Downregulation of DHRS9 is associated with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Transcription Factor FXR Activates DHRS9 to Inhibit the Cell Oxidative Phosphorylation and Suppress Colon Cancer Progression

Background. Colon cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignancy. It has been discovered that Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays an imperative regulatory role in multitype cancers in recent years. However, its regulatory mechanism in colon cancer has not been clearly explored. This study intended to explore the molecular regulatory mechanism of FXR and its downstream genes on the malignant progression of colon cancer. Methods. The mRNA and protein expression of FXR in colon cancer cells were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The effects of FXR on the biological function of colon cancer cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, and transwell assays. The downstream target gene of FXR was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and found to be associated with cellular oxidative phosphorylation. The binding relationship between FXR and its downstream gene dehydrogenase/reductase member 9 (DHRS9) was verified through luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The changes of oxidative phosphorylation were detected by Western blot and oxygen consumption rate determination. The effect of FXR/DHRS9 axis on the malignant progression of colon cancer cells was further confirmed by rescue experiments. Results. FXR was underexpressed in colon cancer tissues and cells, and overexpressing FXR could repress the malignant behaviors of colon cancer cells. Besides, DHRS9 was a downstream gene of FXR, and FXR/DHRS9 inhibited the deterioration of colon cancer through inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, promoting FXR expression in colon cancer cells could partially reverse the biological function changes caused by silencing DHRS9 expression. Conclusion. FXR inhibited the oxidative phosphorylation and inhibited the malignant progression of colon cancer cells via targeting DHRS9.

Overexpression of Dehydrogenase/Reductase 9 Predicts Poor Response to Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy and Poor Prognosis in Rectal Cancer Patients

Objective: To reduce the risk of locoregional recurrence, the addition of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is recommended before surgical management for rectal cancer patients. However, despite identical tumor histology, individual patient response to neoadjuvant CCRT varies greatly. Accordingly, a comprehensive molecular characterization that is used to predict CCRT efficacy is instantly needed.

Methods: Pearson’s chi-squared test was utilized to correlate dehydrogenase/reductase 9 (DHRS9) expression with clinicopathological features. Survival curves were created applying the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was conducted to compare prognostic utility between high and low DHRS9 expression groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was applied to identify independent prognostic biomarkers based on variables with prognostic utility at the univariate level.

Results: Utilizing a public transcriptome dataset, we identified that the DHRS9 gene is the most considerably upregulated gene related to epithelial cell differentiation (GO: 0030855) among rectal cancer patients with CCRT resistance. Employing immunohistochemical staining, we also demonstrated that high DHRS9 immunoexpression is considerably associated with an aggressive clinical course and CCRT resistance in our rectal cancer cohort. Among all variables with prognostic utility at the univariate level, only high DHRS9 immunoexpression was independently unfavorably prognostic of all three endpoints (all p ≤ 0.048) in the multivariate analysis. In addition, applying bioinformatic analysis, we also linked DHRS9 with unrevealed functions, such as keratan sulfate and mucin synthesis which may be implicated in CCRT resistance.

Conclusion: Altogether, DHRS9 expression may serve as a helpful predictive and prognostic biomarker and assist decision-making for rectal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant CCRT.

Identifying potential signatures for atherosclerosis in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine using integrative bioinformatics approaches and machine-learning strategies

Background

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although several molecular markers associated with atherosclerosis have been developed in recent years, the lack of robust evidence hinders their clinical applications. For these reasons, identification of novel and robust biomarkers will directly contribute to atherosclerosis management in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). This integrative analysis aimed to identify critical genetic markers of atherosclerosis and further explore the underlying molecular immune mechanism attributing to the altered biomarkers.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) series datasets were downloaded from GEO. Firstly, differential expression analysis and functional analysis were conducted. Multiple machine-learning strategies were then employed to screen and determine key genetic markers, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess diagnostic value. Subsequently, cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcript (CIBERSORT) and a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were performed to explore relationships between signatures and immune cells. Lastly, we validated the biomarkers' expression in human and mice experiments.

Results

A total of 611 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) included 361 upregulated and 250 downregulated genes. Based on the enrichment analysis, DEGs were mapped in terms related to immune cell involvements, immune activating process, and inflaming signals. After using multiple machine-learning strategies, dehydrogenase/reductase 9 (DHRS9) and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type J (PTPRJ) were identified as critical biomarkers and presented their high diagnostic accuracy for atherosclerosis. From CIBERSORT analysis, both DHRS9 and PTPRJ were significantly related to diverse immune cells, such as macrophages and mast cells. Further scRNA-seq analysis indicated DHRS9 was specifically upregulated in macrophages of atherosclerotic lesions, which was confirmed in atherosclerotic patients and mice.

Conclusions

Our findings are the first to report the involvement of DHRS9 in the atherogenesis, and the proatherogenic effect of DHRS9 is mediated by immune mechanism. In addition, we confirm that DHRS9 is localized in macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, upregulated DHRS9 could be a novel potential target for the future predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention, patient stratification, and personalization of medical services in atherosclerosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-022-00289-y.

Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase 2 Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tumorigenesis and Glucose Metabolism via Downregulation of c-Myc

Background

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 2 (FBP2), known as a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis, is a tumor suppressor downregulated in various cancers. However, the role of FBP2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains largely unclear.

Methods

The level of FBP2 in OSCC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues was determined by western blot and RT-qPCR assays. In addition, analysis of FBP2 function in OSCC cells was assessed using both gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies.

Results

In this study, we found that the expression of FBP2 was remarkably downregulated in OSCC tissues and OSCC cells. Overexpression of FBP2 suppressed the viability, proliferation, migration, and glycolysis of OSCC cells, whereas FBP2 knockdown exhibited the opposite results. Moreover, downregulation of FBP2 promoted the growth and glycolysis of OSCC cells in nude mice in a xenograft model. Specifically, FBP2 colocalizes with the c-Myc transcription factor in the nucleus. Significantly, inhibitory effects of FBP2 overexpression on the viability, proliferation, migration, and glycolysis of OSCC cells were reversed by c-Myc overexpression.

Conclusion

Collectively, FBP2 could suppress the proliferation, migration and glycolysis in OSCC cells through downregulation of c-Myc. Our study revealed a FBP2-c-Myc signaling axis that regulates OSCC glycolysis and may provide a potential intervention strategy for OSCC treatment.

Dehydrogenase reductase 9 (SDR9C4) and related homologs recognize a broad spectrum of lipid mediator oxylipins as substrates

Bioactive oxylipins play multiple roles during inflammation and in the immune response, with termination of their actions partly dependent on the activity of yet-to-be characterized dehydrogenases. Here, we report that human microsomal dehydrogenase reductase 9 (DHRS9, also known as SDR9C4 of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily) exhibits a robust oxidative activity toward oxylipins with hydroxyl groups located at carbons C9 and C13 of octadecanoids, C12 and C15 carbons of eicosanoids, and C14 carbon of docosanoids. DHRS9/SDR9C4 is also active toward lipid inflammatory mediator dihydroxylated Leukotriene B₄ and proresolving mediators such as tri-hydroxylated Resolvin D1 and Lipoxin A₄, although notably, with lack of activity on the 15-hydroxyl of prostaglandins. We also found that the SDR enzymes phylogenetically related to DHRS9, i.e., human SDR9C8 (or retinol dehydrogenase 16), the rat SDR9C family member known as retinol dehydrogenase 7, and the mouse ortholog of human DHRS9 display similar activity toward oxylipin substrates. Mice deficient in DHRS9 protein are viable, fertile, and display no apparent phenotype under normal conditions. However, the oxidative activity of microsomal membranes from the skin, lung, and trachea of Dhrs9^−/− mice toward 1 μM Leukotriene B₄ is 1.7- to 6-fold lower than that of microsomes from wild-type littermates. In addition, the oxidative activity toward 1 μM Resolvin D1 is reduced by about 2.5-fold with DHRS9-null microsomes from the skin and trachea. These results strongly suggest that DHRS9 might play an important role in the metabolism of a wide range of bioactive oxylipins in vivo.

Retinoids in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Animal studies as early as the 1920s suggested that vitamin A deficiency leads to squamous cell metaplasia in numerous epithelial tissues including the skin. However, humans usually die from vitamin A deficiency before cancers have time to develop. A recent long-term cohort study found that high dietary vitamin A reduced the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). cSCC is a form of nonmelanoma skin cancer that primarily occurs from excess exposure to ultraviolet light B (UVB). These cancers are expensive to treat and can lead to metastasis and death. Oral synthetic retinoids prevent the reoccurrence of cSCC, but side effects limit their use in chemoprevention. Several proteins involved in vitamin A metabolism and signaling are altered in cSCC, which may lead to retinoid resistance. The expression of vitamin A metabolism proteins may also have prognostic value. This article reviews what is known about natural and synthetic retinoids and their metabolism in cSCC.

