RNF115 aggravates tumor progression through regulation of CDK10 degradation in thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Background RING Finger Protein 115 (RNF115), a notable E3 ligase, is known to modulate tumorigenesis and metastasis. In our investigation, we endeavor to unravel the putative function and inherent mechanism through which RNF115 influences the evolution of thyroid carcinoma (THCA). Methods We analyzed RNF115 expression in THCA using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The influence of RNF115 on the progression of THCA was evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches. The protein regulated by RNF115 was identified through bioinformatics analysis, and its biological significance was further explored. Results In both THCA tissues and cells, RNF115 showed elevated expression levels. Enhanced expression of RNF115 fostered cell proliferation, tumor growth, and the exacerbation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in THCA, while also promoting tumor lung metastasis. Bioinformatics analysis identified cyclin-dependent kinase 10 (CDK10) as a downstream target of RNF115, which was found to be ubiquitinated and degraded by RNF115 in THCA cells. Functionally, overexpression of CDK10 was found to counteract the promotion of malignant phenotype in THCA induced by RNF115. From a mechanistic perspective, RNF115 activated the Raf-1 pathway and enhanced cancer cell cycle progression by degrading CDK10 in THCA cells. Conclusion RNF115 triggers cell proliferation, EMT, and tumor metastasis by ubiquitinating and degrading CDK10. The regulation of the Raf-1 pathway and cell cycle progression in THCA may be profoundly influenced by this process.

Ubiquitin-modifying enzymes in thyroid cancer：Mechanisms and functions

“…(carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein) CHIP was found to be up-regulated in thyroid cancer, which promotes proliferation and tumorigenesis by activating the MAPK pathway and down-regulating FOXO3a [ 127 ]. RNF115 is also upregulated in PTC, which ubiquitinates degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase 10 (CDK10), which then activates the Raf-1 pathway in PTC cells and promotes PTC cell proliferation and invasion [ 128 ].RNF150, on the other hand, was found to be under-expressed in thyroid cancer, which ubiquitylates degradation of apoptosis signal regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), inhibits p38 phosphorylation, and ultimately down-regulates proliferation and migration of thyroid cancer cells [ 129 ].…”