βTrCP1 promotes SLC35F2 protein ubiquitination and inhibits cancer progression in HeLa cells

Abstract

The solute carrier family 35 F2 (SLC35F2) belongs to membrane-bound carrier proteins that are associated with multiple cancers. The main factor that determines cancer progression is the expression level of SLC35F2. Thus, identifying the E3 ligase that controls SLC35F2 protein abundance in cancer cells is critical. Here, we identified βTrCP1 interacting with and reducing the SLC35F2 protein level. βTrCP1 signals SLC35F2 protein ubiquitination and reduces SLC35F2 protein half-life. The mRNA expression pattern between βTrCP1 and SLC35F2 across a panel of cancer cell lines showed a negative correlation. Additionally, the depletion of βTrCP1 accumulated SLC35F2 protein and promoted SLC35F2-mediated cell growth, migration, invasion, and colony formation ability in HeLa cells. Overall, we demonstrate that βTrCP1 acts as a tumor suppressor by controlling SLC35F2 protein abundance in cancer cells. The depletion of βTrCP1 promotes SLC35F2-mediated carcinogenesis. Thus, we envision that βTrCP1 may be a potential target for cancer therapeutics.

Keywords: Post-translational modifications; Protein destabilization; Protein ubiquitination; Proteolysis; Wound healing.