Comprehensive analysis of prognostic gene signatures based on immune infiltration of ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OV) is one of the most common malignant tumors of gynecology oncology. The lack of effective early diagnosis methods and treatment strategies result in a low five-year survival rate. Also, immunotherapy plays an important auxiliary role in the treatment of advanced OV patient, so it is of great significance to find out effective immune-related tumor markers for the diagnosis and treatment of OV.

METHODS

Based on the consensus clustering analysis of single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) score transformed via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) mRNA profile, we obtained two groups with high and low levels of immune infiltration. Multiple machine learning methods were conducted to explore prognostic genes associated with immune infiltration. Simultaneously, the correlation between the expression of mark genes and immune cells components was explored.

RESULTS

A prognostic classifier including 5 genes (CXCL11, S1PR4, TNFRSF17, FPR1 and DHRS95) was established and its robust efficacy for predicting overall survival was validated via 1129 OV samples. Some significant variations of copy number on gene loci were found between two risk groups and it showed that patients with fine chemosensitivity has lower risk score than patient with poor chemosensitivity (P = 0.013). The high and low-risk groups showed significantly different distribution (P < 0.001) of five immune cells (Monocytes, Macrophages M1, Macrophages M2, T cells CD4 menory and T cells CD8).

CONCLUSION

The present study identified five prognostic genes associated with immune infiltration of OV, which may provide some potential clinical implications for OV treatment.

Prognostic Impact of DHRS9 Overexpression in Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has poor prognosis despite systemic treatment. Dehydrogenase/reductase member 9 (DHRS9) has been reported to be involved in many events of tumorigenesis, but its prognostic impact in PC remains undetermined. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association between DHRS9 expression and the prognosis of PC and investigate the possible mechanism by which DHRS9 is involved in PC progression.

Patients and Methods

The study used data: from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and our institution to compare the DHRS9 expression between PC and adjacent normal tissues; from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and our institution to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of PC patients in high and low DHRS9 expression groups; and from TCGA to predict the potential mechanism of DHRS9 in PC. Western blot assay was used to identify DHRS9 expression in specimens collected from five patients who underwent surgery in our institute. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was then used to identify DHRS9 expression in the specimens of 109 patients who underwent surgery at our institute. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the prognostic significance of DHRS9 expression among PC patients.

Results

All the IHC, Western blot, and GEO datasets indicated that compared to normal tissues, DHRS9 was significantly overexpressed in PC tissues. IHC results demonstrated that the strong intensity of DHRS9 expression was significantly correlated with vascular infiltration (P < 0.05). Further, high DHRS9 expression was identified as a prognostic risk factor for overall survival. Functional analysis of DHRS9 co-expressed genes indicated that DHRS9 was involved in mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

DHRS9 is upregulated in PC tissue, and high DHRS9 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in PC. DHRS9 may affect the oncological process of PC through MAPK/ERK pathway.

Coexisting overexpression of STOML1 and STOML2 proteins may be associated with pathology of oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to investigate the expression and co-localization of stomatin-like protein-1 (STOML1) and stomatin-like protein-2 (STOML2) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues in situ and evaluate their pathologic roles in OSCC.

STUDY DESIGN

STOML1 and STOML2 in human OSCC tissues (n = 109) and normal oral/paracancerous tissues (n = 19) were detected by using multiple immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Positive staining scores and clinicopathologic features during the OSCC process were analyzed.

RESULTS

STOML1 and STOML2 were significantly overexpressed in OSCC tissues compared with normal oral tissue/paracancerous tissues (P < .0001 and P < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, both STOML1 and STOML2 were positively associated with pathologic tumor (T) stages. Positive signals of both STOML1 and STOML2 were mainly localized to the cell membrane and the cytoplasm, whereas those of STOML1 were also expressed in the cell nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that overexpression of STOML1 and STOML2 was significantly associated with T1 and T2 stages of OSCC. STOML1 and STOML2 were mainly co-localized at the cell membrane and the cytoplasm. These findings suggested that either STOML1 or STOML2 may play critical roles in OSCC development and may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Post-natal all-trans-retinoic acid biosynthesis

