S100 proteins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

The most common tumor affecting the head and neck is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Characteristics of HNSCC include rapid onset, a lack of early diagnosis, drug resistance, relapse and systemic adverse effects, leading to inadequate prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Notably, previous research suggests that there is an association between S100 proteins and HNSCC. S100A8, S100A9 and S100A14 interfere with tumor cell proliferation by blocking the cell cycle. S100A4 enhances cancer stem cell properties, and interacts with actin and tropomyosin to promote tumor cell migration. S100A1, S100A8, S100A9, S100A10, S100A14 and S100P are involved in the occurrence and development of HNSCC via Hippo, nuclear factor κB, phosphatidylinositol kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and other signaling pathways. In addition, certain long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs are involved in regulating the expression of S100 proteins in HNSCC. Reducing the expression of certain members of the S100 protein family may improve the chemosensitivity of HNSCC. Collectively, these results suggested that S100 proteins may act as markers and targets for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC.