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Bian S, Ni W, Zhou L, Tong Y, Dai C, Zhao X, Qiang Y, Gao J, Xiao Y, Liu W, Chen C, Lin S, Gong J, Zhao S, Chen Y, Lin Z, Liu D, Zhao H, Zheng W. Ubiquitin-specific protease 1 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating mitochondrial fission and metabolic reprogramming via cyclin-dependent kinase 5 stabilization. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:1202-1218. [PMID: 39009653 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Although deubiquitinases (DUBs) have been well described in liver tumorigenesis, their potential roles and mechanisms have not been fully understood. In this study, we identified ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) as an oncogene with essential roles during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. USP1, with elevated expression levels and clinical significance, was identified as a hub DUB for HCC in multiple bioinformatics datasets. Functionally, USP1 overexpression significantly enhanced the malignant behaviors in HCC cell lines and spheroids in vitro, as well as the zebrafish model and the xenograft model in vivo. In contrast, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of USP1 dramatically impaired the phenotypes of HCC cells. Specifically, ectopic USP1 enhanced aggressive properties and metabolic reprogramming of HCC cells by modulating mitochondrial dynamics. Mechanistically, USP1 induced mitochondrial fission by enhancing phosphorylation of Drp1 at Ser616 via deubiquitination and stabilization of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), which could be degraded by the E3 ligase NEDD4L. The USP1/CDK5 modulatory axis was activated in HCC tissues, which was correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Furthermore, Prasugrel was identified as a candidate USP1 inhibitor for targeting the phenotypes of HCC by an extensive computational study combined with experimental validations. Taken together, USP1 induced malignant phenotypes and metabolic reprogramming by modulating mitochondrial dynamics in a CDK5-mediated Drp1 phosphorylation manner, thereby deteriorating HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiyan Bian
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wenkai Ni
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Linlin Zhou
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yun Tong
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chengchen Dai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuying Zhao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuwei Qiang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yifu Xiao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Changsheng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shengli Lin
- Endoscopy Center and Endoscopy Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fudan Zhangjiang Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianing Gong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suming Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yinqi Chen
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhaoyi Lin
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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Zhao B, Luo J, Wang H, Li Y, Li D, Bi X. In vivo RNAi screening identifies multiple deubiquitinases required for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis in Drosophila. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 172:104162. [PMID: 39067716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are essential for the maintenance of protein homeostasis and assembly of proteins into functional complexes. Despite growing interest in DUBs biological functions, the roles of DUBs in regulating intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and gut homeostasis remain largely unknown. Here, we perform an in vivo RNAi screen through induced knock-down of DUBs expression in adult midgut ISCs and enteroblasts (EBs) to identify DUB regulators of intestinal homeostasis in Drosophila. We screen 43 DUBs and identify 8 DUBs that are required for ISCs homeostasis. Knocking-down of usp1, CG7857, usp5, rpn8, usp10 and csn5 decreases the number of ISCs/EBs, while knocking-down of CG4968 and usp8 increases the number of ISCs/EBs. Moreover, knock-down of usp1, CG4968, CG7857, or rpn8 in ISCs/EBs disrupts the intestinal barrier integrity and shortens the lifespan, indicating the requirement of these DUBs for the maintenance of gut homeostasis. Furthermore, we provide evidences that USP1 mediates ISC lineage differentiation via modulating the Notch signaling activity. Our study identifies, for the first time, the deubiquitinases required for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis in Drosophila, and provide new insights into the functional links between the DUBs and intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyu Zhao
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jing Luo
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Basic Medical Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yuanxin Li
- College of Basic Medical Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Dong Li
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Xiaolin Bi
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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Zhang G, Li J, Li G, Zhang J, Yang Z, Yang L, Jiang S, Wang J. Strategies for treating the cold tumors of cholangiocarcinoma: core concepts and future directions. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:193. [PMID: 39141161 PMCID: PMC11324771 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare type of digestive tract cancer originating from the epithelial cells of the liver and biliary tract. Current treatment modalities for CCA, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have demonstrated limited efficacy in enhancing survival rates. Despite the revolutionary potential of immunotherapy in cancer management, its application in CCA remains restricted due to the minimal infiltration of immune cells in these tumors, rendering them cold and unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Cancer cells within cold tumors deploy various mechanisms for evading immune attack, thus impeding clinical management. Recently, combination immunotherapy has become increasingly essential to comprehend the mechanisms underlying cold tumors to enhance a deficient antitumor immune response. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the knowledge on the combination immunotherapy of cold CCA is imperative to leverage the benefits of immunotherapy in treating patients. Moreover, gut microbiota plays an essential role in the immunotherapeutic responses in CCA. In this review, we summarize the current concepts of immunotherapy in CCA and clarify the intricate dynamics within the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of CCA. We also delve into the evasion mechanisms employed by CCA tumors against the anti-tumor immune responses. The context of combination immunotherapies in igniting cold tumors of CCA and the critical function of gut microbiota in prompting immune responses have also been annotated. Furthermore, we have proposed future directions in the realm of CCA immunotherapy, aiming to improve the clinical prognosis of CCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuanBo Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - JinSong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - ShiJie Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - JiaXing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Vascular Surgery, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Samuel VP, Moglad E, Afzal M, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Ali H, Almujri SS, Abida, Imran M, Gupta G, Chinni SV, Tiwari A. Exploring Ubiquitin-specific proteases as therapeutic targets in Glioblastoma. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155443. [PMID: 38981348 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) remains a formidable challenge and requires new treatment strategies. The vital part of the Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in cellular regulation has positioned it as a potentially crucial target in GB treatment, given its dysregulation oncolines. The Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) in the UPS system were considered due to the garden role in the cellular processes associated with oncolines and their vital function in the apoptotic process, cell cycle regulation, and autophagy. The article provides a comprehensive summary of the evidence base for targeting USPs as potential factors for neoplasm treatment. The review considers the participation of the UPS system in the development, resulting in the importance of p53, Rb, and NF-κB, and evaluates specific goals for therapeutic administration using midnight proteasomal inhibitors and small molecule antagonists of E1 and E2 enzymes. Despite the slowed rate of drug creation, recent therapeutic discoveries based on USP system dynamics hold promise for specialized therapies. The review concludes with an analysis of future wanderers and the feasible effects of targeting USPs on personalized GB therapies, which can improve patient hydration in this current and unattractive therapeutic landscape. The manuscript emphasizes the possibility of USP oncogene therapy as a promising alternative treatment line for GB. It stresses the direct creation of research on the medical effectiveness of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Paul Samuel
- Department of Anatomy, RAK College of Medicine, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates
| | - Ehssan Moglad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haider Ali
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; Department of Pharmacology, Kyrgyz State Medical College, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Salem Salman Almujri
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Aseer 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abida
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Research Impact & Outcome-Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Suresh V Chinni
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience, and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
| | - Abhishek Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Academy, IFTM University, Lodhipur-Rajpur, Moradabad 244102, India.
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Lee CW, Chen HY, Tsai PH, Lee WC, Wang CC, Yu MC, Chen CW, Lin PT, Chen BH, Wang SF, Chai PM, Tsai HI. Does autoimmune disease impair the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing liver resection? A multi-institutional observational study. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:354. [PMID: 39031214 PMCID: PMC11271344 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05885-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with autoimmune diseases (AD) generally carry an increased risk of developing cancer. However, the effect of AD in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving surgical treatment is uncertain. The present study aimed to investigate the potential influence of AD on the survival of HCC patients undergoing hepatectomies. METHODS Operated HCC patients were identified from the Chang Gung Research Database, and the survival outcomes of HCC patients with or without AD were analyzed ad compared. Cox regression model was performed to identify significant risk factors associated with disease recurrence and mortality. RESULTS From 2002 to 2018, a total of 5532 patients underwent hepatectomy for their HCC. Among them, 229 patients were identified to have AD and 5303 were not. After excluding cases who died within 30 days of surgery, the estimated median overall survival (OS) was 43.8 months in the AD (+) group and 47.4 months in the AD (-) group (P = 0.367). The median liver-specific survival and disease-free survival (DFS) were also comparable between the two groups. After Cox regression multivariate analysis, the presence of AD did not lead to a higher risk of all-cause mortality, liver-specific mortality, or disease recurrence. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that autoimmune disease does not impair the OS and DFS of HCC patients undergoing liver resections. AD itself is not a risk factor for tumor recurrence after surgery. Patients eligible for liver resections, as a result, should be considered for surgery irrespective of the presence of AD. Further studies are mandatory to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Wei Lee
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Yu Chen
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Chinese Internal Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taoyuan Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Han Tsai
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, Tu-Cheng, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Lee
