Transcriptomic changes in human SCC-25 Parental and RARG knockout cells in response to 6h and 48h treatments with RARγ agonists CD1530 or all-trans retinoic acid (RA).

Vitamin A (retinol) metabolism and signaling through nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs α,β,γ) regulate embryonic development, immune functions, and cell differentiation in most cell types. RAR gamma (RARγ) is highly expressed in stratified squamous epithelial cells of the tongue, esophagus, and skin. While data indicate that RARγ agonism is anti-tumorigenic in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), the specific, primary gene targets of RARγ remain poorly characterized. Here, we define the transcriptomic consequences of RARγ activity in OCSCC. Using a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) of RARγ and pharmacological treatments with RAR agonists, we identified RARγ-specific gene targets and pathways, as well as targets that overlap with other RA-responsive nuclear receptors.