The correlation between the expression of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2C and prostate cancer prognosis

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2023 Aug;149(9):6351-6360. doi: 10.1007/s00432-023-04611-7. Epub 2023 Feb 8.

Abstract

Purpose: Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) is known to show a causal relationship with cancer development and advancement. The role of UBE2C is to control the mitotic spindle checkpoint. Excess UBE2C has been identified in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The objective of the present study was to examine positive connections between the expression of UBE2C and prognostic factors for prostate cancer.

Methods: Prostate cancer patients' clinical data were analysed. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were also performed for human prostate cancer tissues (n = 335) and adjacent non-neoplastic tissues (n = 22). TMA slides were incubated with antibodies against UBE2C. Cores were scored by a pathologist who was blind to cancer results.

Results: Of 335 prostate cancer patients, 200 could be assessed for biochemical recurrence, clinical recurrence, and overall survival. Human prostate cancer tissues showed higher expression of UBE2C than adjacent non-neoplastic tissues. High expression level of UBE2C showed a strong positive relationship with a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason's score, and pathological stage of prostate cancer. Patients with a higher UBE2C grade demonstrated greater lymphatic engagement of prostate cancer than those with a lower UBE2C grade.

Conclusion: The expression of UBE2C has positive correlations with several prognostic factors for prostate cancer. Thus, investigating the expression level of UBE2C staining is a promising tool for predicting prostate cancer prognosis.

Keywords: Prognosis; Prostate cancer; UBE2C; Ubiquitin.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms*
  • Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes*

Substances

  • Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes