ADAM 10 is over expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma and contributes to invasive behaviour through a functional association with αvβ6 integrin.

A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) proteins are upregulated in cancer and can interact with integrin receptors. We investigated whether such interactions may have functional significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). ADAM 10 expression was increased in OSCC tissue and cell lines compared to normal oral mucosa. Silencing of ADAM 10 reduced migration and invasion specifically in OSCC cells over-expressing αvβ6 integrin. This may result from ADAM 10-induced up-regulation of MMPs. We conclude ADAM 10 may influence OSCC invasion by functionally interacting with αvβ6 integrin which we have previously shown is over expressed in OSCC.