ERK-mediated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 promotes the invasiveness in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Background: Loco-regional invasion is commonly found in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and is associated with its poor survival rate. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) has been implicated in OSCC progression, but its regulation is poorly understood.

Materials And Methods: Here, one hundred twenty-seven different post-operated human oral cancer tissue samples were analyzed. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, protein expression, and MMP-2 activity and MT1-MMP, TIMP-2, and TFs (NFκB, AP1, Sp1, and Twist) were observed semi-quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, and gelatin zymography. In addition, OSCC derived Cal-27, SCC4/9 cells, photochemical ECGC, and MAPK-pathway inhibitor PD98059 were utilized for in vitro testing and wound healing assay.

Result: s: Increased protein and activity level of MMP-2 was detected in non-invasive (N) and invasive (N) oral tumors as compared to the control (adjacent normal) samples. MMP-2 protein and mRNA expression were positively associated with the TFs and MT1-MMP, negatively associated with TIMP-2 expression. Similarly, the MMP-2 expression/activity was related to several signal-transduction pathways like ERK1/2 and wnt-β-catenin pathways. Treatment of ECGC/MEK inhibitor (PD98059) diminished MMP-2 activity and invasion/migration potential in OSCC.

Conclusion: Our research suggests that the ERK1/2 driven overexpression/activation of MMP-2 was linked with the overall OSCC invasion and metastasis. Treatment of MEK inhibitor (PD98059) and ECGC diminished MMP-2 activity and thus could be exploited as a therapeutic strategy to control the invasive OSCC.