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Ji R, Wang S, Chen X, Yang Z, Zhang Z, Bao S, Xiao Z, Zhang Y, Yin T, Yang J. Platycodin D ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome-induced ovarian damage by upregulating CD44 to attenuate ferroptosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 224:707-722. [PMID: 39321891 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the potential association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) development and progression and ferroptosis has garnered attention. Increasing evidence suggests that targeting ferroptosis may be an effective strategy for treating PCOS. First, we observed that the expression of the ferroptosis regulatory molecules SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 was decreased in the granulosa cells (GCs) of patients with PCOS and ovarian tissues of rats with PCOS; in contrast, TFR1 expression was increased. This suggests that GC ferroptosis is involved in PCOS pathogenesis. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis of GC datasets from patients with PCOS and PCOS clinical samples and animal model analysis revealed CD44 as a key molecule regulating ferroptosis in PCOS, which was down-regulated in GCs of PCOS patients and rats. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed to screen existing natural compounds for inhibiting ferroptosis. Dynamic simulation and cellular thermal shift assay identified platycodin D as a natural plant extract for inhibiting ferroptosis by targeting CD44 in GCs. Subsequently, a series of functional experiments revealed that platycodin D ameliorated ovarian damage in rats with PCOS. This was primarily owing to the protective effects achieved by promoting glutathione production, attenuating lipid accumulation and lipid peroxidation in GCs, inhibiting iron overload, and scavenging reactive oxygen species. In addition, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining revealed that platycodin D upregulated the expression of CD44 and SLC7A11 in GCs. Furthermore, by knocking down CD44 and SLC7A11 in vivo and in vitro, respectively, the ameliorative effect of platycodin D on ferroptosis in the GCs of rats with PCOS was reversed. Collectively, these findings suggest that platycodin D attenuates ferroptosis in GCs by activating CD44/SLC7A11 axis, thereby upregulating system Xc-. In conclusion, platycodin D can attenuate ferroptosis in GCs by activating CD44, potentially ameliorating ovarian damage in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ji
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhimo Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Shenglan Bao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuoni Xiao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, WuHan, China.
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
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Wang L, Li N, Wang Y, Chen X. Esculin alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pneumonia by regulating the USP7/MAPK14 axis. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 39142713 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Pneumonia is a serious and life-threatening lung inflammation with high morbidity and mortality. Accumulating evidence has suggested that esculin, a derivative of coumarin, possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects. This study is designed to explore the pharma role and underlying mechanism of esculin against lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced pneumonia. TC-1 cells were stimulated by LPS to mimic the inflammatory injury model in vitro. Cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis were determined using MTT assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, and flow cytometry. Interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reactive oxygen species and superoxide dismutase were examined using special assay kits. Macrophage polarization was detected using flow cytometry. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) level was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. MAPK14 and ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) protein levels were determined using western blot assay. After Ubibrowser database prediction, the interaction between USP7 and MAPK14 was verified using a Co-immunoprecipitation assay. The biological role of esculin was verified in LPS-challenged ALI mice in vivo. Here, we found that esculin significantly relieved LPS-induced TC-1 cell proliferation inhibition, and apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and M1-type macrophage polarization promotion. MAPK14 and USP7 expressions were enhanced in LPS-treated TC-1 cells, which was partly abolished by esculin treatment. Overexpressing MAPK14 attenuated the repression of esculin on LPS-triggered TC-1 cell injury. At the molecular level, USP7 interacted with MAPK14 and maintained its stability by removing ubiquitin. Moreover, esculin repressed the progression of pneumonia in vivo by regulating MAPK14. Taken together, esculin exposure could mitigate LPS-induced TC-1 cell injury partly by targeting the USP7/MAPK14 axis, providing a better understanding of the role of esculin in the anti-inflammatory therapeutics for pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Wang
- Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, 710100, China
| | - Na Li
- Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, 710100, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, 710100, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Respiratory Intensive Care Unit of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, 710100, China
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Huang X, Zeng J, Ruan S, Lei Z, Zhang J, Cao H. The use of matrine to inhibit osteosarcoma cell proliferation via the regulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1338811. [PMID: 39161382 PMCID: PMC11330765 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1338811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Matrine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophorus beans of the legume family, and it has significant effects and a variety of pharmacological activities. Osteosarcoma(OS) is a common malignant bone tumor that is characterized by high incidence and rapid progression. There have been some preliminary studies on the therapeutic effect of matrine on OS, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect of matrine on HOS cells and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods The effects of matrine on the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression of HOS cells were determined by CCK-8 assay, TUNEL assay and flow cytometry in vitro. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were used to observe the effect of matrine on the migration and invasion of HOS cells. The mechanism underlying the antitumor effect of matrine on HOS cells was investigated by Western blotting. Results Matrine significantly inhibited HOS cell proliferation, promoted HOS cell apoptosis, and arrested HOS cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Both wound healing and Transwell invasion assays showed that matrine inhibited HOS cell migration and invasion. Western blotting results showed that matrine inhibited the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. We found that matrine also downregulated Bcl-2 expression, which may be related to protein synthesis inhibition. Conclusion Matrine can inhibit the proliferation of HOS cells, arrest HOS cells in the G1 phase, and promote HOS cell apoptosis through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xincheng Huang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shiyan People’s Hospital, Shiyan, China
| | - Siyuan Ruan
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhuolin Lei
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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Zhuang M, Zhang X, Ji J, Zhang H, Shen L, Zhu Y, Liu X. Exosomal circ-0100519 promotes breast cancer progression via inducing M2 macrophage polarisation by USP7/NRF2 axis. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1763. [PMID: 39107958 PMCID: PMC11303452 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumours that threatens women health worldwide. It has been reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in regulating tumour progression and tumour microenvironment (TME) remodelling. METHODS Differentially expression characteristics and immune correlations of circRNAs in BC were verified using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Exosomes were characterised by nanoparticle transmission electron microscopy and tracking analysis. The biological function of circ-0100519 in BC development was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Western blotting, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, and luciferase reporter were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism. RESULTS Circ-0100519 was significant abundant in BC tumour tissues and related to poor prognosis. It can be encapsulated into secreted exosomes, thereby promoting BC cell invasion and metastasis via inducing M2-like macrophages polarisation.Mechanistically, circ-0100519 acted as a scaffold to enhance the interaction between the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) and nuclear factor-like 2 (NRF2) in macrophages, inducing the USP7-mediated deubiquitination of NRF2. Additionally, HIF-1α could function as an upstream effector to enhance circ-0100519 transcription. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that exosomal circ-0100519 is a potential biomarker for BC diagnosis and prognosis, and the HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 may provide a therapeutic target for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Zhuang
- Breast Disease CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP.R. China
| | - Xiaoqiang Zhang
- Department of Breast SurgeryCancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Science (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital)HangzhouChina
| | - Jie Ji
- Breast Disease CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP.R. China
| | - Hongfei Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiangChina
| | - Li Shen
- Department of General SurgeryThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yanhui Zhu
- Breast Disease CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP.R. China
| | - Xiaoan Liu
- Breast Disease CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsuP.R. China
