Effect of UBE2Q on BECN and CEA Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: Expression of UBE2Q1, UBE2Q2, and members of the ubiquitinconjugating enzyme family (E2) are affected in colorectal cancer (CRC). The BECN gene plays a key role in CRC cells. In gastrointestinal carcinoma therapy, tumorassociated antigens such as CEA are typically used.To investigate the association between UBE2Q1 and Beclin1 autophagy marker and CEA protein expression in LS180 CRC cell line. Materials and Methods: In this study, changes in the expression of BECN marker in LS180 cell lines with the vector containing UBE2Q1 were investigated using real-time PCR. The expression of CEA protein was also evaluated by western blotting. Statistical analyses were performed with Graph Pad Prism software. Results: The results indicated reduced expression of BECN autophagy marker (P=0). Therefore, in the presence of UBE2Q1, cancer cells have less ability to induce autophagy. However, CEA protein levels in LS180 transfected cells with a UBE2Q1- ORF-containing plasmid decreased when compared to non-transfected cells. Conclusion: The use of pharmacologic inhibitors related to the autophagy mechanism can be a novel approach in cancer therapy.