Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C regulates apoptosis-dependent tumor progression of non-small cell lung cancer via ERK pathway.

The oncogenic role of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) had been identified in some types of human tumors, while the clinical and biological role of UBE2C in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still elusive. Here, we have determined the specific role of UBE2C in NSCLC. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used for detecting the mRNA level and protein level of UBE2C in NSCLC samples and cell lines, respectively. Lentivirus product was used to conduct loss of function assay. qRT-PCR array was employed to detect potential downstream genes regulated by UBE2C. As the result, UBE2C mRNA level was approximately threefold overexpression in NSCLC tissues compared with normal tissues, while a sharp change was detected at protein level. Overexpression of UBE2C in lung cancer samples was correlated with advanced pathological stage. UBE2C regulated cell growth in an apoptosis-dependent way. PCR Array analysis revealed that UBE2C regulated the expression of genes associated with tumor growth, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, UBE2C could regulate phospho-ERK1/2 level but not STAT3, YAP, or AKT pathway, which was accompanied with the classic function of ERK pathway in cell growth and apoptosis. In conclusion, our results indicated UBE2C might be a novel therapeutic target in NSCLC.