MYO1B as a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in Arecoline-associated oral carcinoma

Background: Arecoline, the main component of betel nut, induces malignant transformation of oral cells through complicated unclear mechanisms. Thus, we aimed to screen the key genes involved in Arecoline-induced oral cancer and further verify their expressions and roles.

Methods: This study included a data-mining part, a bioinformatics verification part, and an experimental verification one. First, the key gene related to oral cancer induced by Arecoline was screened. Then, the expression and clinical significance of the key gene in head and neck/oral cancer tissues were verified, and its downstream mechanisms of action were explored. Afterwards, the expression and roles of the key gene were verified by experiments at the histological and cytological levels.

Results: MYO1B was identified as the key gene. Overexpression of MYO1B was associated with lymph node metastasis and unfavorable outcomes in oral cancer. MYO1B may be mainly related to metastasis, angiogenesis, hypoxia, and differentiation. A positive correlation between MYO1B and the infiltration of macrophages, B cells, and dendritic cells was presented. MYO1B might have a close relationship with SMAD3, which may be enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway. MYO1B suppression markedly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis abilities of both Arecoline-transformed oral cells and oral cancer cells.

Conclusion: This study revealed MYO1B as a key gene in Arecoline-induced oral tumorigenesis. MYO1B might be a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for oral cancer.