1
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Gao B, Qiao Y, Zhu S, Yang N, Zou SS, Liu YJ, Chen J. USP36 inhibits apoptosis by deubiquitinating cIAP1 and survivin in colorectal cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107463. [PMID: 38876304 PMCID: PMC11268115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107463] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic agents for treating colorectal cancer (CRC) primarily induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The ubiquitin-proteasome system is critical for apoptosis regulation. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remove ubiquitin from substrates to reverse ubiquitination. Although over 100 DUB members have been discovered, the biological functions of only a small proportion of DUBs have been characterized. Here, we aimed to systematically identify the DUBs that contribute to the development of CRC. Among the DUBs, ubiquitin-specific protease 36 (USP36) is upregulated in CRC. We showed that the knockdown of USP36 induces intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis. Through gene silencing and coimmunoprecipitation techniques, we identified survivin and cIAP1 as USP36 targets. Mechanistically, USP36 binds and removes lysine-11-linked ubiquitin chains from cIAP1 and lysine-48-linked ubiquitin chains from survivin to abolish protein degradation. Overexpression of USP36 disrupts the formation of the XIAP-second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase complex and promotes receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 ubiquitination, validating USP36 as an inhibitor to intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis through deubiquitinating survivin and cIAP1. Therefore, our results suggest that USP36 is involved in CRC progression and is a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Gao
- Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; Laboratory for Tumor Immunology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuan Qiao
- Laboratory for Tumor Immunology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shan Zhu
- Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; Laboratory for Tumor Immunology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Laboratory for Tumor Immunology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zou
- Laboratory for Tumor Immunology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yong-Jun Liu
- Laboratory for Tumor Immunology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Jingtao Chen
- Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China; Laboratory for Tumor Immunology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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2
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Guo J, Zhao Y, Sui H, Liu L, Liu F, Yang L, Gao F, Wang J, Zhu Y, Li L, Song X, Li P, Tian Z, Li P, Zhao X. USP21-mediated G3BP1 stabilization accelerates proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via activating Wnt/β-Catenin signaling. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:23. [PMID: 38906857 PMCID: PMC11192907 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-024-00524-3] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lacking effective therapeutic targets heavily restricts the improvement of clinical prognosis for patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 21 (USP21) is dysregulated in plenty of human cancers, however, its potential function and relevant molecular mechanisms in ESCC malignant progression as well as its value in clinical translation remain largely unknown. Here, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that aberrant upregulation of USP21 accelerated the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC in a deubiquitinase-dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that USP21 binds to, deubiquitinates, and stabilizes the G3BP Stress Granule Assembly Factor 1 (G3BP1) protein, which is required for USP21-mediated ESCC progression. Further molecular studies demonstrated that the USP21/G3BP1 axis played a tumor-promoting role in ESCC progression by activating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, disulfiram (DSF), an inhibitor against USP21 deubiquitylation activity, markedly abolished the USP21-mediated stability of G3BP1 protein and significantly displayed an anti-tumor effect on USP21-driving ESCC progression. Finally, the regulatory axis of USP21/G3BP1 was demonstrated to be aberrantly activated in ESCC tumor tissues and closely associated with advanced clinical stages and unfavorable prognoses, which provides a promising therapeutic strategy targeting USP21/G3BP1 axis for ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhong Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huacong Sui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fanrong Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lingxiao Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengyuan Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinfu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yilin Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lingbing Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangqing Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongxian Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peichao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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3
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Niu MY, Liu YJ, Shi JJ, Chen RY, Zhang S, Li CY, Cao JF, Yang GJ, Chen J. The Emerging Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 36 (USP36) in Cancer and Beyond. Biomolecules 2024; 14:572. [PMID: 38785979 PMCID: PMC11118191 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050572] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination is instrumental in the regulation of protein stability and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific protease 36 (USP36), a member of the USP family, plays a crucial role in this dynamic equilibrium by hydrolyzing and removing ubiquitin chains from target proteins and facilitating their proteasome-dependent degradation. The multifaceted functions of USP36 have been implicated in various disease processes, including cancer, infections, and inflammation, via the modulation of numerous cellular events, including gene transcription regulation, cell cycle regulation, immune responses, signal transduction, tumor growth, and inflammatory processes. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on the roles of USP36 in different pathological conditions. By synthesizing the findings from previous studies, we have aimed to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Yan-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jin-Jin Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Ru-Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Shun Zhang
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China;
| | - Chang-Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jia-Feng Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Guan-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (M.-Y.N.); (Y.-J.L.); (J.-J.S.); (R.-Y.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (J.-F.C.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China
- Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Marine Sciences, Meishan Campus, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315832, China;
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Wang D, Jiang Z, Kan J, Jiang X, Pan C, You S, Chang R, Zhang J, Yang H, Zhu L, Gu Y. USP36-mediated PARP1 deubiquitination in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. Cell Signal 2024; 117:111070. [PMID: 38307305 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111070] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (Dox) is a potent antineoplastic agent, but its use is curtailed by severe cardiotoxicity, known as Dox-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC). The molecular mechanism underlying this cardiotoxicity remains unclear. Our current study investigates the role of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 36 (USP36), a nucleolar deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), in the progression of DIC and its mechanism. We found increased USP36 expression in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and H9C2 cells exposed to Dox. Silencing USP36 significantly mitigated Dox-induced oxidative stress injury and apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistically, USP36 upregulation positively correlated with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) expression, and its knockdown led to a reduction in PARP1 levels. Further investigation revealed that USP36 could bind to and mediate the deubiquitination of PARP1, thereby increasing its protein stability in cardiomyocytes upon Dox exposure. Moreover, overexpression of wild-type (WT) USP36 plasmid, but not its catalytically inactive mutant (C131A), stabilized PARP1 in HEK293T cells. We also established a DIC model in mice and observed significant upregulation of USP36 in the heart. Cardiac knockdown of USP36 in mice using a type 9 recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV9)-shUSP36 significantly preserved cardiac function after Dox treatment and protected against Dox-induced structural changes within the myocardium. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Dox promotes DIC progression by activating USP36-mediated PARP1 deubiquitination. This novel USP36/PARP1 axis may play a significant regulatory role in the pathogenesis of DIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchen Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zihao Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junyan Kan
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaomin Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijie You
- Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University (Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital), Suzhou, China
| | - Ruirui Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongfeng Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linlin Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Zhang P, Liu D, Zang Y, Wang J, Liu Z, Zhu J, Li X, Ding Y. USP12 facilitates gastric cancer progression via stabilizing YAP. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:174. [PMID: 38605077 PMCID: PMC11009230 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01943-2] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of Hippo signaling is a crucial factor driving the progression of gastric cancer, making the targeting of the Hippo pathway a promising therapeutic strategy. However, effective drugs targeting the Hippo/YAP axis remain unavailable. Thus, identifying potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms that inhibit the activity of the Hippo/YAP axis in gastric cancer is of paramount importance. The ubiquitination modification of the Hippo/YAP pathway plays a significant role in signaling transduction and cancer progression. In an effort to shed light on effective therapeutic targets, we conducted a screening using a deubiquitinase small interfering RNA library, leading to the identification of USP12 as an important deubiquitinase in the context of Hippo/YAP axis and the progression of gastric cancer. Our bioinformatic analysis further demonstrated a correlation between USP12 and poor survival, as well as a positive association with classical YAP target genes in gastric cancer samples. Notably, USP12 depletion was found to inhibit gastric cancer progression via the Hippo/YAP axis, whereas USP12 overexpression exhibited the opposite effect, promoting gastric cancer growth and enhancing YAP activity. Further studies through immuno-staining and immuno-precipitation assays indicated the nuclear localization of USP12 and its association with YAP to enhance YAP stability. Specifically, our findings revealed that USP12 could inhibit K48-linked poly-ubiquitination of YAP, predominantly at the K315 site. As a result, we have identified a novel regulatory mechanism involving USP12 and Hippo signaling in the progression of gastric cancer, with the potential for blockade of USP12 to materialize as a promising strategy for combating gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, PR China
| | - Dongyi Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yifeng Zang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jinqing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ziping Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Xin Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Migration and Invasion Precision Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, PR China.
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110000, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Yinlu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, PR China.
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Yang Y, Li Y, Sears RC, Sun XX, Dai MS. SUMOylation regulation of ribosome biogenesis: Emerging roles for USP36. FRONTIERS IN RNA RESEARCH 2024; 2:1389104. [PMID: 38764604 PMCID: PMC11101209 DOI: 10.3389/frnar.2024.1389104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis is essential for cell growth, proliferation, and animal development. Its deregulation leads to various human disorders such as ribosomopathies and cancer. Thus, tight regulation of ribosome biogenesis is crucial for normal cell homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that posttranslational modifications such as ubiquitination and SUMOylation play a crucial role in regulating ribosome biogenesis. Our recent studies reveal that USP36, a nucleolar deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), acts also as a SUMO ligase to regulate nucleolar protein group SUMOylation, thereby being essential for ribosome biogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the SUMOylation regulation of ribosome biogenesis and discuss the role of USP36 in nucleolar SUMOylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhan Yang
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Yanping Li
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Xiao-Xin Sun
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mu-Shui Dai
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Guan S, Chen X, Wei Y, Wang F, Xie W, Chen Y, Liang H, Zhu X, Yang Y, Fang W, Huang Y, Zhao H, Zhang X, Liu S, Zhuang W, Huang M, Wang X, Zhang L. Germline USP36 Mutation Confers Resistance to EGFR-TKIs by Upregulating MLLT3 Expression in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1382-1396. [PMID: 38261467 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2357] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although somatic mutations were explored in depth, limited biomarkers were found to predict the resistance of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI). Previous studies reported N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels regulated response of EGFR-TKIs; whether the germline variants located in m6A sites affected resistance of EGFR-TKIs is still unknown. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR-activating mutation were enrolled to investigate predictors for response of EGFR-TKIs using a genome-wide-variant-m6A analysis. Bioinformatics analysis and series of molecular biology assays were used to uncover the underlying mechanism. RESULTS We identified the germline mutation USP36 rs3744797 (C > A, K814N) was associated with survival of patients with NSCLC treated with gefitinib [median progression-free survival (PFS): CC vs. CA, 16.30 vs. 10.50 months, P < 0.0001, HR = 2.45] and erlotinib (median PFS: CC vs. CA, 14.13 vs. 9.47 months, P = 0.041, HR = 2.63). Functionally, the C > A change significantly upregulated USP36 expression by reducing its m6A level. Meanwhile, rs3744797_A (USP36 MUT) was found to facilitate proliferation, migration, and resistance to EGFR-TKIs via upregulating MLLT3 expression in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, MLLT3 and USP36 levels are tightly correlated in patients with NSCLC, which were associated with prognosis of patients. Mechanistically, USP36 MUT stabilized MLLT3 by deubiquitinating MLLT3 in nucleoli and consequently activating its downstream signaling (HIF1α and Snai). Furthermore, inhibition of MLLT3 alleviated USP36 variant-induced EGFR-TKIs resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS These findings characterized rs3744797 as an oncogenic variant in mediating EGFR-TKI resistance and tumor aggressiveness through deubiquitinating MLLT3, highlighting the variant as a predictive biomarker for EGFR-TKI response in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxing Guan
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuru Wei
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Fei Wang
- Ersha Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Youhao Chen
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Heng Liang
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xia Zhu
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yunpeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hongyun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxu Zhang
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Shu Liu
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Min Huang
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xueding Wang
- Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Yang H, Wei Z, Song Y, Du K, Yin N, Lu H, Li B, Hou L, Xing P, Chen L, Wang C, Xie S. NUAK1 promotes tumor metastasis through upregulating slug transcription in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:258. [PMID: 37919754 PMCID: PMC10621130 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03101-7] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is still a major cause of poor pathological outcome and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. NUAK1 has been reported highly expressed in many human cancers and is associated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. However, the role of NUAK1 and its underlying signaling mechanism in ESCC metastasis remain unclear. METHODS Expression of NUAK1 in ESCC was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. MTT, colony formation, wound-healing and transwell assays were used to determine the role NUAK1 in vitro. Metastasis was evaluated by use of an experimental pulmonary metastasis model in BALB/c-nu/nu mice. The mechanisms were assessed by using coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments. RESULTS NUAK1 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal esophageal epithelial tissues. Moreover, the elevated expression of NUAK1 positively correlated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, pathological TNM stage, and poor survival in ESCC patients. Further experiments showed that NUAK1 overexpression did not change the cell viability and colony formation of ESCC cells, while remarkably promoted the migration and invasion in vitro and experimental pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, NUAK1 enhanced the transcription level of Slug, which enhanced the migratory and invasive capability of ESCC cells. Consistently, silencing Slug almost completely diminished the migration and invasion of NUAK1-overexpressing ESCC cells. Further studies demonstrated that NUAK1 upregulated the transcription activity of Slug through activating the JNK/c-Jun pathway. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that NUAK1 promoted the metastasis of ESCC cells through activating JNK/c-Jun/Slug signaling, indicating NUAK1 is a promising therapeutic target for metastatic ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yifan Song
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Kexin Du
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Nannan Yin
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Oncology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Department of Oncology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Lili Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Panfei Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| | - Songqiang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
- The Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Jin S, Kudo Y, Horiguchi T. The Role of Deubiquitinating Enzyme in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010552. [PMID: 36613989 PMCID: PMC9820089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are two popular ways for the post-translational modification of proteins. These two modifications affect intracellular localization, stability, and function of target proteins. The process of deubiquitination is involved in histone modification, cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation, apoptosis, endocytosis, autophagy, and DNA repair after damage. Moreover, it is involved in the processes of carcinogenesis and cancer development. In this review, we discuss these issues in understanding deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and their potential therapeutic strategies for HNSCC patients are also discussed.
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