Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B promotes cervical cancer cell tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo

Cervical cancer (CC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in women, with limited therapeutic options for advanced-stage disease. Although Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B (ARPC1B) has been shown to play a role in multiple tumours, it is not yet well understood in cervical cancer. Our study has demonstrated that ARPC1B is an important contributor in CC progression. Bioinformatic analysis and tissue microarray (TMA) results revealed that ARPC1B is much more expressed in human cervical carcinoma tissues and positively correlates with poor prognosis. Through a series of in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we showed that ARPC1B plays a decisive role in the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Specifically, ARPC1B knockout suppresses the aforementioned malignant phenotypes, whereas its overexpression enhances them. We also proved that ARPC1B promotes tumorigenesis in xenograft models. These findings collectively establish ARPC1B as a novel oncogene in cervical cancer, indicating its potential role as both a biological prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for patients with cervical cancer.