Conclusions
Our results provide the molecular basis for BMSC recruitment into tumours, and how this process leads to tumour progression and leads us to develop a novel OSCC treatment target.
Methods
The distribution of CXCL8 was detected by immunohistochemical staining in OSCC tissues. The chemotaxis of conditioned media from different epithelial cells to BMSCs was examined by trans-well assay. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISA were used to detect the expression of related cytokines and chemokine receptors. The migration of BMSCs was observed in BALB/c nude mice. The roles of BMSCs in proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC were detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry and trans-well assay. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers were analysed by qPCR and Western blot in vitro, and growth was evaluated in BALB/c nude mice using subcutaneously implanted OSCC in nude mouse model in vivo.
Results
Using OSCC, we show CXCL8, secreted by OSCC, binds to exclusively CXCR2 in BMSCs to facilitate migration of BMSCs to OSCC. TGF-β secreted by BMSCs subsequently induces EMT of OSCC to promote their proliferation, migration and infiltration. We also showed that the Ras/Raf/Erk axis plays a critical role in tumour progression. Conclusions: Our results provide the molecular basis for BMSC recruitment into tumours, and how this process leads to tumour progression and leads us to develop a novel OSCC treatment target.