Divergent functions of master TFs in LUSC [RNA-seq]

To examine the essential role of these four TFs particularly the two novel ones KLF5 and GRHL2, we depleted individual factors with siRNA in a human LUSC cell line HCC95. The results consistently showed that cells deficient of any of these 4 factors except SOX2 were revealed with most prominent deficiency in epidermal cell development which is important features of LUSC development . Note that SOX2 is known also to play a primary role in neuron development, and the depletion indeed caused disturbance in regulation of nervous system development. The pathways involved in epidermal cell development involving regulating keratinization and epithelial-mesenchymal transition influencing tumor behavior, aggressiveness, and response to treatment.