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Loh YY, Anantharajan J, Huang Q, Xu W, Fulwood J, Ng HQ, Ng EY, Gea CY, Choong ML, Tan QW, Koh X, Lim WH, Nacro K, Cherian J, Baburajendran N, Ke Z, Kang C. Identification of small-molecule binding sites of a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme-UBE2T through fragment-based screening. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4904. [PMID: 38358126 PMCID: PMC10868430 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4904] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
UBE2T is an attractive target for drug development due to its linkage with several types of cancers. However, the druggability of ubiquitin-conjugating E2 (UBE2T) is low because of the lack of a deep and hydrophobic pocket capable of forming strong binding interactions with drug-like small molecules. Here, we performed fragment screening using 19 F-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and validated the hits with 1 H-15 N-heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) experiment and X-ray crystallographic studies. The cocrystal structures obtained revealed the binding modes of the hit fragments and allowed for the characterization of the fragment-binding sites. Further screening of structural analogues resulted in the identification of a compound series with inhibitory effect on UBE2T activity. Our current study has identified two new binding pockets in UBE2T, which will be useful for the development of small molecules to regulate the function of this protein. In addition, the compounds identified in this study can serve as chemical starting points for the development of UBE2T modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yao Loh
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Jothi Anantharajan
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Qiwei Huang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Weijun Xu
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Justina Fulwood
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Hui Qi Ng
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Elizabeth Yihui Ng
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Chong Yu Gea
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Meng Ling Choong
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Qian Wen Tan
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Xiaoying Koh
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Wan Hsin Lim
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Kassoum Nacro
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Joseph Cherian
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Nithya Baburajendran
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - Zhiyuan Ke
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
| | - CongBao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)SingaporeSingapore
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Zhu Y, Liang L, Zhao Y, Li J, Zeng J, Yuan Y, Li N, Wu L. CircNUP50 is a novel therapeutic target that promotes cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer by modulating p53 ubiquitination. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:35. [PMID: 38243224 PMCID: PMC10799427 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02295-w] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with ovarian cancer (OC) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have a dismal prognosis owing to drug resistance. However, the regulatory mechanisms of circular RNA (circRNA) and p53 ubiquitination are unknown in platinum-resistant OC. We aimed to identify circRNAs associated with platinum-resistant OC to develop a novel treatment strategy. METHODS Platinum-resistant circRNAs were screened through circRNA sequencing and validated using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR in OC cells and tissues. The characteristics of circNUP50 were analysed using Sanger sequencing, oligo (dT) primers, ribonuclease R and fluorescence in situ hybridisation assays. Functional experimental studies were performed in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism underlying circNUP50-mediated P53 ubiquitination was investigated through circRNA pull-down analysis and mass spectrometry, luciferase reporters, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence assays, cycloheximide chase assays, and ubiquitination experiments. Finally, a platinum and si-circNUP50 co-delivery nanosystem (Psc@DPP) was constructed to treat platinum-resistant OC in an orthotopic animal model. RESULTS We found that circNUP50 contributes to platinum-resistant conditions in OC by promoting cell proliferation, affecting the cell cycle, and reducing apoptosis. The si-circNUP50 mRNA sequencing and circRNA pull-down analysis showed that circNUP50 mediates platinum resistance in OC by binding p53 and UBE2T, accelerating p53 ubiquitination. By contrast, miRNA sequencing and circRNA pull-down experiments indicated that circNUP50 could serve as a sponge for miR-197-3p, thereby upregulating G3BP1 to mediate p53 ubiquitination, promoting OC platinum resistance. Psc@DPP effectively overcame platinum resistance in an OC tumour model and provided a novel idea for treating platinum-resistant OC using si-circNUP50. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a novel molecular mechanism by which circNUP50 mediates platinum resistance in OC by modulating p53 ubiquitination and provides new insights for developing effective therapeutic strategies for platinum resistance in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunshu Zhu
- Department of Gynecologic 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
| | - Leilei Liang
- Department of Gynecologic 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
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- Department of Gynecologic 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
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Gynecologic 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
| | - Jia Zeng
- Department of Gynecologic 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
| | - Yihang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1111 XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China.
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Gynecologic 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.
| | - Lingying Wu
- Department of Gynecologic 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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Huang Q, Ng HQ, Loh YY, Ke Z, Lim WH, Kang C. Backbone 1H, 15N and 13C resonance assignments for an E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme-UBE2T. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2023; 17:269-274. [PMID: 37773242 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-023-10154-2] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 T (UBE2T) plays important roles in ubiquitination of proteins through participation in transferring ubiquitin to its substrate. Due to its importance in protein modifications, UBE2T associates with diverse diseases and serves as an important target for drug discovery and development. The crystal structure of UBE2T has been determined and the structure reveals the lack of a druggable pocket for binding to small molecules for clinical applications. Despite the challenge, effort has been made to develop UBE2T inhibitors. We obtained UBE2T constructs with and without the C-terminal region which is flexible in solution. Herein, we report the backbone resonance assignments for human UBE2T without the C-terminal region. The backbone dynamics of UBE2T was also explored. The available assignments will be helpful for hit identification, determining ligand binding site and understanding the mechanism of action of UBE2T inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Huang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore
| | - Hui Qi Ng
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore
| | - Yong Yao Loh
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore
| | - Zhiyuan Ke
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore
| | - Wan Hsin Lim
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore
| | - CongBao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01, Singapore, 138670, Singapore.
