NIPA-like domain containing 1 is a novel tumor-promoting factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: In our previous global gene expression analysis, we identified NIPA-like domain containing 1 (NIPAL1), which encodes a magnesium transporter, as one of the most overexpressed genes in recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Although has been NIPAL1 linked with gout pathogenesis, little is known about its expression and function in human malignancies.

METHODS: In this study, we examined NIPAL1 expression in 192 cases of OSCC by immunohistochemistry and performed a functional analysis of human OSCC cells.

RESULTS: NIPAL1 immunostaining was observed in 39 of 192 OSCC patients (20.3%). NIPAL1 expression correlated significantly with cancer cell intravsation (P = 0.0062), as well as with poorer disease-free survival in a Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.0001). Moreover, a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis revealed that NIPAL1 expression was an independent predictor of disease-free survival in OSCC (P < 0.0001). In a functional analysis, NIPAL1 regulated the growth and adhesion of OSCC tumor cells and endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that NIPAL1 might be a novel factor promoting OSCC tumorigenesis, as well as a useful molecular marker of OSCC.