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Xu F, Xu X, Deng H, Yu Z, Huang J, Deng L, Chao H. The role of deubiquitinase USP2 in driving bladder cancer progression by stabilizing EZH2 to epigenetically silence SOX1 expression. Transl Oncol 2024; 49:102104. [PMID: 39197387 PMCID: PMC11399563 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102104] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is known to participate in multiple cellular events. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP2 (ubiquitin-specific protease 2) is involved in the vasculature remodeling process associated with bladder cancer (BLCA). However, the role of USP2 in BLCA progression has not been clearly defined and whether its regulatory mechanism involving EZH2 (Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2) remains elusive yet. METHODS Differential expression patterns of USP2 and EZH2 were examined in 46 pairs of BLCA and adjacent normal tissues. USP2 knockdown plasmids were transfected into 5637 and J82 cells to detect its impact on cell proliferation, migration and invasion using CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and transwell assays. The USP2-EZH2-SOX1 cascade was confirmed through Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. An in vivo verification was conducted using a xenograft model of nude mice. RESULTS USP2 was significantly upregulated in BLCA tissues and cells, which was associated with poor clinical prognosis in BLCA patients. USP2 depletion resulted in decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion in BLCA cells. USP2 stabilized the EZH2 protein by directly binding to it, thereby reducing its ubiquitination. Ectopic introduction of EZH2 restored cell growth and invasion of BLCA cells, which had been inhibited by USP2 silencing. USP2-mediated stabilization of EZH2 promoted the enrichment of histone H3K27me3 and repression of SOX1. Involvement of the USP2-EZH2-SOX1 axis in tumor formation was ultimately verified in vivo. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal that a USP2-EZH2-SOX1 axis orchestrates the interplay between dysregulated USP2 and EZH2-mediated gene epigenetic silencing in BLCA progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghua Xu
- Department of Pathology, Ping Xiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang Economic and Technological Development District, Ping Xiang, Jiangxi 337000, China
| | - Xiangda Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Huanhuan Deng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Zhaojun Yu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Jianbiao Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China
| | - Leihong Deng
- Department of Ultrasonic medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.
| | - Haichao Chao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.
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Zhou Q, Wang R, Su Y, Wang B, Zhang Y, Qin X. The molecular circadian rhythms regulating the cell cycle. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30539. [PMID: 38372014 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30539] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The circadian clock controls the expression of a large proportion of protein-coding genes in mammals and can modulate a wide range of physiological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that disruption or dysregulation of the circadian clock is involved in the development and progression of several diseases, including cancer. The cell cycle is considered to be the fundamental process related to cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that the circadian clock can control the expression of a large number of genes related to the cell cycle. This article reviews the mechanism of cell cycle-related genes whose chromatin regulatory elements are rhythmically occupied by core circadian clock transcription factors, while their RNAs are rhythmically expressed. This article further reviews the identified oscillatory cell cycle-related genes in higher organisms such as baboons and humans. The potential functions of these identified genes in regulating cell cycle progression are also discussed. Understanding how the molecular clock controls the expression of cell cycle genes will be beneficial for combating and treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhou
- Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ruohan Wang
- Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yunxia Su
- Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bowen Wang
- Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yunfei Zhang
- Modern Experiment Technology Center, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ximing Qin
- Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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Lee TG, Woo SM, Seo SU, Kim S, Park JW, Chang YC, Kwon TK. Inhibition of USP2 Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Cancer Cell Death through Downregulation of Survivin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12816. [PMID: 37628997 PMCID: PMC10454696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2) is a deubiquitinase belonging to the USPs subfamily. USP2 has been known to display various biological effects including tumorigenesis and inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to examine the sensitization effect of USP2 in TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. The pharmacological inhibitor (ML364) and siRNA targeting USP2 enhanced TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced cancer cell death, but not normal cells. Mechanistically, USP2 interacted with survivin, and ML364 degraded survivin protein expression by increasing the ubiquitination of survivin. Overexpression of survivin or USP2 significantly prevented apoptosis through cotreatment with ML364 and TRAIL, whereas a knockdown of USP2 increased sensitivity to TRAIL. Taken together, our data suggested that ML364 ubiquitylates and degrades survivin, thereby increasing the reactivity to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tak Gyeom Lee
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; (T.G.L.); (S.M.W.); (S.U.S.); (S.K.); (J.-W.P.)
| | - Seon Min Woo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; (T.G.L.); (S.M.W.); (S.U.S.); (S.K.); (J.-W.P.)
| | - Seung Un Seo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; (T.G.L.); (S.M.W.); (S.U.S.); (S.K.); (J.-W.P.)
| | - Shin Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; (T.G.L.); (S.M.W.); (S.U.S.); (S.K.); (J.-W.P.)
| | - Jong-Wook Park
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; (T.G.L.); (S.M.W.); (S.U.S.); (S.K.); (J.-W.P.)
| | - Young-Chae Chang
- Research Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; (T.G.L.); (S.M.W.); (S.U.S.); (S.K.); (J.-W.P.)
