DCLK1-mediated regulation of invadopodia dynamics and matrix metalloproteinase trafficking drives invasive progression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: HNSCC presents a significant health challenge due to its high mortality resulting from treatment resistance and locoregional invasion into critical structures in the head and neck region. Understanding the invasion mechanisms of HNSCC has the potential to guide targeted therapies, improving patient survival. Previously, we demonstrated the involvement of doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in regulating HNSCC cell invasion.