TRIM59 is required for mouse GC-1 cell maintenance through modulating the ubiquitination of AXIN1

Abstract

Tripartite motif-containing protein 59 (TRIM59) is a biomarker for multiple tumors with crucial roles. However, the specific role of TRIM59 in germ cells remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects and underlying regulatory mechanisms of TRIM59 on germ cells using the mouse spermatogonial cell line GC-1. Our results demonstrated that TRIM59 promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of GC-1 cells. Mechanistically, TRIM59 maintained GC-1 cell behaviors through ubiquitination of AXIN1 to activate β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, activation of β-catenin signaling reversed the effects mediated by Trim59 knockdown in GC-1 cells. Collectively, our study revealed a major role and regulatory mechanism of TRIM59 in GC-1 cells, which sheds new light on the molecular pathogenesis of defects in spermatogenesis and may provide therapeutic targets for treatment of male infertility.