Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism of regulation of invasion and metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma in head and neck (SCCHN) via epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated by AEG1 in vitro.MethodsLentivirusmediated AEG1 overexpression vector was used for upregulating the expression of AEG1 protein in SCCHN Tu686 cells. Wound healing assay, transwell chamber assay and Western blot were applied to examining the alteration of migration, invasion ability of Tu686 cells, and EMT molecular biomarkers (Ecadherin and Vimentin).ResultsOverexpression of AEG1 led to increase of both wound healing rate and number of cells penetrating transwell membrane, accompanied with downregulated expression of epithelial molecule Ecadherin and upregulated expression of mesenchymal molecule Vimentin.ConclusionsAEG1 overexpression can greatly enhance the migration and invasion ability of SCCHN cells in vitro, which may be associated with EMT changes mediated by AEG1.