As a typical E3 ligase, tripartite motif-containing 65 (TRIM65), is implicated in the modulation of biological processes, such as metastasis, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the function of TRIM65 in prostate cancer (PCa) and its potential mechanism have not yet been excavated. In this work, we affirmed Tripartite motif-containing protein 65 (TRIM65) as a new oncogene in PCa, which accelerated PCa cell proliferation and impeded cell ferroptosis. In vivo, depletion of TRIM65 inhibited PCa tumorigenesis and metastasis. Mechanically, our findings uncovered that TRIM65 enhances NKD inhibitor of WNT signaling pathway 2 (NKD2) degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome signaling. TRIM65 facilitated proliferation and restricted ferroptosis via downregulating NKD2 levels. Moreover, TRIM65 activated the wingless-integrated/β-catenin pathway in PCa cells via inhibiting NKD2. Taken together, these data uncovered that TRIM65 controls PCa proliferation, and ferroptosis and regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling via directly targeting NKD2 for ubiquitination degradation. Our study provides insights into the multifaceted regulatory role of TRIM65 in the development of PCa, laying the foundation for exploring new therapeutic approaches.
Keywords: NKD2; TRIM65; Wnt/β-catenin signaling; ferroptosis; prostate cancer.