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Kumari S, Gupta R, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Emerging trends in post-translational modification: Shedding light on Glioblastoma multiforme. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188999. [PMID: 37858622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188999] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent multi-omics studies, including proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics have revealed the critical role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the progression and pathogenesis of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Further, PTMs alter the oncogenic signaling events and offer a novel avenue in GBM therapeutics research through PTM enzymes as potential biomarkers for drug targeting. In addition, PTMs are critical regulators of chromatin architecture, gene expression, and tumor microenvironment (TME), that play a crucial function in tumorigenesis. Moreover, the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms enhances GBM therapeutics research through the identification of novel PTM enzymes and residues. Herein, we briefly explain the mechanism of protein modifications in GBM etiology, and in altering the biologics of GBM cells through chromatin remodeling, modulation of the TME, and signaling pathways. In addition, we highlighted the importance of PTM enzymes as therapeutic biomarkers and the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in protein PTM prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Kumari
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological, University, India
| | - Rohan Gupta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological, University, India; School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological, University, India; Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University, Sonepat, Haryana, India.
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological, University, India.
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Wang Y, Gao G, Wei X, Zhang Y, Yu J. UBE2T Promotes Temozolomide Resistance of Glioblastoma Through Regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1357-1369. [PMID: 37181827 PMCID: PMC10168001 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s405450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options, largely because of chemoresistance to temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. Ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 T (UBE2T) plays a key role in regulating the malignancy of various tumors, including GBM; however, its role in TMZ resistance of GBM has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of UBE2T in mediating TMZ resistance and investigate the specific underlying mechanism. Methods Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of UBE2T and Wnt/β-catenin-related factors. CCK-8, flow cytometry, and colony formation assays were used to examine the effect of UBE2T on TMZ resistance. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation was inhibited using XAV-939, and a xenograft mouse model was generated to clarify the function of TMZ in vivo. Results UBE2T knockdown sensitized GBM cells to TMZ treatment, whereas UBE2T overexpression promoted TMZ resistance. The specific UBE2T inhibitor, M435-1279, increased the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that UBE2T induces β-catenin nuclear translocation and increases the protein levels of downstream molecules, including survivin and c-Myc. Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using XAV-939 blocked TMZ resistance due to UBE2T overexpression in GBM cells. In addition, UBE2T was shown to facilitate TMZ resistance by inducing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation in a mouse xenograft model. Combined treatment with TMZ and UBE2T inhibitor achieved superior tumor growth suppression relative to TMZ treatment alone. Conclusion Our data reveal a novel role of UBE2T in mediating TMZ resistance of GBM cells via regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings indicate that targeting UBE2T has promising potential to overcome TMZ resistance of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangpin Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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Cao K, Ling X, Jiang X, Ma J, Zhu J. Pan-cancer analysis of UBE2T with a focus on prognostic and immunological roles in lung adenocarcinoma. Respir Res 2022; 23:306. [DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02226-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 T (UBE2T) is a potential oncogene. However, Pan-cancer analyses of the functional, prognostic and predictive implications of this gene are lacking.
Methods
We first analyzed UBE2T across 33 tumor types in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. We investigated the expression level of UBE2T and its effect on prognosis using the TCGA database. The correlation between UBE2T and cell cycle in pan-cancer was investigated using the single-cell sequencing data in Cancer Single-cell State Atlas (CancerSEA) database. The Weighted Gene Co-expression Network analysis (WGCNA), Univariate Cox and Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression models, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were applied to assess the prognostic impact of UBE2T-related cell cycle genes (UrCCGs). Furthermore, the consensus clustering (CC) method was adopted to divide TCGA-lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients into subgroups based on UrCCGs. Prognosis, molecular characteristics, and the immune panorama of subgroups were analyzed using Single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA). Results derived from TCGA-LUAD patients were validated in International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC)-LUAD data.
Results
UBE2T is highly expressed and is a prognostic risk factor in most tumors. CancerSEA database analysis revealed that UBE2T was positively associated with the cell cycle in various cancers(r > 0.60, p < 0.001). The risk signature of UrCCGs can reliably predict the prognosis of LUAD (AUC1 year = 0.720, AUC3 year = 0.700, AUC5 year = 0.630). The CC method classified the TCGA-LUAD cohort into 4 UrCCG subtypes (G1–G4). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that G2 and G4 subtypes had worse survival than G3 (Log-rank test PTCGA training set < 0.001, PICGC validation set < 0.001). A comprehensive analysis of immune infiltrates, immune checkpoints, and immunogenic cell death modulators unveiled different immune landscapes for the four subtypes. High immunophenoscore in G3 and G4 tumors suggested that these two subtypes were immunologically “hot,” tending to respond to immunotherapy compared to G2 subtypes (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
UBE2T is a critical oncogene in many cancers. Moreover, UrCCG classified the LUAD cohort into four subgroups with significantly different survival, molecular features, immune infiltrates, and immunotherapy responses. UBE2T may be a therapeutic target and predictor of prognosis and immunotherapy sensitivity.
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