NFAT5 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma progression in a hyperosmotic environment

Lab Invest. 2021 Jan;101(1):38-50. doi: 10.1038/s41374-020-00486-1. Epub 2020 Sep 8.

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in several types of cancer cells including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). EGF/EGFR signaling is recognized as an important molecular target in cancer therapy. However, cancer cells often become tolerant to EGF/EGFR signaling-targeted therapies. In the tumor microenvironment, the tumor incites inflammation and the inflammation-derived cytokines make a considerable impact on cancer development. In addition, hyperosmolarity is also induced, but the role of osmotic stress in cancer development has not been fully understood. This study demonstrates molecular insights into hyperosmolarity effect on OSCC development and shows that NFAT5 transcription factor plays an important functional role in enhancing the oral cancer cell proliferation by inducing the EGFR translocation from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane through increase the expression of DPAGT1, an essential enzyme for catalyzing the first committed step of N-linked protein glycosylation. These results suggest that hyperosmolarity-induced intra-nuclear translocation of NFAT5 essential for DPAGT1 activation and EGFR subcellular translocation responsible for OSCC tumor progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Osmotic Pressure
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / metabolism*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • NFAT5 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases
  • dolichyl-phosphate alpha-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors