Propofol facilitates migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by upregulating SNAI1 expression

Publication date: Available online 4 December 2019Source: Life SciencesAuthor(s): Chunzhu Li, Ming Xia, Hao Wang, Wenlong Li, Jiali Peng, Hong JiangAbstractAimTo investigate the effect of propofol on the migration and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells and explore the underlying mechanism.Main methodsCal-27 and SCC-25 cells treated with or without propofol, then the cells metastasis were determined. The levels of SNAI1 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. Cell migration ability was evaluated by wound healing assay, and the invasion of cells was measured using transwell assay.Key findingsPropofol treatment significantly promoted cell migration and invasion of OSCC. Further mechanistic studies of the stimulating effects of propofol on OSCC cell metastasis revealed that propofol treatment dose-dependently upregulated the expression of SNAI1, a member of the Snail superfamily of zinc-finger transcription factors. Additionally, the inhibition of endogenous SNAI1 expression reversed the effect of propofol on cell migration and invasion in Cal-27 and SCC-25 cells.SignificanceOur results demonstrate that propofol at clinically relevant concentrations facilitates cell migration and invasion through up-regulation of SNAI1 in OSCC cells, and suggest propofol may not be suitable for anesthesia management in OSCC patients.
Source: Life Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: research