Collagen type XI α1 facilitates head and neck squamous cell cancer growth and invasion

Background: Although it is well established that the extracellular matrix affects tumour progression, not much is known about the various components and their effect on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. Levels of collagen type XI alpha 1 (colXI alpha 1), a minor fibrillar collagen, have been shown to be increased in tumour compared with normal tissue in several cancers, including colorectal, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer. Currently, the functional significance of colXI alpha 1 is not understood. Methods: We examined the expression levels of colXI alpha 1 mRNA and elucidated the functional role of colXI alpha 1 in HNSCC. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were examined with and without colXI alpha 1 knockdown with siRNA in HNSCC cells. Results: Our data demonstrate that colXI alpha 1 expression is increased in tumour samples compared with levels in normal adjacent tissue in 16/23 HNSCC patients. In addition, col alpha 11 is increased in HNSCC cell lines compared with normal immortalised epithelial cells and is increased in tumour-derived fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts. Using an siRNA approach, we demonstrate that colXI alpha 1 contributes to proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSCC. Conclusion: Our cumulative findings suggest that colXI alpha 1 contributes to HNSCC tumorigenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target.