CD147 and AGR2 expression promote cellular proliferation and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The signaling pathways facilitating metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells are not fully understood. CD147 is a transmembrane glycoprotein known to induce cell migration and invasion. AGR2 is a secreted peptide also known to promote cell metastasis. Here we describe their importance in the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells (FADU and OSC-19) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, knockdown of CD147 or AGR2 decreased cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo, knockdown of CD147 or AGR2 expression decreased primary tumor growth as well as regional and distant metastasis.

► We investigated AGR2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for the first time.
► We explored the relationship between AGR2 and CD147 for the first time.
► AGR2 and CD147 appear to co-localize in head and squamous cell carcinoma samples.
► Knockdown of both AGR2 and CD147 reduced migration and invasion in vitro.
► Knockdown of both AGR2 and CD147 decreased metastasis in vivo.