WWP1 gene is a potential molecular target of human oral cancer

Objective. This study investigates the oncogenic role of WWP1, an ubiquitin ligase linked to tumor promotion, in oral cancer. Study design. An array-based comparative genomic hybridization was used to detect chromosomal changes in 10 oral cancer specimens. An additional 59 specimens and 6 cultured oral cancer cells were further examined to evaluate changes in the DNA copy number and messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of WWP1. Results. The copy number of the WWP1 gene and its mRNA levels were significantly increased in the oral cancer specimens. An elevated WWP1 gene expression was observed in 6 cultured oral cancer cell lines. Knockdown of the endogenous WWP1 using small hairpin RNA further showed that deficiency of WWP1 suppressed cell growth and caused apoptosis in oral cancer cells. Conclusion. Our results reveal that WWP1 might play an oncogenic role in oral cancer cells.