UBR5 gene is a tumor-related gene that has attracted much attention in recent years. So far, it has been found to affect the biological behavior of tumors in many aspects such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis regulation, tumor suppressor gene regulation, invasion and metastasis regulation. UBR5 was also found to be associated with chemotherapy sensitivity and prognosis of patients with various cancers. The TCGA database shows that UBR5 is abnormally expressed in many cancer types and is related to the biological behavior of tumors, but its specific mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated. With further investigation into the UBR5 gene, the knowledge about its regulatory mechanism in cancer will become increasingly clear, which will provide more information with regard to molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy of cancers, as well as prognostic assessment for patients. Here, the authors based on review of the latest studies at home and abroad address the UBR5 in terms of its gene structure and physiological function, and its regulatory effects and predictive value in tumor.