Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3 inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth and regulates cell cycle progression via upregulating E2F transcription factor 1

Background The mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains high in developing countries. Interventions that can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells represent promising strategies in CRC treatment. Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3 (DTX3) plays an essential role in tumor development and may predict the outcome of cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of DTX3 in CRC progression. Methods and results The expression of DTX3 was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues relative to normal colorectal tissues. DTX3 overexpression inhibited, while DTX3 knockout promoted the colony-forming capacity and proliferation of CRC cells. E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) is a key mediator of cell cycle progression that participates in the progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance of CRC. Further analysis revealed that DTX3 regulated the transcriptional activity of E2F1 in CRC cells. The transcription by E2F1 was significantly reduced with the increase in the cellular level of DTX3, while DTX3 knockout exerted an opposite effect. DTX3 knockout also increased the expression of E2F1 target genes involved in cell cycle progression, CDC2 and Cyclin D3, while PD 0332991, an inhibitor of E2F1 transcription, inhibited the expression of both proteins. Conclusions In conclusion, DTX3 regulated CRC cell growth via regulating E2F1 and its downstream genes. These findings support further exploration of DTX3 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.