Knockdown of RNF6 Inhibits Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells Growth by Suppressing the MAPK/ERK Signaling

Background: Given its crucial role in human malignancies, how Ring finger protein 6 (RNF6) functions in cervical cancer has yet to be elucidated. In our research, we explored the biological significance of RNF6 in cervical cancer HeLa cells and its possible regulatory mechanism. Methods The expression levels of RNF6 mRNA and protein in cervical cancer tissues and cells were both analyzed, the former by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and the latter by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry assays. In vitro cell proliferation was tested through MTT assay and flow cytometer was used to detected Cell apoptosis. The activation of ERK(extracellular signal regulated kinase) was explored by Western Blot. Results In the present research, we found that the expression of RNF6 was high in both primary tissues and cervical cancer cells. RNF6 could promote cervical cancer HeLa cells growth. Once knockdown of RNF6 in cervical cancer cells, cell proliferation could be suppressed and cell apoptosis was promoted. Moreover, its elevation had an adverse effect on the prognosis of cervical cancer. Further studies showed that ERK activation is one of the potential mechanisms. Conclusion These findings provided evidence that the up-regulated RNF6 could activate the MAPK/ERK pathway to regulate the cell growth in cervical cancer, which suggested that RNF6 could be a promising target for diagnosis and treatment for cervical cancer.