Identification of CCT3 as a prognostic factor and correlates with cell survival and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Recurrent locally advanced or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with dismal prognosis because of its highly invasive behavior and resistance to conventional intensive chemotherapy. The identification of effective markers for early diagnosis and prognosis is important for reducing mortality and ensuring that therapy for HNSCC is effective. Chaperonin-containing TCP-1 3 (CCT3) folds cancer-related proteins to control carcinogenesis. The prognostic value and growth association of CCT3 and HNSCC remain unknown.

Methods: The GEO, Oncomine and UALCAN databases were used to examine CCT3 expression in HNSCC. A few clinical HNSCC samples with normal tissues were used to detect CCT3 expression by using immunohistochemistry method. The TCGA-HNSC dataset was used to evaluate the association between expression of CCT3 and prognosis. The molecular mechanism was investigated with gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). CCK-8 and wound healing assays were used to detect cell growth and invasion of HNSCC, respectively.

Results: CCT3 expression was significantly up-regulated in HNSCC in both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, up-regulated CCT3 expression was associated with various clinicopathological parameters. High expression of CCT3 was significantly correlated with inferior survival of HNSCC patients. Knockdown of CCT3 significantly inhibited cell growth and invasion of HNSCC cell lines. GSEA analysis indicated that CCT3 was closely correlated with tumor-related signaling pathways and HNSCC cell survival.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CCT3 is a biomarker of poor prognosis and related to the process of HNSCC.