Ube2S regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promotes the progression of non-small cell lung cancer

Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2S (Ube2S) plays important roles in cancer development in some malignant tumors. However, the functions and related molecular network of Ube2S in non-small cell lung cancer are not fully understood. In the current study, we examined the expression of Ube2S in non-small cell lung cancer and its clinicopathological significance. We also investigated the molecules and pathways regulated by Ube2S. An immunostaining study showed that the positive rate of Ube2s expression in lung cancer tissues was higher than that in normal lung tissues (p < 0.05). Upregulated Ube2S expression in cancer tissues significantly correlated with clinical progression (TNM III versus I + II), lymph node metastasis, and shorter survival time of the patients (p < 0.05). When Ube2S was overexpressed in A549 cells, the abilities of these cells to proliferate and migrate were increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, Ube2S significantly upregulated the expression of β-catenin, cyclin D1, and MMP7 (novel molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and the activity of this pathway (p < 0.05). In addition, a Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor effectively abolished the function of Ube2S. These results indicate that Ube2S may be a novel marker contributing to lung cancer development, possibly through regulating canonical Wnt signaling.