Function of Deubiquitinating Enzyme USP14 as Oncogene in Different Types of Cancer

Cell Physiol Biochem. 2016;38(3):993-1002. doi: 10.1159/000443051. Epub 2016 Mar 4.

Abstract

Background/aims: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues overexpress USP14, which promotes tumor cell proliferation and is associated with shorter overall survival time.

Methods: The expression of USP14 was assayed in many types of cancers. USP14 was up-and down-regulated using appropriate plasmid or lentiviral vector constructs and its effects on proliferation, cell colony number, and apoptosis rate were measured. A human NSCLC cell line was inoculated into nude mice and the survival rates were recorded.

Results: We found USP14 amplification and overexpression in many different cancers. The overexpression of USP14 in USP14 low-expression cell lines promoted cell proliferation and migration, whereas USP14 downregulation suppressed tumor cell proliferation, decreased tumor cell colony number, increased apoptosis rate, and decreased cell migration and invasion.

Conclusion: USP14 plays an oncogenic role in various types of cancer, and may thus represent a new cancer therapy target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Amplification
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / genetics*
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / metabolism*

Substances

  • USP14 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase