Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the part played by KDR and miRNAs in the development and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods: The gene and protein expression of KDR in OSCC cell lines and a normal human oral epithelial keratinocyte cell line were detected using real-time PCR and western blot analysis. We evaluated the impact of KDR on the proliferation, metastasis, and migration of OSCC cells using the MTT assay and colony formation assay in the CAL27 cell line. Data on OSCC were retrieved from the TCGA-HNSC and GEO databases, and we identified miRNAs that were differentially expressed between OSCC and normal tissue samples. Furthermore, we predicted their potential target mRNAs. miR-424-5p was identified as a regulator upstream of KDR expression, and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed binding between KDR and miR-424-5p.

Results: KDR overexpression was observed in OSCC samples from various databases. These findings were further validated through in vitro experiments, which established that elevated KDR levels enhance the proliferative potential of OSCC cells. Moreover, miR-424-5p was found to counteract the tumorigenic effects of KDR in OSCC cells, suppressing their proliferation, invasion, and metastasis capabilities.

Conclusions: Our research suggests that miR-424-5p and KDR might serve as valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as potential therapeutic targets, in OSCC.