Published online Nov 14, 2018. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i42.4773
Peer-review started: August 8, 2018
First decision: August 24, 2018
Revised: September 3, 2018
Accepted: October 5, 2018
Article in press: October 5, 2018
Published online: November 14, 2018
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Although decreasing trends have been observed in GC incidence and mortality rates due to recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, the burden remains the highest in East Asia (especially in China). However, many GC patients are already at an inoperable advanced stage at diagnosis, which results in poor outcome. Thus, new therapeutic targets that may confer survival benefit are urgently needed in GC.
There are insufficient reports about the function and mechanism of ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 2 (Uba2) in GC migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and invasion.
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Uba2 in GC migration and invasion, and its underlying mechanism.
Uba2 expression was examined at the protein level by immunohistochemistry or Western blotting in tissues and cells. Correlations of Uba2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were also analyzed. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to examine the effects of Uba2 on GC migration and invasion. Western blotting and luciferase reporter assay were used to investigate the underlying mechanism.
The up-regulation of Uba2 expression was found in both GC tissues and cells. Knock-down of Uba2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and over-expression of Uba2 showed the opposite effects. Wnt/β-catenin signaling might be involved in the oncogenic function of Uba2.
The study shows that Uba2 is an enhancer of cell migration and invasion in GC, and the possible mechanism is via regulating the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Thus, Uba2 is expected to be an important oncoprotein and potential therapeutic target in GC.
The function and mechanism of Uba2 in GC development has been confirmed, and the significance of Uba2 as a promising therapeutic target for GC is highlighted.