- Center for Forensic Pharmaceutical Science, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
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Wang M, Zhang Z, Li Z, Zhu Y, Xu C. E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in bladder cancer tumorigenesis and implications for immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1226057. [PMID: 37497216 PMCID: PMC10366618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1226057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapidly increasing incidence of bladder cancer in China and worldwide, great efforts have been made to understand the detailed mechanism of bladder cancer tumorigenesis. Recently, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy has changed the treatment strategy for bladder cancer, especially for advanced bladder cancer, and has improved the survival of patients. The ubiquitin-proteasome system, which affects many biological processes, plays an important role in bladder cancer. Several E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases target immune checkpoints, either directly or indirectly. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in bladder cancer tumorigenesis and further highlight the implications for bladder cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoyu Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhensheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhizhou Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yasheng Zhu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanliang Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zhang X, Nadolny C, Chen Q, Ali W, Hashmi SF, Deng R. Dysregulation and oncogenic activities of ubiquitin specific peptidase 2a in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:2392-2409. [PMID: 37424823 PMCID: PMC10326592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin specific peptidase 2a (USP2a) plays critical roles in protein degradation and other cellular activities. Currently, our understanding on USP2a dysregulation in subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its roles in HCC pathogenesis is limited. In this study, we found that USP2a mRNA and protein levels were significantly upregulated in HCC tumors from both human and mice. USP2a overexpression in HepG2 and Huh 7 cells significantly increased cell proliferation while inhibition of USP2a activity by chemical inhibitor or stable knockout of USP2 by CRISPR markedly reduced cell proliferation. In addition, USP2a overexpression significantly augmented the resistance while knockout of USP2a markedly increased the susceptibility of HepG2 cells to bile acid-induced apoptosis and necrosis. Consistent with the oncogenic activities detected in vitro, overexpression of USP2a promoted de novo HCC development in mice with significantly increased tumor occurrence rates, tumor sizes and liver/body ratios. Further investigations with unbiased co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP)-coupled proteomic analysis and Western blot identified novel USP2a target proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. Analysis of those USP2a target proteins revealed that USP2a's oncogenic activities are mediated through multiple pathways, including modulating protein folding and assembling through regulating protein chaperones/co-chaperones HSPA1A, DNAJA1 and TCP1, promoting DNA replication and transcription through regulating RUVBL1, PCNA and TARDBP, and altering mitochondrial apoptotic pathway through regulating VDAC2. Indeed, those newly identified USP2a target proteins were markedly dysregulated in HCC tumors. In summary, USP2a was upregulated in HCC subjects and acted as an oncogene in the pathogenesis of HCC through multiple downstream pathways. The findings provided molecular and pathogenesis bases for developing interventions to treat HCC by targeting USP2a or its downstream pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Christina Nadolny
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Qiwen Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Winifer Ali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Syed F Hashmi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Ruitang Deng
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Cheng H, Wang X. The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in bladder cancer development and immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202633. [PMID: 37215134 PMCID: PMC10196180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is one of the common malignant urothelial tumors. Post-translational modification (PTMs), including ubiquitination, acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, have been revealed to participate in bladder cancer initiation and progression. Ubiquitination is the common PTM, which is conducted by E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme, E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. E3 ubiquitin ligases play a key role in bladder oncogenesis and progression and drug resistance in bladder cancer. Therefore, in this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the functions of E3 ubiquitin ligases in bladder cancer development. Moreover, we provide the evidence of E3 ubiquitin ligases in regulation of immunotherapy in bladder cancer. Furthermore, we mention the multiple compounds that target E3 ubiquitin ligases to improve the therapy efficacy of bladder cancer. We hope our review can stimulate researchers and clinicians to investigate whether and how targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases acts a novel strategy for bladder cancer therapy.
