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USP9X promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating beta-catenin

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Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the malignant tumors with highest mortality. The role of USP9X in the carcinogenesis of HCC has not yet been determined. In this study, USP9X was found significantly highly expressed in the intratumor tissues. Expression of intratumor USP9X was associated with tumor size and microvascular invasion while USP9X is independent risk factor of HCC disease-free survival and overall survival. In vitro studies revealed that knockdown of USP9X significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. Mechanically, USP9X promotes HCC cell proliferation by regulating the expression of beta-catenin. The results of the present study demonstrated that high expression of USP9X in intratumoral cells is associated with poor HCC prognosis, which may serve as a potential target for an adjuvant therapy.

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Abbreviations

HCC:

Hepatocellular carcinoma

USP9X:

Ubiquitin-specific protease 9, X chromosome

HBV/HCV:

Hepatitis B/C virus

NASH:

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

TGF:

Transforming growth factor

MAPK:

Mitogen-activated protein kinase

ERK:

Extracellular regulated protein kinases

ASK1:

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1

TCF/LEF:

T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor

AFP:

α-Fetoprotein

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Author notes

  1. Mei-yuan Chen and Zi-ping Li contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery, Weifang Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang, 262500, Shandong, China

    Mei-yuan Chen

  2. Department of Neurology, Weifang Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang, 262500, Shandong, China

    Zi-ping Li

  3. Department of Cardiology, Weifang Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang, 262500, Shandong, China

    Zhao-na Sun

  4. Department of Oncology, Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China

    Ming Ma

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  1. Mei-yuan Chen
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  4. Ming Ma
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Correspondence to Ming Ma.

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Chen, My., Li, Zp., Sun, Zn. et al. USP9X promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating beta-catenin. Ir J Med Sci 189, 865–871 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-020-02199-2

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