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Chen L, Zhang L, He H, Shao F, Yu Z, Gao Y, He J. Ubiquitin-specific protease 54 regulates GLUT1-mediated aerobic glycolysis to inhibit lung adenocarcinoma progression by modifying p53 degradation. Oncogene 2024; 43:2025-2037. [PMID: 38744954 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03047-8] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer. Ubiquitination is crucial in modulating cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis in cancer. The frequency of TP53 mutations in LUAD is approximately 50%. Currently, therapeutic targets for wild-type (WT) p53-expressing LUAD are limited. In the present study, we systemically explored the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease genes using public datasets. Then, we focused on ubiquitin-specific protease 54 (USP54), and explored its prognostic significance in LUAD patients using public datasets, analyses, and an independent cohort from our center. We found that the expression of USP54 was lower in LUAD tissues compared with that in the paracancerous tissues. Low USP54 expression levels were linked to a malignant phenotype and worse survival in patients with LUAD. The results of functional experiments revealed that up-regulation of USP54 suppressed LUAD cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. USP54 directly interacted with p53 protein and the levels of ubiquitinated p53 were inversely related to USP54 levels, consistent with a role of USP54 in deubiquitinating p53 in p53-WT LUAD cells. Moreover, up-regulation of the USP54 expression inhibited aerobic glycolysis in LUAD cells. Importantly, we confirmed that USP54 inhibited aerobic glycolysis and the growth of tumor cells by a p53-mediated decrease in glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression in p53-WT LUAD cells. Altogether, we determined a novel mechanism of survival in the p53-WT LUAD cells to endure the malnourished tumor microenvironment and provided insights into the role of USP54 in the adaptation of p53-WT LUAD cells to metabolic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leifeng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Medical Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Neurological Diseases and Tumors of Jiangxi Province, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Haihua He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Shao
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Zhentao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
- Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology & Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
- Translational Medicine Platform, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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Zhang R, Zhang D, Han F, Song X, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhu Q, Qin Y. The deubiquitinase USP7 and E3 ligase TRIM21 regulate vasculogenic mimicry and malignant progression of RMS by balancing SNAI2 homeostasis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:135. [PMID: 38702792 PMCID: PMC11069146 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03056-1] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy and the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel tumor microcirculation model different from traditional tumor angiogenesis, which does not rely on endothelial cells to provide sufficient blood supply for tumor growth. In recent years, VM has been confirmed to be closely associated with tumor progression. However, the ability of RMS to form VM has not yet been reported. METHODS Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blot were used to test the expression level of SNAI2 and its clinical significance. The biological function in regulating vasculogenic mimicry and malignant progression of SNAI2 was examined both in vitro and in vivo. Mass spectrometry, co-immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and ubiquitin assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SNAI2. RESULTS Our study indicated that SNAI2 was abnormally expressed in patients with RMS and RMS cell lines and promoted the proliferation and metastasis of RMS. Through cell tubule formation experiments, nude mice Matrigel plug experiments, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we confirmed that RMS can form VM and that SNAI2 promotes the formation of VM. Due to SNAI2 is a transcription factor that is not easily drugged, we used Co-IP combined with mass spectrometry to screen for the SNAI2-binding protein USP7 and TRIM21. USP7 depletion inhibited RMS VM formation, proliferation and metastasis by promoting SNAI2 degradation. We further demonstrated that TRIM21 is expressed at low levels in human RMS tissues and inhibits VM in RMS cells. TRIM21 promotes SNAI2 protein degradation through ubiquitination in the RMS. The deubiquitinase USP7 and E3 ligase TRIM21 function in an antagonistic rather than competitive mode and play a key role in controlling the stability of SNAI2 to determine the VM formation and progression of RMS. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which USP7 and TRIM21 balance the level of SNAI2 ubiquitination, determining RMS vasculogenic mimicry, proliferation, and migration. This new mechanism may provide new targeted therapies to inhibit the development of RMS by restoring TRIM21 expression or inhibiting USP7 expression in RMS patients with high SNAI2 protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Daidi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiaorui Song
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Infection and Critical Care, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 10045, China.
| | - Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Park HB, Baek KH. Current and future directions of USP7 interactome in cancer study. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188992. [PMID: 37775071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is an essential protein quality controller for regulating protein homeostasis and autophagy. Ubiquitination is a protein modification process that involves the binding of one or more ubiquitins to substrates through a series of enzymatic processes. These include ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2), and ubiquitin ligases (E3). Conversely, deubiquitination is a reverse process that removes ubiquitin from substrates via deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Dysregulation of ubiquitination-related enzymes can lead to various human diseases, including cancer, through the modulation of protein ubiquitination. The most structurally and functionally studied DUB is the ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7). Both the TRAF and UBL domains of USP7 are known to bind to the [P/A/E]-X-X-S or K-X-X-X-K motif of substrates. USP7 has been shown to be involved in cancer pathogenesis by binding with numerous substrates. Recently, a novel substrate of USP7 was discovered through a systemic analysis of its binding motif. This review summarizes the currently discovered substrates and cellular functions of USP7 in cancer and suggests putative substrates of USP7 through a comprehensive systemic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Beom Park
- Department of Convergence, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Convergence, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do 13488, Republic of Korea; International Ubiquitin Center(,) CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do 13488, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Park SS, Baek KH. Synergistic effect of YOD1 and USP21 on the Hippo signaling pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:209. [PMID: 37743467 PMCID: PMC10518088 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) comprise a family of proteases responsible for cleaving the peptide or isopeptide bond between ubiquitin and its substrate proteins. Ubiquitin is essential for regulating diverse cellular functions by attaching to target proteins. The Hippo signaling pathway plays a crucial role in controlling tissue size, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In a previous study, we discovered that YOD1 regulates the Hippo signaling pathway by deubiquitinating the neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4), an E3 ligase of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1). Here, our aim was to investigate potential substrates of YOD1 implicated in the Hippo signaling pathway. METHODS We employed various bioinformatics tools (BioGRID, STRING, and Cytoscape) to identify novel potential substrates of YOD1. Furthermore, we used western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down, immunocytochemistry (ICC) assays to investigate cellular interactions. To evaluate cell proliferation, we performed cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, colony forming, and flow cytometry assays using A549, HEK293T, and HeLa cells. Additionally, we assessed the expression levels of YAP and p-YAP in A549, HEK293T, and HeLa cells through western blotting. RESULTS Our investigations revealed that YOD1 interacts with ubiquitin-specific proteases 21 (USP21), a DUB involved in the Hippo signaling pathway, and deubiquitinates the microtubule-affinity regulating kinase (MARK). Intriguingly, YOD1 and USP21 mutually deubiquitinate each other; while YOD1 regulates the protein stability of USP21, USP21 does not exert a regulatory effect on YOD1. Moreover, we observed the synergistic effect of YOD1 and USP21 on cell proliferation through the modulation of the Hippo signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed multiple cellular interactions between YOD1 and USP21. Moreover, our findings suggest that the combined activities of YOD1 and USP21 synergistically influence cell proliferation in A549 cells by regulating the Hippo signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Bioconvergence, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-Ro, Bundang-Gu, Seoungnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
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Li S, Song Y, Wang K, Liu G, Dong X, Yang F, Chen G, Cao C, Zhang H, Wang M, Li Y, Zeng T, Liu C, Li B. USP32 deubiquitinase: cellular functions, regulatory mechanisms, and potential as a cancer therapy target. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:338. [PMID: 37679322 PMCID: PMC10485055 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01629-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An essential protein regulatory system in cells is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The substrate is modified by the ubiquitin ligase system (E1-E2-E3) in this pathway, which is a dynamic protein bidirectional modification regulation system. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are tasked with specifically hydrolyzing ubiquitin molecules from ubiquitin-linked proteins or precursor proteins and inversely regulating protein degradation, which in turn affects protein function. The ubiquitin-specific peptidase 32 (USP32) protein level is associated with cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, invasion, and other cellular biological processes. It is an important member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family. It is thought that USP32, a unique enzyme that controls the ubiquitin process, is closely linked to the onset and progression of many cancers, including small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, glioblastoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, acute myeloid leukemia, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this review, we focus on the multiple mechanisms of USP32 in various tumor types and show that USP32 controls the stability of many distinct proteins. Therefore, USP32 is a key and promising therapeutic target for tumor therapy, which could provide important new insights and avenues for antitumor drug development. The therapeutic importance of USP32 in cancer treatment remains to be further proven. In conclusion, there are many options for the future direction of USP32 research.
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Grants
- Bing Li, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China Chunyan Liu, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guoxiang Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaolei Dong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanghao Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Can Cao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huhu Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengjun Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Teng Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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10
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Ma ZR, Xiong QW, Cai SZ, Ding LT, Yin CH, Xia HL, Liu W, Dai S, Zhang Y, Zhu ZH, Huang ZJ, Wang Q, Yan XM. USP18 enhances the resistance of BRAF-mutated melanoma cells to vemurafenib by stabilizing cGAS expression to induce cell autophagy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110617. [PMID: 37478666 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110617] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to discern the possible molecular mechanism of the effect of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (USP18) on the resistance to BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib in BRAF V600E mutant melanoma by regulating cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS). The cancer tissues of BRAF V600E mutant melanoma patients before and after vemurafenib treatment were collected, in which the protein expression of USP18 and cGAS was determined. A BRAF V600E mutant human melanoma cell line (A2058R) resistant to vemurafenib was constructed with its viability, apoptosis, and autophagy detected following overexpression and depletion assays of USP18 and cGAS. Xenografted tumors were transplanted into nude mice for in vivo validation. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of cGAS was positively correlated with USP18 in melanoma, and USP18 was highly expressed in melanoma. The expression of cGAS and USP18 was up-regulated in cancer tissues of vemurafenib-resistant patients with BRAF V600E mutant melanoma. Knockdown of cGAS inhibited the resistance to vemurafenib in A2058R cells and the protective autophagy induced by vemurafenib in vitro. USP18 could deubiquitinate cGAS to promote its protein stability. In vivo experimentations confirmed that USP18 promoted vemurafenib-induced protective autophagy by stabilizing cGAS protein, which promoted resistance to vemurafenib in BRAF V600E mutant melanoma cells. Collectively, USP18 stabilizes cGAS protein expression through deubiquitination and induces autophagy of melanoma cells, thereby promoting the resistance to vemurafenib in BRAF V600E mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou-Rui Ma
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China; Suzhou Key Laboratory of Congenital Structural Deformities, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qian-Wei Xiong
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Congenital Structural Deformities, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China
| | - Shi-Zhong Cai
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Congenital Structural Deformities, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China
| | - Ling-Tao Ding
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, PR China
| | - Chao-Hong Yin
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, PR China
| | - Hong-Liang Xia
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Congenital Structural Deformities, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China
| | - Shu Dai
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Congenital Structural Deformities, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China
| | - Zhen-Hong Zhu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China
| | - Zhi-Jian Huang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China.
| | - Xiang-Ming Yan
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Congenital Structural Deformities, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, PR China.
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11
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Park HB, Min Y, Hwang S, Baek KH. Suppression of USP7 negatively regulates the stability of ETS proto-oncogene 2 protein. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114700. [PMID: 37062218 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is one of the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that remove mono or polyubiquitin chains from target proteins. Depending on cancer types, USP7 has two opposing roles: oncogene or tumor suppressor. Moreover, it also known that USP7 functions in the cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetic regulation through deubiquitination of several substrates including p53, mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2), Myc, and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The [P/A/E]-X-X-S and K-X-X-X-K motifs of target proteins are necessary elements for the binding of USP7. In a previous study, we identified a novel substrate of USP7 through bioinformatics analysis using the binding motifs for USP7, and suggested that it can be an effective tool for finding new substrates for USP7. In the current study, gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that putative target proteins having the [P/A/E]-X-X-S and K-X-X-K motifs are involved in transcriptional regulation. Moreover, through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, we discovered that USP7 binds to the AVMS motif of ETS proto-oncogene 2 (ETS2) and deubiquitinates M1-, K11-, K27-, and K29-linked polyubiquitination of ETS2. Furthermore, we determined that suppression of USP7 decreases the protein stability of ETS2 and inhibits the transcriptional activity of ETS2 by disrupting the binding between the GGAA/T core motif and ETS2. Therefore, we propose that USP7 can be a novel target in cancers related to the dysregulation of ETS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Beom Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Yosuk Min
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do 13488, Republic of Korea; Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Gyeonggi-Do 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do 13488, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Min Y, Park HB, Baek KH, Hwang S. Cellular Functions of Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Ovarian Adenocarcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040886. [PMID: 37107644 PMCID: PMC10137459 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In ovarian cancer patients, the 5-year survival rate is 90% for stages I and II, but only 30% for stages III and IV. Unfortunately, as 75% of the patients are diagnosed at stages III and IV, many experience a recurrence. To ameliorate this, it is necessary to develop new biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment. The ubiquitin-proteasome system is a post-translational modification that plays an important role in regulating protein stability through ubiquitination. In particular, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) regulate protein stability through deubiquitinating substrate proteins. In this review, DUBs and substrates regulated by these enzymes are summarized based on their functions in ovarian cancer cells. This would be useful for the discovery of biomarkers for ovarian cancer and developing new therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuk Min
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Beom Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyun Hwang
- Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- CHA Future Medicine Research Institute, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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13
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Yang YC, Zhao CJ, Jin ZF, Zheng J, Ma LT. Targeted therapy based on ubiquitin-specific proteases, signalling pathways and E3 ligases in non-small-cell lung cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1120828. [PMID: 36969062 PMCID: PMC10036052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1120828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide, with the highest mortality rate. Approximately 1.6 million deaths owing to lung cancer are reported annually; of which, 85% of deaths occur owing to non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, the conventional treatment methods for NSCLC include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and surgery. However, drug resistance and tumour invasion or metastasis often lead to treatment failure. The ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumours. Upregulation or inhibition of proteins or enzymes involved in UPP can promote or inhibit the occurrence and development of tumours, respectively. As regulators of UPP, ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) primarily inhibit the degradation of target proteins by proteasomes through deubiquitination and hence play a carcinogenic or anticancer role. This review focuses on the role of USPs in the occurrence and development of NSCLC and the potential of corresponding targeted drugs, PROTACs and small-molecule inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Can-Jun Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhao-Feng Jin
- School of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jin Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Tian Ma, ; Jin Zheng,
| | - Li-Tian Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Tian Ma, ; Jin Zheng,
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14
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Park SS, Do HA, Park HB, Choi HS, Baek KH. Deubiquitinating enzyme YOD1 deubiquitinates and destabilizes α-synuclein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 645:124-131. [PMID: 36682332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.01.030] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
α-synuclein is one of the proteins involved in degenerative neuronal diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) or Lewy body dementia (LBD). The pathogenesis is imparted by the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein resulting in the formation of a Lewy body (LB) and exerting neurotoxicity via an unknown mechanism. Regulation of α-synuclein is achieved by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which influences protein homeostasis via inducing proteasome-dependent degradation by attaching a small molecule (ubiquitin) to the substrate. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) control the UPS by cleaving the peptide or isopeptide bond between ubiquitin and its substrate proteins. In a previous study, we found that YOD1 deubiquitinates and regulates the cellular function of neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4), an E3 ligase that induces α-synuclein degradation. We hypothesized that YOD1 acts as a DUB involved in a modulated pathway of α-synuclein. In the current study, we found that YOD1 directly interacts with α-synuclein and deubiquitinates K6-, K11-, K29-, K33-, and K63-linked polyubiquitin chains on α-synuclein. Furthermore, YOD1 destabilizes α-synuclein protein stability by upregulating NEDD4. Collectively, this suggests the possibility that YOD1 is potentially a new regulator in the NEDD4-α-synuclein pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ah Do
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Beom Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Seul Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Gyeonggi-Do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
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15
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The genomic landscape and clonal evolutionary trajectory of classical hairy cell leukemia. Leukemia 2023; 37:929-933. [PMID: 36709352 PMCID: PMC10079533 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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16
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USP7 Inhibitors in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Status and Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225539. [PMID: 36428632 PMCID: PMC9688046 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) regulates the stability of a plethora of intracellular proteins involved in the suppression of anti-tumor immune responses and its overexpression is associated with poor survival in many cancers. USP7 impairs the balance of the p53/MDM2 axis resulting in the proteasomal degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor, a process that can be reversed by small-molecule inhibitors of USP7. USP7 was shown to regulate the anti-tumor immune responses in several cases. Its inhibition impedes the function of regulatory T cells, promotes polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, and reduces programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor cells. The efficacy of small-molecule USP7 inhibitors was demonstrated in vivo. The synergistic effect of combining USP7 inhibition with cancer immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic approach, though its clinical efficacy is yet to be proven. In this review, we focus on the recent developments in understanding the intrinsic role of USP7, its interplay with other molecular pathways, and the therapeutic potential of targeting USP7 functions.
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