Silencing CTBP2 Gene Inhibits the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Cancer

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major oral malignancy. The molecular mechanism of OSCC growth and metastasis is an urgent issue. COOH-terminal binding protein 2 (CTBP2) is involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors, but its role in OSCC is poorly defined. This study aims to investigate CTBP2 expression and its biological function in OSCC cells. Methods: CTBP2 mRNA expression in OSCC cells was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). CTBP2 expression in OSCC cells was downregulated using siRNA interference technology. The effects of CTBP2 downregulation on OSCC cell proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assay. The migration and invasion were detected through scratch healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blot was used to detect CTBP2, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein, rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and its downstream molecules expression in OSCC cells. Results: CTBP2 expression was upregulated in OSCC cell lines (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). CTBP2 silencing inhibited OSCC cells proliferation ability, migration rate, and invasion number (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Western blot results showed that CTBP2 silencing promoted E-cadherin expression and inhibited N-cadherin and Vimentin expression (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). CTBP2 downregulation decreased protein levels of ROCK1 and its downstream molecules in OSCC cells (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Silencing CTBP2 could inhibit malignant behavior of OSCC cells, which may play a role by inhibiting the EMT process and ROCK1 signaling.