Wsb2, also known as WD repeat and SOCS box containing protein 2, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase. It is involved in multiple cellular processes. It can target proteins for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, thereby regulating various signaling pathways. It has been associated with pathways like IGFBP3-AKT-mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB, and is of great importance in tumorigenesis and other biological processes [1,2,3].

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), elevated Wsb2 expression degrades p53 through promoting K48-linked p53 polyubiquitination at Lys291 and Lys292 sites, leading to p53 proteasomal degradation. This in turn activates the IGFBP3-AKT/mTOR-dependent pathway, driving HCC tumorigenesis and lung metastasis [1]. In melanoma cells, knockdown of Wsb2 inhibits cell proliferation, cycle progression, and migration. It also decreases the levels of c-Myc, β-catenin, p-Rb, CDK4, and Cyclin D3 proteins [4].

In conclusion, Wsb2 is a key regulator in multiple biological processes, especially in tumor-related pathways. The findings from loss-of-function experiments in cells and in vivo studies (such as xenograft models) demonstrate its role in promoting tumorigenesis in HCC and melanoma, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in these diseases [1,4].