RNF6 as an Oncogene and Potential Therapeutic Target-A Review.

Paweł Zapolnik,Antoni Pyrkosz

doi:10.3390/biotech9040022

Abstract

The RNF6 gene encodes Ring Finger Protein 6 (RNF6), which functions as a ubiquitin ligase. Its functions are not entirely known, but research shows that it is involved in human cancer development. Initially, this gene was considered to be a tumor suppressor. Numerous statistical analyses on cell lines and animals indicate, however, that RNF6 functions as an oncogene, involved in signaling pathways, including SHP1/STAT3, AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, or ERα/Bcl-xL. Due to this fact, it has become a potential prognostic factor and therapeutic target. Studies in tumor cells and model organisms using inhibitors such as total saponins from Paris forrestii (TSPf), ellagic acid, or microRNA molecules show the effectiveness of inhibiting RNF6, and through it, the pathways of tumor cell proliferation. The results of the currently available studies are promising, but the function of RNF6 is not fully understood. More research is needed to assess the role of RNF6 and to check the safety and efficacy of inhibitors.

Highlights

The RNF6 encodes Ring Finger Protein 6 (RNF6), an E3 ubiquitin ligase
RNF6 consists of 685 amino acids; has a coiled-coil domain on the N-terminus; and has a RING-H2 finger domain on the C-terminus, which is responsible for a ubiquitin ligase activity [1]
There are reports that the RNF6 can be considered a prognostic factor in some neoplasms [6,9]

Summary

Introduction

The RNF6 encodes Ring Finger Protein 6 (RNF6), an E3 ubiquitin ligase. RNF6 consists of 685 amino acids; has a coiled-coil domain on the N-terminus; and has a RING-H2 finger domain on the C-terminus, which is responsible for a ubiquitin ligase activity [1]. There are reports that the RNF6 can be considered a prognostic factor in some neoplasms [6,9]. Research is currently conducted with various RNF6 expression inhibitors or compounds that inhibit the activation of RNF6 protein-dependent signaling pathways [10,11,12,13]. Current studies may provide new therapeutic possibilities. It seems essential to know the exact function of this protein and determine all possible ways to influence it

RNF6 Functions

RNF6 as a Tumor Suppressor Gene

RNF6 as an Oncogene

Findings

Challenges and Perspectives