Targeting KIF23 inhibits cell proliferation and primary chemoresistance in cervical cancer by inactivating the MYH9/MCM2/PCNA pathway

Cisplatin treatment induces KIF23 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. KIF23 recruits USP7, which removes the K48-linked ubiquitin chain of MYH9, thereby stabilising MYH9 and facilitating its nuclear transport. MYH9 recruits USP15, thereby stabilising MCM2, which, in turn, regulates the G1/S phase transition by binding to PCNA. Targeting the KIF23/MYH9/MCM2/PCNA axis sensitises cervical cancer cells to cisplatin.