Abnormal expression of HAX-1 is associated with cellular proliferation and migration in human hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

HCLS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) is highly expressed or overexpressed in various types of human tumor, and its overexpression is associated with cancer metastasis and cellular proliferation. However, the precise molecular mechanism involved in HAX-1-associated proliferation and metastasis in hypopharyngeal carcinoma is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of HAX-1 in the metastasis and proliferation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blotting indicated that HAX-1 was overexpressed in hypopharyngeal carcinoma specimens. MTT, clone formation and transwell assays were performed to detect the effects of HAX-1 knockdown or overexpression on the major oncogenic properties of the FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line. Downregulation of HAX-1 was observed to significantly suppress cellular proliferation, migration and clonal. By contrast, overexpression of HAX-1 significantly promoted cellular proliferation, migration and clonal formation. Furthermore, HAX-1 knockdown markedly suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, HAX-1 is a potential oncogene, and may promote the tumorigenesis and progression of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, as well as serve as a valuable molecular target for the treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.