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chi Wang
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chin Yu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, New Taipei Municipal Tu-Cheng Hospital (Built and Operated by Chang Gung Medical Foundation), Tu-Cheng, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ting Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Huan Chen
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Fu Wang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Mei Chai
- Department of Nursing, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-I Tsai
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Guishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fuxing St., Guishan Dist., 33305, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Jin X, Huang CX, Tian Y. The multifaceted perspectives on the regulation of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma ferroptosis: from bench-to-bedside. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 38960924 PMCID: PMC11222271 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite being characterized by high malignancy, high morbidity, and low survival rates, the underlying mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death, possesses distinct morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics compared to other types of cell death. Dysregulated actions within the molecular network that regulates ferroptosis have been identified as significant contributors to the progression of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as influential contributors to diverse cellular processes, regulating gene function and expression through multiple mechanistic pathways. An increasing body of evidence indicates that deregulated lncRNAs are implicated in regulating malignant events such as cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and metabolism by influencing ferroptosis in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the inherent role of ferroptosis and the modulatory functions of lncRNAs on ferroptosis in HCC might promote the development of novel therapeutic interventions for this disease. This review provides a succinct overview of the roles of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in HCC progression and treatment, aiming to drive the development of promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China
| | - Chun Xia Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fengdu People's Hospital, Fengdu County, Chongqing, 408200, China.
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Foster BM, Wang Z, Schmidt CK. DoUBLing up: ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteases in genome stability. Biochem J 2024; 481:515-545. [PMID: 38572758 PMCID: PMC11088880 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining stability of the genome requires dedicated DNA repair and signalling processes that are essential for the faithful duplication and propagation of chromosomes. These DNA damage response (DDR) mechanisms counteract the potentially mutagenic impact of daily genotoxic stresses from both exogenous and endogenous sources. Inherent to these DNA repair pathways is the activity of protein factors that instigate repair processes in response to DNA lesions. The regulation, coordination, and orchestration of these DDR factors is carried out, in a large part, by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, and modification with ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs). The importance of ubiquitylation and UBLylation with SUMO in DNA repair is well established, with the modified targets and downstream signalling consequences relatively well characterised. However, the role of dedicated erasers for ubiquitin and UBLs, known as deubiquitylases (DUBs) and ubiquitin-like proteases (ULPs) respectively, in genome stability is less well established, particularly for emerging UBLs such as ISG15 and UFM1. In this review, we provide an overview of the known regulatory roles and mechanisms of DUBs and ULPs involved in genome stability pathways. Expanding our understanding of the molecular agents and mechanisms underlying the removal of ubiquitin and UBL modifications will be fundamental for progressing our knowledge of the DDR and likely provide new therapeutic avenues for relevant human diseases, such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M. Foster
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, U.K
| | - Zijuan Wang
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, U.K
| | - Christine K. Schmidt
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC), Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, U.K
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Guo Y, Cheng R, Wang Y, Gonzalez ME, Zhang H, Liu Y, Kleer CG, Xue L. Regulation of EZH2 protein stability: new mechanisms, roles in tumorigenesis, and roads to the clinic. EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104972. [PMID: 38244292 PMCID: PMC10835131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of EZH2 as a key methyltransferase has been well documented theoretically. Practically, the first EZH2 inhibitor Tazemetostat (EPZ6438), was approved by FDA in 2020 and is used in clinic. However, for most solid tumors it is not as effective as desired and the scope of clinical indications is limited, suggesting that targeting its enzymatic activity may not be sufficient. Recent technologies focusing on the degradation of EZH2 protein have drawn attention due to their potential robust effects. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate EZH2 protein stability via post-translational modifications (PTMs), mainly including ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and acetylation. In addition, we discuss recent advancements of multiple proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) strategies and the latest degraders that can downregulate EZH2 protein. We aim to highlight future directions to expand the application of novel EZH2 inhibitors by targeting both EZH2 enzymatic activity and protein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Guo
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Maria E Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Hongshan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Celina G Kleer
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Lixiang Xue
- Cancer Center of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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