Effects of overexpression via the NRF2 / HO1 / NQO1 pathway on oral cancer cells proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.

Objective: Herein, we explored the influences of overexpression on oral cancer cells proliferation, migration, and apoptosis via evaluation of its interactions with nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NRF2).

Design: CAL-27 and DOK cells were transfected with a overexpressing lentivirus. Next, we utilized Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses to evaluate BRCA1, NRF2, and their target gene expressions. Using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assessment, we assessed cell proliferation and a scratch test detected CAL-27 cell migration. Additionally, flow cytometry was employed used to examine cell apoptosis, while an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assa (ELISA) was employed for evaluation of 8-hydroxy-2'- deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) expression. An immunohistochemical analysis was employed to determine the NRF2 target genes and Ki-67 expressions.

Results: overexpression increased the NRF2 and its target gene transcript and protein expressions. CCK-8 and scratch test results showed that overexpression decreased cell proliferation and weakened CAL-27 cell migratory ability. Flow cytometry results showed that overexpression promoted cell apoptosis in a time-dependent manner, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that overexpression decreased 8-OHdG expression levels in CAL-27 and DOK cells. Immunohistochemical analysis results showed higher expression of NRF2 target genes and Ki-67 in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Conclusions: Experiments involving oral cancer cells confirmed that overexpression could up-regulate the NRF2 signalling pathway, reduce oxidative damage, and inhibit cell proliferation and other biological behaviours. The BRCA1 and NRF2 pathways might be associated with oral cancer occurrence and development.