Ubiquitin B, Ubiquitin C, and β-Catenin as Promising Diagnostic and Prognostic Tools in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PC) is a major global public health concern, imposing a significant burden on men and ranking as the second most prevalent malignancy. This study delves into the intricate world of ubiquitination processes and expression regulation, with a specific focus on understanding the roles of ubiquitin B (UBB), ubiquitin C (UBC), and β-Catenin in PC development. We thoroughly analyze the expression profiles of UBB, UBC, and β-Catenin, investigating their interactions and associations with clinical and histopathological data. These findings offer valuable insights into their potential as robust prognostic markers and their significance for patient survival. Our research uncovers the upregulation of UBB and UBC expression in PC tissues, and an even more pronounced expression in lymph node metastases, highlighting their pivotal roles in PC progression. Moreover, we identify a compelling correlation between high UBB and UBC levels and diminished overall survival in PC patients, emphasizing their clinical relevance. Additionally, we observe a significant reduction in membranous β-Catenin expression in PC tissues. Importantly, abnormal β-Catenin expression is strongly associated with shorter survival in PC patients and serves as a significant, independent prognostic factor for patient outcomes. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicates that patients with tumors characterized by simultaneous UBB and aberrant β-Catenin expression exhibit the poorest overall survival. These collective insights underline the clinical importance of evaluating UBB, UBC, and β-Catenin as combined prognostic markers in PC.