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Commentary

Transcription factors: a potential therapeutic target in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    Jayanthi Pazhani

    Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine & Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India

    Professor, Azeezia College of Dental Sciences, Kollam, Kerala

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    ,
    Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: vishnupriya@saveetha.com

    Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine & Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India

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    &
    Selvaraj Jayaraman

    **Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: selvarajj.sdc@saveetha.com

    Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine & Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India

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    Published Online:28 Mar 2023https://doi.org/10.2217/epi-2023-0046

    Abstract

    Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathological type of head and neck cancer; it often spreads to and involves the cervical lymph nodes. The tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a multistep process mediated by various transcription factors involved in progression and metastasis. Alterations in transcription factors such as FOSL1, YY1, FOXD1 and NF-κB have been associated with increased cell proliferation, cell migration and poor survival rates in patients with HNSCC. Stimulation of the NF-κB pathway results in transcriptional activation of other target genes associated with cell survival and proliferation. Understanding these molecular mechanisms will helps us develop new treatment strategies that target these transcription factors and may eventually decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with HNSCC.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest

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