Transcription factor early growth response-1 plays an oncogenic role in salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma

Abstract

Objectives: Although abnormal expression of early growth response-1 (Egr1) has been revealed in various human solid tumors, the functions and potential mechanisms of Egr1 in the progression of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (SGPA) are not entirely understood.

Results: An elevated expression of Egr1 was observed both in the human salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma tissues and tumor-initiating cell (TIC) cells, when compared with control group. By loss-of-function assay, the proliferation and invasion capacities of TICs were inhibited, while the cell apoptosis was promoted, which were further evidenced by the protein expression analysis of several key apoptosis-related regulators. Furthermore, TICs with Mithramycin A (an Egr1 inhibitor) treatment achieved the same effects of endogenous Egr1 knockdown.

Conclusions: All these data collectively suggest that Egr1 act as an oncogenic factor in salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma, which may be a potential target for the treatment of SGPA.

Keywords: Early growth response-1; Oncogenesis; Pleomorphic adenoma; Salivary gland tumor.