Ring Finger Protein 38 Induces Colorectal Cancer Proliferation by Activating the Phosphatidyl- Inositol 3-Kinase/Serine-Threonine Kinase Signaling

Previous studies have identified that ring finger protein 38 (RNF38) induces proliferative potential in many types of tumors. However, its functions in colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory effects of RNF38 on CRC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Expression pattern and prognostic potential of RNF38 in clinically collected CRC cases were analyzed. After intervening RNF38 levels in SW480 and HT29 cells, viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis were examined. Subsequently, we generated RNF38 overexpressed transgenic mice and xenograft model in nude mice. in vivo regulation of RNF38 on CRC proliferation was assessed. RNF38 was upregulated in CRC tissues. Overexpression of RNF38 stimulated proliferative ability and inhibited apoptosis in CRC cells. In addition, in vivo overexpression of RNF38 triggered tumor growth of CRC in nude mice. Silence of RNF38 markedly suppressed in vivo proliferation of CRC and induced apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling.