The activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibits the migration of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting Claudin-1 via epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

BACKGROUND: The role of Claudin-1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) metastasis needs further clarification, particularly its impact on cell migration. Herein, our study aims to investigate the role of Claudin-1 in TSCC cell migration and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: 36 TSCC tissue samples underwent immunohistochemical staining for Claudin-1. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were conducted to evaluate Claudin-1 expression and distribution in TSCC cells. Claudin-1 knockdown cell lines were established using short hairpin RNA transfection. Migration effects were assessed through wound healing assays. Furthermore, the expression of EMT-associated molecules was measured via western blotting. RESULTS: Claudin-1 expression decreased as TSCC malignancy increased. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation led to increased Claudin-1 expression and membrane translocation, inhibiting TSCC cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, Claudin-1 knockdown reversed these inhibitory effects on migration and EMT caused by AMPK activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that AMPK activation suppresses TSCC cell migration by targeting Claudin-1 and EMT pathways.