Knockdown of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 14 (USP14) Inhibits the Proliferation and Tumorigenesis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), one of three proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), plays an essential role in the development of human carcinoma. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of USP14 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is unknown. In the current study, we investigated the expression and role of USP14 in ESCC. Our results showed that the level of USP14 was significantly increased in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of USP14 significantly inhibited ESCC cell proliferation and ESCC tumor growth in nude mice. Downregulation of USP14 also suppressed the migration/invasion in ESCC cells. Mechanically, downregulation of USP14 decreased the protein expression levels of β-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in ESCC cells. In conclusion, our study shows that USP14 plays an important role in the progression and metastasis of ESCC. Therefore, these data suggest that USP14 may be a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ESCC.