Schwann Cell Ncam1 Drives Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Perineural Invasion

Salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) is a common malignant tumor of the salivary glands characterized by frequent perineural invasion (PNI), which significantly impacts patient prognosis. This study aims to elucidate the key molecular mechanisms of PNI in SACC and identify potential preoperative predictive biomarkers to optimize clinical management strategies. Approved by the Peking University School of Stomatology Ethics Committee, this study analyzed 10 SACC tissue samples (PNI-positive n=5, PNI-negative n=5).Neural markers (TH/ChAT/GFAP) were detected by immunofluorescence. Co-culture models were established using rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and Schwann cells (RSC96) with SACC cell lines (SACC-83/SACC-LM). Tumor behaviors were evaluated via CCK-8, Transwell, and wound healing assays. Integrated quantitative mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing were performed to identify key regulatory molecules. Stomatology Ethics Committee, this study analyzed 10 SACC tissue samples (PNI-positive n=5, PNI-negative n=5). Immunofluorescence staining (TH/ChAT/GFAP) was employed to identify neural components. Co-culture models were established using rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and Schwann cells (RSC96) with SACC cell lines (SACC-83/SACC-LM). Tumor cell behaviors were assessed through CCK-8 proliferation assays, Transwell invasion assays, and scratch wound healing assays. Integrated quantitative mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing were performed to identify key regulatory molecules. Schwann cell-secreted NCAM1 drives SACC perineural invasion via MAPK activation, serving as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for PNI.