To date, >650 E3
ubiquitin ligases have been described in humans, including >600 really interesting new genes (RINGs), 28 homologous to E6-associated
protein C-terminus (HECTs) and several RING-in-between-RINGs. They are considered key regulators and therapeutic targets of many types of human
cancers, including
gastric cancer (GC). Among them, some RING and HECT E3
ligases are closely related to the proliferation, infiltration and prognosis of GC. During the past few years, abnormal expressions and functions of many E3
ligases have been identified in GC. However, the functional roles of E3
ligases in GC have not been fully elucidated. The present article focuses on the functional roles of E3
ligases related to the
proteasome in GC. In this comprehensive review, the latest research progress on E3
ligases involved in GC and elaborate their structure, classification, functional roles and therapeutic value in GC was summarized. Finally, 30 E3
ligases that serve essential roles in regulating the development of GC were described. Some of these
ligases may serve as oncogenes or
tumor suppressors in GC, whereas the pathological mechanism of others needs further study; for example, constitutive photomorphogenic 1. In conclusion, the present review demonstrated that E3
ligases are crucial
tumor regulatory factors and potential therapeutic targets in GC. Therefore, more studies should focus on the therapeutic targeting of E3
ligases in GC.