SOX 1, contrary to SOX 2, suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box protein 1 (SOX 1) has been reported to have the inhibiting effects on various cancer cells; however, the expression and effect of SOX 1 on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have not been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the anti-proliferation and metastatic effects of SOX 1 and its related mechanisms on LSCC. According to our present study, first, we found that overexpression of SOX 1 could significantly inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in Tu212 cells. Additionally, overexpression of SOX 1 suppressed the migration and invasion potential of Tu212 cells via regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Finally, we demonstrated for the first time that overexpression of SOX 1 could downregulate the expression of SOX 2, and co-expression of SOX 1 and SOX 2 could reverse the anti-tumor effect of SOX 1. In conclusion, our studies suggested that SOX 1 suppressed cell growth and invasion in Tu212 cells by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the anti-tumor effect of SOX 1 could be weakened by SOX 2, which may be a potential molecular basis for clinical treatment of LSCC.