Fig. 6

UBQLN4 regulates proliferation and invasion of HCC cells through wnt-β-catenin pathway. a The Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) plot indicated a significant correlation between UBQLN4 and wnt-β-catenin pathway. b–e the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed the extensive positive correlation between UBQLN4 expression and Wnt pathway-related genes and stemness signature genes. f Dual luciferase assay demonstrating the effect on TOP/FOP reporter activity in Hep-G2 and SMMC-7721 cells transfected with shUBQLN4 and negative control. Results were normalized to a Renilla transfection control. g–i Expression change of β-catenin, CyclinD1, Axin2, Wnt5a and C-my in HCC cells and xenograft mouse models bearing tumors under condition of UBQLN4 suppression. j Showed UBQLN4 expression under different condition of negative control, shUBQLN4, vector plasmid, β-catenin plasmid or β-catenin plasmid and shUBQLN4. k Cell viability of SMMC-7721 cells under treatment of negative control, shUBQLN4, vector plasmid, β-catenin plasmid or β-catenin plasmid and shUBQLN4 in 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01