer progression and metastasis of HNC. These two molecules connection were also examined in cell lines and tissues of HNC. Aurora-A overexpression could not only bind to the promoter of FLJ10540 to induce FLJ10540 expression, but also increase both mRNA and protein levels of MMP-7 and MMP-10 in HNC cells. Conversely, depletion of Aurora-A expression by using siRNA or Aurora-A kinase inhibitor, MLN8237, suppressed FLJ10540, MMP-7 and MMP-10 mRNA and protein expressions in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the FLJ10540-PI3K complex was destroyed by inhibition the Aurora-A kinase activity. Forced overexpression of FLJ10540 in Aurora-A-depleted or in MLN8237-treated HNC cells attenuated the effect on cytotoxicity to cisplatin. Elevated Aurora-A expression in HNC cells led to the characteristics of more aggressive malignancy, including enhanced chemoresistance and increased the abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion, which was required for FLJ10540/MMP-7 or FLJ10540/MMP-10 expressions. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis of human HNC specimens showed a significant positively correlation among Aurora-A, FLJ10540, MMP-7 and MMP-10 expressions.

Conclusion

Together, our findings define a novel mechanism by which Aurora-A promotes cell malignancy, with potential implications for understanding the clinical action of Aurora-A.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Suppression of Aurora-A-FLJ10540 signaling axis prohibits the malignant state of head and neck cancer
Authors
Chang-Han Chen
Alice YW Chang
Shau-Hsuan Li
Hsin-Ting Tsai
Li-Yen Shiu
Li-Jen Su
Wen-Lung Wang
Tai-Jen Chiu
Sheng-Dean Luo
Tai-Lin Huang
Chih-Yen Chien
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Molecular Cancer / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1476-4598
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-015-0348-7

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