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USP2 Inhibits Lung Cancer Pathogenesis by Reducing ARID2 Protein Degradation via Ubiquitination. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1525216. [PMID: 36567903 PMCID: PMC9779997 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1525216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Ubiquitination is an important regulator in physiological and pathological conditions. Ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2), as a member of the USP family, exhibits oncogenic effects in multiple malignancies. However, the exact role of USP2 has not been well clarified in lung cancer pathogenesis and progression. Therefore, we aimed to further investigate the regulatory roles of USP2 in lung cancer in this study. Methods Firstly, immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS), Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), combined with immunofluorescent colocalization method, was conducted for USP2 protein interaction analysis in lung cancer cell lines. qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays explored the USP2 expression pattern and USP2/ARID2- (AT-rich interactive domain 2-) specific shRNAs and overexpression vectors. Co-IP assays were designed to validate USP2-ARID2 protein interaction. Further functional studies including CHX chase assay, transwell assay, and wound healing assay were subsequently applied to evaluate the impact of USP2 modulation on lung cancer cells. Results USP2 suppression was characteristic in lung cancer cell line models and lung cancer samples. USP2 and ARID2 demonstrated protein-protein interaction and overlapping localization in cancer cell models. Functional experiments suggested USP2 inhibited lung cancer cell invasion and migration by reducing ARID2 protein degradation. Subsequent ubiquitination assays indicated ARID2 protein degradation via the ubiquitination was significantly reduced by USP2 interaction. Conclusions Our study provided novel insight that USP2 might suppress lung cancer by reducing ARID2 protein degradation via ubiquitination.
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High Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 2a Expression Level Predicts Poor Prognosis in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2022; 30:304-310. [PMID: 35384881 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation has been reported to be involved in regulating the activity of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors. Dysfunction or dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system may induce tumorigenesis. Deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 2a (USP2a) has been reported to regulate cell growth or death and is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancers. However, the role of USP2a in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has not been investigated yet. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of USP2a expression in UTUC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 110 UTUC cases were included in this study. USP2a expression level was evaluated through immunohistochemistry staining, and the correlation of USP2a expression level with both clinical and pathologic variables was analyzed. RESULTS High USP2a expression level was observed in 48 (43.6%) cancer specimens. USP2a expression level was significantly correlated with tumor stage (P=0.001), grade (P=0.033), and tumor recurrence (P=0.008). High USP2a expression level was correlated with poor disease-free survival (P=0.005) and cancer-specific survival (P<0.001). In addition, high USP2a expression level was an independent predictor of poor disease-free survival (hazard ratio=2.31; P=0.007) and cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio=5.49; P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that USP2a protein expression level may be a potential biomarker for predicting UTUC patient survival. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the role of USP2a in UTUC progression.
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Nadolny C, Zhang X, Chen Q, Hashmi SF, Ali W, Hemme C, Ahsan N, Chen Y, Deng R. Dysregulation and activities of ubiquitin specific peptidase 2b in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4746-4767. [PMID: 34765291 PMCID: PMC8569343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin specific peptidase-2 (USP2) plays important roles in a myriad of cellular activities through deubiquitinating target proteins and its implications in various diseases, especially cancers, are starting to emerge. Our current understanding on USP2 expression in subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its roles in the pathogenesis of HCC is limited. In this study, we found that USP2 protein and mRNA levels were significantly dysregulated in HCC tumor (HCC-T) when compared to adjacent non-tumor (HCC-NT) or normal liver tissues from both human and mouse HCC model. Among the USP2 isoforms, USP2b was the predominant isoform in the normal liver and markedly down-regulated in HCC-T tissues in both human and mice. Data from overexpression, chemical inhibition and knockout studies consistently demonstrated that USP2b promoted cell proliferation, colony formation and wound healing in HepG2 and Huh 7 cells. On the other hand, USP2b exhibited proapoptotic and pronecrtotic activities through enhancing bile acid-induced apoptosis and necrosis in both HepG2 and Huh 7 cells. Unbiased proteomic analysis of USP2-knockout (KO) and parental HepG2 cells resulted in identification of USP2-regulated downstream target proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis, including serine/threonine kinase 4 (STK4), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) and fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1). In conclusion, USP2b expression was dysregulated in subjects with HCC and contributed to the pathogenesis of HCC by promoting cell proliferation and exerting proapoptotic and pronecrotic activities. The findings provide the molecular basis for developing therapies for HCC through modulating USP2b expression or activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nadolny