Generation of the autacoid all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) from retinol (vitamin A) relies on a complex metabolon that includes retinol binding-proteins and enzymes from the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase and aldehyde dehydrogenase gene families. Serum retinol binding-protein delivers all-trans-retinol (vitamin A) from blood to cells through two membrane receptors, Stra6 and Rbpr2. Stra6 and Rbpr2 convey retinol to cellular retinol binding-protein type 1 (Crbp1). Holo-Crbp1 delivers retinol to lecithin: retinol acyl transferase (Lrat) for esterification and storage. Lrat channels retinol directly into its active site from holo-Crbp1 by protein-protein interaction. The ratio apo-Crbp1/holo-Crbp1 directs flux of retinol into and out of retinyl esters, through regulating esterification vs ester hydrolysis. Multiple retinol dehydrogenases (Rdh1, Rdh10, Dhrs9, Rdhe2, Rdhe2s) channel retinol from holo-Crbp1 to generate retinal for ATRA biosynthesis. β-Carotene oxidase type 1 generates retinal from carotenoids, delivered by the scavenger receptor-B1. Retinal reductases (Dhrs3, Dhrs4, Rdh11) reduce retinal into retinol, thereby restraining ATRA biosynthesis. Retinal dehydrogenases (Raldh1, 2, 3) dehydrogenate retinal irreversibly into ATRA. ATRA regulates its own concentrations by inducing Lrat and ATRA degradative enzymes. ATRA exhibits hormesis. Its effects relate to its concentration as an inverted J-shaped curve, transitioning from beneficial in the "goldilocks" zone to toxicity, as concentrations increase. Hormesis has distorted understanding physiological effects of ATRA post-nataly using chow-diet fed, ATRA-dosed animal models. Cancer, immune deficiency and metabolic abnormalities result from mutations and/or insufficiency in Crbp1 and retinoid metabolizing enzymes.

TAF1L promotes development of oral squamous cell carcinoma via decreasing autophagy-dependent apoptosis

This study focused on investigating the relationships of TAF1L expression and clinical features or pathological stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and its potential roles of TAF1L on OSCC development. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect TAF1L expression in OSCC tissues and cells. Effects of TAF1L on OSCC cells in vitro were examined by cell proliferation assay, wound healing assay, transwell chamber assay, flow cytometry analysis and siRNA technique. Cellular key proteins related to cell autophagy and apoptosis were evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. Moreover, functions of TAF1L on OSCC process were observed in nude mouse model. Testing results showed that expression of TAF1L protein was higher in OSCC tissues than that in normal oral epithelial or paracancerous tissues. Additionally, the level of TAF1L protein expression was upregulated in OSCC cell lines, compared to that in normal oral epithelial cells. Furthermore, cell proliferation, migration, autophagy and apoptosis were modulated post siRNA-TAF1L treatment in vitro. Especially, TAF1L knockdown-induced apoptotic activation on OSCC cells could be rescued by autophagic activator (Rapamycin). Moreover, that overexpression of TAF1L protein could promote the growth of OSCC cell xenografts was confirmed in nude mouse model. Taken together, it suggests that TAF1L may facilitate OSCC cells to escape cell apoptosis via autophagic activation for enhancing OSCC development.

Non-SMC Condensin I Complex Subunit H (NCAPH) Is Associated with Lymphangiogenesis and Drug Resistance in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Head and neck cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is the sixth most common malignancy. OSCC has strong invasive ability, and its malignant potential is closely associated with local expansion and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, local or nodal recurrence worsens OSCC prognosis. In our previous cDNA microarray analysis, non-structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) condensin I complex subunit H (NCAPH) was identified as an upregulated gene in recurrent OSCC. Although NCAPH has several functions in tumors, its role in OSCC is unknown. Methods: In this study, we examined NCAPH expression in OSCC and performed a functional analysis of human OSCC cells. Results: NCAPH expression was higher in OSCC than in normal oral mucosa. In immunohistochemistry using 142 OSCC specimens, the immunostaining of NCAPH was strongly associated with nodal metastasis and lymphatic infiltration. In multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, NCAPH expression was an independent poor prognostic indicator for OSCC. Moreover, NCAPH promoted the migration and adhesion of endothelial cells to OSCC cells and promoted the resistance to platinum anticancer drugs. Conclusions: Our present findings suggest that NCAPH is a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target in OSCC.

