BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 7 is inversely associated with fibronectin expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 7 (BTBD7) and fibronectin (FN) expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) and the function of BTBD7 in proliferation, migration, and invasion of SACC cells. STUDY DESIGN: The BTBD7 and FN expression in SACC and nontumor salivary tissues as well as SACC cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The effect of BTBD7 silencing on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SACC-LM cells were determined by wound healing and transwell invasion assays. RESULTS: The percentages of SACC with positive BTBD7 expression were significantly higher than those of SACC with FN expression. BTBD7 silencing significantly increased the relative levels of FN expression and inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SACC-LM cells. CONCLUSIONS: The study data indicated that BTBD7 was inversely associated with FN expression in SACC. BTBD7 may inhibit FN expression, but it promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SACC-LM cells. Hence, BTBD7 may be associated with metastasis and a new therapeutic target for intervention of SACC.