Knockdown of β-catenin controls both apoptotic and autophagic cell death through LKB1/AMPK signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates the viability and radiosensitivity of head and neck squamous cancer cells (HNSCC). Increased β-catenin predisposes HNSCC patients to poor prognosis and survival. This study was conducted to determine the mechanism by which β-catenin regulates the viability of HNSCC.