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Detection of Aggregation-Prone Behavior in Mutant P53 V157F Breast Cancer Cells Using Multipoint Thioflavin T Fluorescence
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Detection of Aggregation-Prone Behavior in Mutant P53 V157F Breast Cancer Cells Using Multipoint Thioflavin T Fluorescence

Published on: December 30, 2025

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RING finger protein 31 promotes p53 degradation in breast cancer cells

J Zhu1, C Zhao1, T Zhuang1

  • 1Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Oncogene
|July 7, 2015
PubMed

Insights

RNF31, a protein elevated in breast cancer, destabilizes the tumor suppressor p53. Inhibiting RNF31 restores p53 activity, promoting cancer cell death and suggesting RNF31 as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • RNF31 (Ring Finger Protein 31) is an atypical E3 ubiquitin ligase.
  • Elevated RNF31 expression is observed in human breast cancer.
  • The role of RNF31 in breast cancer pathogenesis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of RNF31 in breast cancer.
  • To identify potential RNF31 targets in breast cancer cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which RNF31 regulates cancer cell survival and death.

Main Methods:

  • RNF31 depletion in breast cancer cells.
  • Global gene expression profiling.
  • Analysis of p53/MDM2 complex formation and protein stability.
  • Assessment of cell cycle progression and apoptosis.
  • Correlation analysis with clinical datasets.

Main Results:

  • RNF31 depletion revealed p53 signaling as a target.
  • RNF31 decreases p53 stability by stabilizing MDM2, promoting p53 polyubiquitination and degradation.
  • RNF31 inhibition leads to p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and cisplatin-induced apoptosis.
  • Clinical data show a negative correlation between RNF31 and p53 target genes (e.g., IGFBP3, BTG1).

Conclusions:

  • RNF31 regulates breast cancer cell death through p53 degradation.
  • RNF31 acts as an oncoprotein by inhibiting the tumor suppressor p53.
  • RNF31 represents a potential therapeutic target for restoring p53 function in breast cancer.

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