Methylated tumor suppressor gene SCARA5 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: SCARA5 may play an important role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Materials & methods: PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression and promoter methylation of SCARA5 . Cell proliferation assays, spheroid culture, flow cytometry analysis, Transwell assays and xenotransplantation tests were utilized to determine the functional effects of SCARA5 . RNA-sequencing, western blotting, immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to assess SCARA5 -mediated outcomes. Results: SCARA5 was downregulated by promoter methylation. Overexpression of SCARA5 inhibited cell migration, invasion and proliferation. SCARA5 enhanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell sensitivity to chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. SCARA5 drives tumor apoptosis by downregulating HSPA2 . Conclusion: SCARA5 may be a useful clinical marker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.