ULBP2 promotes progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by modulating MAPK signaling pathway.

Background: UL16-binding protein 2 (ULBP2) is significantly overexpressed in diverse cancers, it may also serve as a potential prognostic factor. Nonetheless, the mechanism of action and functions associated with ULBP2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) are unexplored. This study aims to clarify the role and mechanism of ULBP2 in HNSCC and determine whether this molecule promotes tumor progression through modulation multiple downstream MAPK signaling.

Materials and methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to find out the mRNA transcript levels of ULBP2 in people with HNSCC. Here, the impact of ULBP2 on proliferation, migration and invasion abilities was evaluated in HNSCC cell lines using multi-methods. To understand the effect of ULBP2 on tumor-related signaling pathways, Genomic Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed. We did an in vivo cancer study to learn more about the part ULBP2 plays in the growth of tumors. Moreover, Western blot was used to determine the signaling pathways influenced by ULBP2.

Results: ULBP2 is highly expressed in HNSCC cells. In addition, we saw that HNSCC patients who had high levels of ULBP2 had a poor prognosis. Silencing ULBP2 expression reduces invasive and metastatic abilities of HNSCC cells Mechanistic experiments showed the function of ULBP2 in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic assays potentially associated with MAPK pathway.

Conclusion: We validated that ULBP2 promotes HNSCC cell progression by regulating the MAPK pathway. These findings are crucial for understanding the process of HNSCC pathogenesis and progression caused by ULBP2.