RHOJ-induced chemotherapy resistance through epithelial–mesenchymal transition in drug-tolerant persister cells of head and neck cancer

RHOJ plays a critical role in modulating immunosuppressive signaling in both tumor and endothelial cells. RHOJ promotes the function of tumor-associated endothelial cells and drives EMT through its interaction with the IPO9/EpCAM signaling pathway, thereby increasing cell survival and drug resistance. Additionally, RHOJ may limit immune cell infiltration into the tumor core and promote immune evasion by contributing to vascular abnormalities and impaired barrier function.