POLE2 Regulates Apoptosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

作者：Ming-yu Sun, Lin Wang & Zheng-yu Shen

Sun, My., Wang, L. & Shen, Zy. POLE2 Regulates Apoptosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. CURR MED SCI 43, 1162–1172 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11596-023-2813-7

// Abstract

Objective

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck, but its occurrence and progression mechanisms remain unclear. In addition-there is a lack of effective targeting drugs. The second major subunit of DNA polymerase (POLE2) catalyzes the prolongation of new strand replication and modifies exonuclease domain activity. Our previous study found that POLE2 was associated with OSCC progression, but the mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

The expression of POLE2 in OSCC tissues was detected using immunological assays. Mann-Whitney U analysis was used to investigate the relationship between POLE2 gene expression and tumor classification and prognosis of OSCC. POLE2 expression was inhibited in OSCC cells, and the effects of gene and protein expression were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting. The POLE2 knockout model was constructed by transfecting a lentiviral vector. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were detected using various assays including colony formation, MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and the Human Apoptosis Antibody Array. The animal model of OSCC was established by subcutaneous injection of transfected HN6 into 4-week-old female nude mice. After 30 days, tumors were removed under anesthesia and tumor weight and dimension were recorded. Tumor cell proliferation was analyzed using Ki67 staining.