Effects Of Bmp2 On Biological Behaviors In Oscc Cells

This study examined bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effects on the biological behavior of OSCC cells, along with potential underlying mechanisms. SCC9 cells were transfected in vitro with small interfering RNA targeting BMP2 (si-BMP2), a negative control sequence (si-NC), BMP2 plasmid, or empty plasmid (vector). After transfection, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays, colony formation, scratch wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot (WB) analyses were conducted to assess changes in SCC9 cell behavior in response to altered BMP2 expression and to explore relevant signaling pathways. BMP2 exhibits high-level expression in OSCC. When BMP2 is upregulated, it significantly promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SCC9 cells, while simultaneously inhibiting apoptosis and activating the Smad1/5 and p38 signaling pathways. In contrast, downregulation of BMP2 leads to an inhibitory effect on SCC9 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Instead, it promotes apoptosis and suppresses the Smad1/5 and p38 pathways. BMP2 is highly expressed in OSCC and may drive its progression through the BMP/Smad and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, indicating potential prognostic value and promise as a therapeutic target for small-molecule OSCC treatments