Von Willebrand factor C and EGF domain-containing protein (VWCE) (VWCE)

Von Willebrand factor C and EGF domain-containing protein (VWCE), commonly referred to as Upregulated gene 11 (URG11), is a protein initially identified as being significantly induced by the Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBxAg) [1, 10]. Structurally, it is a 70–99 kDa protein containing multiple von Willebrand factor type C (VWC) modules and a C-type lectin domain, which are typically involved in cell adhesion, matrix interaction, and signal transduction [1, 4, 5]. VWCE primarily functions as an oncogenic factor that promotes proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in various malignancies, including hepatocellular, gastric, and lung cancers, by acting as an upstream activator of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway [1, 4, 6]. Recent research suggests its role may be context-dependent, as it has also been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by regulating mTORC1 and WDR1 signaling [2, 15, 16]. Additionally, VWCE is implicated in the pathogenesis of non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway [3, 11]. Although VWCE is recognized as a potential therapeutic target, particularly for virus-associated cancers and hyperplasia, there are currently no specific small-molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies approved for clinical use.

Other names

URG11Upregulated gene 11HBV X protein up-regulated gene 11 proteinHBxAg up-regulated gene 11 proteinVWC1

Regulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway