Background/objective Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that aerobic glycolysis serves as a regulator of tumor cell growth, invasion, and angiogenesis. Herein, we explored the role of protein disulfide isomerase family 6 (PDIA6) in the aerobic glycolysis and the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods The expression pattern of PDIA6 in OSCC tissues was determined by qPCR and western blotting. Lentivirus and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were introduced into cells to upregulate and downregulate PDIA6 expression. CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell, and xenotransplantation models were applied to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis, respectively. Results A high expression pattern of PDIA6 was observed in OSCC tissues, which was closely associated with lower overall survival and malignant clinical features in OSCC. Compared with the control group, overexpression of PDIA6 induced significant enhancements in cell growth, migration, invasiveness, and tumorigenesis and decreased cell apoptosis, while knockdown of PDIA6 caused opposite results. In addition, overexpression of PDIA6 increased glucose consumption, lactate production, and ATP level in OSCC cells. Conclusion This study demonstrated that PDIA6 expression was elevated in OSCC tissues, and overexpression of it promoted aerobic glycolysis and OSCC progression.

Background/Objective: Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that aerobic glycolysis serves as a regulator of tumor cell growth, invasion and angiogenesis. Herein, we explored the role of protein disulfide isomerase family 6 (PDIA6) in the aerobic glycolysis and the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: The expression pattern of PDIA6 in OSCC tissues was determined by qPCR and western blotting. Lentivirus and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were introduced into cells to upregulate and downregulate PDIA6 expression. CCK-8, flow cytometry, transwell and xenotransplantation models were applied to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis, respectively. Results: A high expression pattern of PDIA6 was observed in OSCC tissues, which was closely associated with lower overall survival and malignant clinical features in OSCC. Compared with the control group, overexpression of PDIA6 induced significant enhancements in cell growth, migration, invasiveness and tumorigenesis and decreased cell apoptosis, while knockdown of PDIA6 caused opposite results. In addition, overexpression of PDIA6 increased glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP level in OSCC cells.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PDIA6 expression was elevated in OSCC tissues, and overexpression of it promoted OSCC progression and aerobic glycolysis.