PURPOSE:To explore the expression and biological functions of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 4(S1PR4)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).METHODS:The expression of S1PR4 in OSCC tissue samples and cell lines(WSU-HN4,WSU-HN6,CAL27,WSU-HN30)was analyzed by RT-qPCR,Western blot and IHC.The activity of S1PR4 was inhibited by S1PR4 antagonist(CYM50358),and the effect of CYM50358 on proliferation of OSCC cells was detected by CCK-8 and clonal formation assay.The effect of CYM500358 on apoptosis of OSCC cells was evaluated by flow cytometry.SPSS 23.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS:The transcription and expression of S1PR4 were up-regulated in OSCC.The activity of proliferation and clonality were decreased(P<0.05),while the per-centage of apoptotic cells was increased in CYM50358-treated OSCC cells(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:The expression of S1PR4 is up-regulated in OSCC.S1PR4 antagonist can significantly reduce viability and promote apoptosis of OSCC cells,and may be a potential indicator for treatment of OSCC.