Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is characterized by fibrous gingival hyperplasia and increased gingival volume. DIGO is histologically associated with proliferation of cells and deposition of extracellular matrices, particularly collagen. Integrin α2β1 is related to collagen phagocytosis and involved in the occurrence and progression of DIGO. This paper reviews the progress of research on the relationship between integrin α2β1 and DIGO.
Collagen ; Gingiva ; Gingival Overgrowth ; Humans ; Integrin alpha2beta1 ; Phagocytosis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a high incidence of metastasis. Tumour immunotherapy targeting PD-L1 or PD-1 has been revolutionary; however, only a few patients with OSCC respond to this treatment. Therefore, it is essential to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth and metastasis of OSCC. In this study, we analysed the expression levels of protein kinase D3 (PKD3) and PD-L1 and their correlation with the expression of mesenchymal and epithelial markers. We found that the expression of PKD3 and PD-L1 in OSCC cells and tissues was significantly increased, which correlated positively with that of mesenchymal markers but negatively with that of epithelial markers. Silencing PKD3 significantly inhibited the growth, metastasis and invasion of OSCC cells, while its overexpression promoted these processes. Our further analyses revealed that there was positive feedback regulation between PKD3 and PD-L1, which could drive EMT of OSCC cells via the ERK/STAT1/3 pathway, thereby promoting tumour growth and metastasis. Furthermore, silencing PKD3 significantly inhibited the expression of PD-L1, and lymph node metastasis of OSCC was investigated with a mouse footpad xenograft model. Thus, our findings provide a theoretical basis for targeting PKD3 as an alternative method to block EMT for regulating PD-L1 expression and inhibiting OSCC growth and metastasis.
Animals ; B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Feedback ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Mice ; Mouth Neoplasms ; Protein Kinase C ; STAT1 Transcription Factor ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck