High expression of ring finger protein 115 contributes to the progression of colorectal cancer via WNT/β-catenin pathway

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with the second highest incidence among men and the third incidence among women. Objective To uncover the expression of RNF115 in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and cell lines, investigate its effects on CRC progression, and further explore the mechanisms. Results TCGA database showed the high transcript per million (TPM) in human CRC tissues and its relationship with poor prognosis. RNF115 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. RNF115 contributed to the growth of CRC cells via mediating cell cycle and colony formation. RNF115 knockdown also stimulated the apoptosis of CRC cells by increasing Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression levels. Mechanistically, RNF115 affected the proliferation and apoptosis via targeting WNT/β-catenin pathway in CRC cells. Conclusion RNF115 was highly expressed in human CRC tissues and cell lines and correlated with poor prognosis. RNF115 contributed to the growth of CRC cells via mediating cell cycle and colony formation, and also induced the apoptosis of CRC cells via targeting WNT/β-catenin pathway. RNF115 could serve as a target for CRC treatment.