# The enigma of the RING-UIM E3 ligases: its transformative impact on cancer research

## TL;DR

This review explores how RING-UIM E3 ligases influence cancer by modifying key proteins and signaling pathways.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse roles and mechanisms of RING-UIM E3 ligases in cancer.

## Key findings

- RING-UIM E3 ligases ubiquitinate oncogenes and tumor suppressors, affecting cancer signaling.
- Their functions vary across different cancer types, impacting immunity, inflammation, and DNA repair.
- The review highlights potential clinical applications of targeting these ligases in cancer therapy.

## Abstract

RING-UIM E3 ligases, a subfamily within the RING-type E3 ligases, comprise four members: RNF114, RNF125, RNF138, and RNF166. These ligases are crucial in various biological processes, including immunity, inflammation, epigenetics, and homologous recombination. Extensive research has demonstrated that RING-UIM E3 ligases fulfill specific biological roles in carcinogenesis by ubiquitinating critical oncogenes and tumor suppressors, thereby modulating various signaling pathways, differing their functions across distinct cancer contexts. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted roles of RING-UIM E3 ligases in human cancers, elucidates the molecular mechanisms underpinning their actions and regulatory effects on cancer cells, and explores their potential clinical applications.