A Wnt-mediated phenotype switch along the epithelial-mesenchymal axis defines resistance and invasion downstream of ionising radiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Dynamic transitions of tumour cells along the epithelial-mesenchymal axis are important in tumorigenesis, metastasis and therapy resistance.

Methods: In this study, we have used cell lines, 3D spheroids and tumour samples in a variety of cell biological and transcriptome analyses to highlight the cellular and molecular dynamics of OSCC response to ionising radiation.

Results: Our study demonstrates a prominent hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal state in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells and tumour samples.