Background：The HOX family transcription factor HOXB9 is a crucial element in the progression of various cancers. In the previous study conducted by the investigators, a drastically higher HOXB9 expression was reported in laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC), when compared to adjacent normal laryngeal squamous tissues. Furthermore, a high level of HOXB9 was closely correlated with histological grade and overall survival in LSCC patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.
Results: The present study explored the molecular mechanisms of HOXB9 in LSCC progression. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the gene knockout of HOXB9 using the CRISPR/CAS9 system inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Mechanistic studies in LSCC cell lines and human LSCC specimens demonstrated that HOXB9 promotes LSCC progression by directly upregulating the MMP12 expression at the level of its transcription.
Conclusions: Collectively, the present study is the first to demonstrate the role of HOXB9 in the regulation of LSCC progression by enhancing the upregulation of MMP12.