Snail/Slug Promote Cell Proliferation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating YAP Signal

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. Currently, no specific treatment is utilized to prevent the progression of OSCC. This study aimed to clarify whether Snail/Slug promoted OSCC cell proliferation by regulating yes-associated protein 1 (YAP). In this cell culture study, an OSCC cell model was constructed, followed by transfection with Snail-inhibitor. The OSCC HSC-3 cells were treated, and their apoptosis and viability were evaluated. Finally, Western blot, flow cytometry assay, Transwell assay, and scratch assay were used to explore the molecular mechanisms by which Snail/Slug promoted OSCC cell proliferation by regulating YAP. The activation of the Snail/ Slug pathway promoted the progression of OSCC. The Snail/Slug regulated the OSCC process via targeting YAP. Inhibition of the Snail/Slug pathway, however, reversed the effect of YAP on OSCC. These findings suggest that the Snail/Slug pathway promoted OSCC progression by targeting YAP.S