TMEM48 promotes cell proliferation and invasion in cervical cancer via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs), spanning the entire width of lipid bilayers and anchored to them permanently, exist in diverse cell types to implement a series of essential physiological functions. Recently, TMEM48, a member of the TMEM family, has been demonstrated to be closely associated with tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the specific role of TMEM48 in cervical cancer (CC). This study aimed to investigate the biological functions of TMEM48 in CC. The CCK-8 assay was performed to detect CC cell proliferation. The wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to measure cell migration and invasion, respectively. The levels of TMEM48, β-catenin, T cell factor 1(TCF1) and axis formation inhibitor 2 (AXIN2) were examined by the western blot analysis. Xenograft models were established for the tumorigenesis assay in vivo. The results showed that TMEM48 was overexpressed in CC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of TMEM48 significantly inhibited CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed CC cell growth in vivo. In addition, the investigation on the molecular mechanisms indicated that TMEM48 down-regulation remarkably decreased the protein levels of β-catenin, TCF1 and AXIN2 in CC cells and TMEM48 exerted its promoting effect on CC progression via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, our study suggested TMEM48 as a promising therapeutic target for CC treatment.