RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Regulation of Multicellular Spheroids by MAPK and FYN Kinase JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 3833 OP 3838 VO 36 IS 8 A1 CASEY LEE A1 DANIEL M. RAMOS YR 2016 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/36/8/3833.abstract AB Understanding of the biology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has not progressed significantly in the past 60 years, with 5-year survival remaining at approximately 50%. The epidemic of Human Papilloma Virus and its associated SCC warrants a renewed emphasis on fully understanding this disease. We previously used the 3-dimensional multicellular spheroid (MCS) model system to evaluate SCC behavior more accurately. In this study, we determined that SCC growth in MCS approximates epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Organization of an MCS requires the full-length β6 integrin subunit and its maintenance requires mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Limiting FYN kinase activation results in the down-regulation of E-cadherin, β-catenin and an increase in expression of N-cadherin and SNAIL. These results indicate that the microenvironment and growth patterns in an MCS are complex and require MAPK and FYN kinase.