TRIM37 promotes gallbladder cancer proliferation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via ubiquitination of Axin1

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is among the most lethal malignancies in the world, with a prognosis that is extremely poor. The results of previous studies suggest that tripartite motif containing 37 (TRIM37) contributes to the progression of numerous types of cancer. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about the molecular mechanisms and functions of TRIM37 in GBC. METHODS: A clinical significance assessment was conducted on TRIM37 following its detection by immunohistochemistry. In vitro and in vivo functional assays were performed to investigate the role of TRIM37 in GBC. RESULTS: In this study, TRIM37 is upregulated in GBC tissues, which is associated with decreased histological differentiation, advanced TNM stage, and shorter overall survival rates. In vitro, TRIM37 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, and in vivo, TRIM37 knockdown suppressed GBC growth. Contrary to this, cell proliferation is increased in GBC cells when overexpression of TRIM37 is expressed. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TRIM37 promotes GBC progression through activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway via degradation of Axin1. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that TRIM37 contributes to the development of GBC and thus provides an important biomarker for predicting GBC prognosis and an effective target for therapeutic intervention.