Screening and identification of biomarkers associated with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major type of malignant tumor of the oral cavity. Despite marked advances in the management and diagnosis of OSCC, the associated overall survival ratio has only exhibited a modest increase in recent years. The present study aimed to identify potential crucial genes associated with clinical features and prognosis for OSCC, and to provide a basis for further investigation. RNA-sequencing data and corresponding clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified using the edgeR package. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed clinical features-associated mRNAs (CFmRNAs) and enhance the current knowledge of the function of them. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interplay (PPI) network analysis were then performed to better understand CFmRNAs. Survival-associated genes were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. A total of 2,013 DEmRNAs between OSCC samples and normal tissues were identified, 180 of which were associated with clinical features. A total of 17 GO terms and 4 KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in functional enrichment analysis. A total of 4 hub genes (albumin, statherin, neurotensin and mucin 7) were identified in the PPI network analysis. A total of 6 genes (DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 4 like 2, opiorphin prepropeptide, R3H domain containing like, transmembrane phosphatase with tensin homology, actin like 8 and protocadherin α 11) were observed to have an influence on survival. The DEmRNAs identified may have a crucial role in the genesis and development of OSCC and may be further developed for diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic applications for OSCC in the future.

A 3-mRNA-based prognostic signature of survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with an unsatisfactory prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify potential prognostic mRNA biomarkers of OSCC based on analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Methods

Expression profiles and clinical data of OSCC patients were collected from TCGA database. Univariate Cox analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox (LASSO Cox) regression were used to primarily screen prognostic biomarkers. Then multivariate Cox analysis was performed to build a prognostic model based on the selected prognostic mRNAs. Nomograms were generated to predict the individual’s overall survival at 3 and 5 years. The model performance was assessed by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration plot in both training cohort and validation cohort (GSE41613 from NCBI GEO databases). In addition, machine learning was used to assess the importance of risk factors of OSCC. Finally, in order to explore the potential mechanisms of OSCC, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was completed.

Results

Three mRNAs (CLEC3B, C6 and CLCN1) were finally identified as a prognostic biomarker pattern. The risk score was imputed as: (−0.38602 × expression level of CLEC3B) + (−0.20632 × expression level of CLCN1) + (0.31541 × expression level of C6). In the TCGA training cohort, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.705 and 0.711 for 3- and 5-year survival, respectively. In the validation cohort, AUC was 0.718 and 0.717 for 3- and 5-year survival. A satisfactory agreement between predictive values and observation values was demonstrated by the calibration curve in the probabilities of 3- and 5- year survival in both cohorts. Furthermore, machine learning identified the 3-mRNA signature as the most important risk factor to survival of OSCC. Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction was most enriched mostly in KEGG pathway analysis.

Conclusion

A 3-mRNA signature (CLEC3B, C6 and CLCN1) successfully predicted the survival of OSCC patients in both training and test cohort. In addition, this signature was an independent and the most important risk factor of OSCC.

The Oncogenic Activity of miR-29b-1-5p Induces the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: The relationship between miR-29b-1-5p and c-Met proto-oncogene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains to be investigated. This study aimed to reveal the role of miR-29b-1-5p in the pathogenesis of OSCC using molecular and biological analyses. Methods: We investigated the expression of miR-29b-1-5p, c-Met, and markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the tissues of 49 patients with OSCC and in human OSCC cells with different tumorigenicity. Further, we determined the effects of miR-29b-1-5p on the phenotypes of OSCC cell lines. Results: The expression levels of miR-29b-1-5p in most patients with OSCC were higher than those of the normal oral epithelium. In OSCC, upregulation of miR-29b-1-5p significantly correlated with histological grade, the EMT, and the immunohistochemical grade, indicated by c-Met expression. The prognosis was poor for patients with miR-29b-1-5p expression and coexpression of miR-29b-1-5p and c-Met. In OSCC cells exhibiting the EMT phenotype, knockdown of miR-29b-1-5p suppressed the EMT, which was recovered by enforced expression of c-Met. Further, the mRNA encoding cadherin 1 (CDH1) was a direct target of miR-29b-1-5p. Conclusions: Our results suggest that miR-29b-1-5p acts as an oncogenic miRNA that synergizes with c-Met to induce the EMT of OSCC cells.