TGF beta 1-Smad3-Jagged1-Notch1-Slug signaling pathway takes part in tumorigenesis and progress of tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Background TGF beta 1 and Smad3 play an important role in the process of EMT. TGF beta 1 regulates the expression of Jagged1 by modulating Notch signaling. Jagged1 is related to tumor invasion, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and tumor immune escape. The aims of this study are to examine deregulation of TGF beta 1-Smad3-Jagged1-Notch1-Slug signaling in TSCC and to investigate its roles in TSCC progression. Materials and Methods Notch1, Smad3, Jagged1 and Slug proteins and mRNA expression were detected in specimens from 89 cases of patients. We analyzed the correlation between their expressions and histological grade, clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. Results Notch1, Smad3, Jagged1 and Slug mRNA expressions in TSCC were higher than normal tissue (P