The Y44 residue point mutation in CXCL14 reveals the significance of CXCL14 protein stability in anti-tumor activity

Abstract Objectives CXCL14, a member of the CXC chemokine family, plays a significant role in tumor development, progression, and metastasis, making it a potential target for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to investigate the impact of a point mutation in the ( 41 VSRYR 45 ) motif of CXCL14 on its anti-tumor activity. Methods Phylogenetic analysis, tertiary structure prediction, homology modeling, and cell culture experiments were employed to assess the effects of CXCL14 mutations on protein stability and anti-tumor activity. Phylogenetic analysis identified conserved regions critical for function, while computational tools predicted structural changes due to mutations. Homology modeling provided structural insights, and cell culture experiments involved transfecting HeLa cells with wild-type or mutant CXCL14 plasmids, assessing stability and anti-tumor effects. Additionally, in vivo, xenograft experiments using nude mice were conducted to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of CXCL14 variants. Results The conserved Y44 site within the ( 41 VSRYR 45 ) motif was identified as a key ubiquitination site. Mutations Y44V and Y44F enhanced CXCL14 stability, reducing HeLa cell proliferation and migration while increasing apoptosis. In vivo , tumor xenograft experiments confirmed the stronger inhibitory effect of these CXCL14 variants on tumor growth compared to the wild-type protein. Conclusion The Y44 site in CXCL14 is crucial for its stability and anti-tumor activity. Mutations Y44V and Y44F enhance CXCL14 stability and anti-tumor effects, suggesting that targeting this site could be a promising therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer.