Overexpression of MARCKS indicates a poor prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) is a protein kinase C substrate functioning in different physiological and pathological mechanisms. Previous studies have suggested that MARCKS is capable of influencing tumorigenesis and progression. However, a limited number of studies are available regarding the role of MARCKS in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The present study primarily examined MARCKS expression in the OSCC tissues. Furthermore, increased expression of MARCKS was confirmed in the majority of OSCC tissues. Increased MARCKS expression was correlated with more advanced tumor stages, lymphatic metastasis and a poorer overall patient survival. Further molecular mechanistic examinations revealed that downregulated MARCKS expression inhibited the proliferation and migration of OSCC cells in vitro through interruption of MARCKS expression. In addition, the present study demonstrated that MARCKS aggravated OSCC progression via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. Accordingly, the present study considered MARCKS to be a promoter of OSCC tumorigenesis and progression, with the potential utility as a biomarker of a poor prognosis.