Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 presents a cancer promotive function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the prognostic value and functional role of Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Subunit Alpha 3 (P4HA3) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods: We downloaded the RNA-Seq dataset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for analyzing the expression of P4HA3 and determining its prognostic value. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines CAL27 and FaDu were chose for gain- and loss-of-function of P4HA3 tests. mRNA and protein levels of P4HA3 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells were tested by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot respectively. Cell counting Kit-8, clone formation assay, Transwell assay were used to determine the effect of P4HA3 on the proliferative, invasive and migratory capacities of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that P4HA3 was up-regulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tissues, and had an independent prognostic value for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. The outcomes of gain- and loss-of-function tests illustrated that P4HA3 significantly boosted head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferative, invasive and migratory abilities. Besides, western blot assay demonstrated that P4HA3 could remarkably activate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, with reduced the level of E-cadherin and up-regulated the levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail.

Conclusion: We deduce that P4HA3 acts as an oncogene that raises tumor cell viability and metastasis partly by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, suggesting that P4HA3 may be considered as a valuable biomarker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment.