Overexpression of YOD1 Promotes the Migration of Human Oral Keratinocytes by Enhancing TGF-ß3 Signaling.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of YOD1 overexpression on the proliferation and migration of human oral keratinocytes (HOKs), and to clarify whether the mechanisms involve transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling. METHODS: HOKs were transfected with the plasmid pEGFP-N3-YOD1 containing YOD1. The mRNA levels of YOD1 and TGF-ß were determined by qPCR. The protein expressions of YOD1, TGF-ß, Smad2/3, Smad4, and phospho-Smad2/3 were determined by western blotting. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and wound healing assay, respectively. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of YOD1 were higher in HOKs transfected with YOD1. YOD1 overexpression significantly enhanced the migration of HOKs. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-ß3 were increased by YOD1 overexpression. HOKs transfected with YOD1 exhibited increased phospho-Smad2/3 levels. CONCLUSION: YOD1 overexpression enhances cell migration by promoting TGF-ß3 signaling which may play an important role in lip and palate formation. YOD1 mutation may contribute to aberrant TGF-ß3 signaling associated with decreased cell migration resulting in NSCLP.