SLUG, encoded by the Snai2 gene, is known to play a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to cell invasion and metastasis in some types of human carcinomas. However, the mechanisms and roles of EMT in canine squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have not yet been elucidated. We have previously established canine oral SCC cell lines, including tonsillar SCC, and in this study, we evaluated the effects of SLUG on the phenotypes regarding EMT of canine SCC cells. First, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SLUG is upregulated in canine oral SCC tissues compared to that in non-tumoural oral mucosa. Furthermore, gain-of-function and loss-of-function of SLUG revealed that SLUG partly contributed to migration and invasion of cells, as well as the upregulation of EMT markers such as vimentin and SNAIL. Thus, the current study suggests that SLUG promotes cell migration and invasion through EMT induction in canine oral SCC, as well as human cancers.

中文翻译：

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SLUG 在犬口腔鳞状细胞癌中上调并诱导上皮间质转化

SLUG ，由Snai2编码已知基因在上皮间质转化 (EMT) 中发挥作用，这有助于某些类型的人类癌症中的细胞侵袭和转移。然而，EMT 在犬鳞状细胞癌 (SCC) 中的机制和作用尚未阐明。我们之前已经建立了犬口腔 SCC 细胞系，包括扁桃体 SCC，在本研究中，我们评估了 SLUG 对犬 SCC 细胞 EMT 表型的影响。首先，免疫组织化学分析显示，与非肿瘤口腔黏膜相比，SLUG 在犬口腔 SCC 组织中上调。此外，SLUG 的功能获得和功能丧失表明，SLUG 部分促成了细胞的迁移和侵袭，以及 EMT 标志物如波形蛋白和 SNAIL 的上调。因此，