Background
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the clinicopathological associations and molecular mechanisms of karyopherin alpha 2 (KPNA2) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) progression.
Methods
The KPNA2 expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 209 tissues and 181 saliva samples, respectively. The functions of KPNA2 in migration and invasion were examined in KPNA2‐knowdown cells. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels were determined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The subcellular fraction was used to obtain the nuclear distribution of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB).
Results
The KPNA2 overexpression was associated with extranodal extension (P < .05) and poor disease‐specific survival in patients with oral cavity SCC (P < .05). The salivary KPNA2 levels were elevated in patients with oral cavity SCC (P < .05). The KPNA2 knockdown reduced cell migration and invasion. This knockdown also suppressed the interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced nuclear import of NF‐κB and MMP (MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐9) transcription.
Conclusion
The KPNA2 overexpression is an independent biomarker for poor prognosis of oral cavity SCC and is required for MMP‐mediated metastasis.