Work

The oncogenic role of lncRNA DSG2-AS1 and its functional link to SGK1 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains a malignancy with rising incidence and poor prognosis. Understanding the molecular biomarkers is critical for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this study, the expression levels of serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) and the novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Desmoglein-2 Antisense RNA 1 (DSG2-AS1) were assessed in LSCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. METHODS: The gene and protein expression levels were assessed in the LSCC tissues (n = 50) compared to adjacent normal tissues (n = 50) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Results showed that the SGK1 gene and protein expression levels (p = 0.015 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and lncRNA DSG2-AS1 (p = 0.003) were elevated in cancerous tissues relative to corresponding normal tissues. Notably, a positive correlation was identified between SGK1 and DSG2-AS1 gene expression levels (r = 0.321, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate concurrent upregulation of SGK1 and DSG2-AS1 in LSCC, as oncogene targets. It showed a potential relationship that may be involved in tumor progression among LSCC patients.

Source: Discover Oncology

DOI: 10.1007/s12672-025-04229-w

Authors: Najmeh Parvaz, Payam Mohammadi, Maryam Lotfi, Seyed Parsa Seyedi Taji, Mohammad Shabani, Mohammad Najafi

Institutions: Iran University of Medical Sciences, AmirAlam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,690