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Xinmu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Qiwen Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Syed F Hashmi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Winifer Ali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Christopher Hemme
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Nagib Ahsan
- COBRE Center for Cancer Research Development, Proteomics Core Facility, Rhode Island HospitalProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Ruitang Deng
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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Kitamura H, Hashimoto M. USP2-Related Cellular Signaling and Consequent Pathophysiological Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1209. [PMID: 33530560 PMCID: PMC7865608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin specific protease (USP) 2 is a multifunctional deubiquitinating enzyme. USP2 modulates cell cycle progression, and therefore carcinogenesis, via the deubiquitination of cyclins and Aurora-A. Other tumorigenic molecules, including epidermal growth factor and fatty acid synthase, are also targets for USP2. USP2 additionally prevents p53 signaling. On the other hand, USP2 functions as a key component of the CLOCK/BMAL1 complex and participates in rhythmic gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and liver. USP2 variants influence energy metabolism by controlling hepatic gluconeogenesis, hepatic cholesterol uptake, adipose tissue inflammation, and subsequent systemic insulin sensitivity. USP2 also has the potential to promote surface expression of ion channels in renal and intestinal epithelial cells. In addition to modifying the production of cytokines in immune cells, USP2 also modulates the signaling molecules that are involved in cytokine signaling in the target cells. Usp2 knockout mice exhibit changes in locomotion and male fertility, which suggest roles for USP2 in the central nervous system and male genital tract, respectively. In this review, we summarize the cellular events with USP2 contributions and list the signaling molecules that are upstream or downstream of USP2. Additionally, we describe phenotypic differences found in the in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kitamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan;
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Meng X, Xiong Z, Xiao W, Yuan C, Wang C, Huang Y, Tong J, Shi J, Chen Z, Liu C, Xie K, Xiong H, Chen K, Yang H, Zhang X. Downregulation of ubiquitin-specific protease 2 possesses prognostic and diagnostic value and promotes the clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:319. [PMID: 32355763 PMCID: PMC7186618 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), characterized by high mortality, invasion, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance, is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system. A clear understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and its role during tumorigenesis of RCC can contribute to development of prognostic and targeted therapies. Methods We analyzed datasets from the public database, TCGA, Oncomine, for differential expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2), and further investigated its relationship with the clinical stage, pathological grade and prognosis of renal cancer. We used real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis to validate USP2 expression in clinical samples and renal cancer cell lines. Finally, we used CCK-8 and transwell assays to determine its effects on biological functions in cells. Results We observed significantly lower levels of USP2 mRNA in renal cancer, relative to normal, tissues across the four datasets from the Oncomine database (P<0.001), 533 cases from TCGA database (P<0.0001) and 30 pairs of clinical samples (P<0.0001). Similarly, a decreased USP2 protein expression in ccRCC was detected following immunohistochemical (IHC) and western blot analyses. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of USP2 resulted in significant relationship with clinical stage, pathological grade and lower USP2 mRNA expression was interrelated to poor prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. USP2 acted as an independent factor for ccRCC diagnosis, with an AUC of 0.8888 (95% CI: 0.8529 to 0.9246; P<0.0001). Exogenous restoration of USP2 in ccRCC cells resulted in repression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusions Overall, these results show that USP2 acts as an anti-oncogene and an independent factor for ccRCC prognosis. Positive modulation of USP2 might lead to development of a novel strategy for ccRCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangui Meng
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhiyong Xiong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Changfei Yuan
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Junwei Tong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhixian Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kairu Xie
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hailong Xiong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Oo HZ, Seiler R, Black PC, Daugaard M. Post-translational modifications in bladder cancer: Expanding the tumor target repertoire. Urol Oncol 2018; 38:858-866. [PMID: 30342880 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, genomic and transcriptomic analyses have uncovered promising tumor antigens including immunotherapeutic targets in bladder cancer (BCa). Conventional tumor antigens are proteins expressed on the plasma membrane of tumor cells such as EGFR, FGFR3, and ERBB2 in BCa, which can be targeted by antibodies or similar epitope-specific binding reagents. The cellular proteome consists of ∼100,000 proteins but the expression of these proteins is rarely unique to tumor cells. Many tumor-associated proteins are post-translationally modified with phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, or SUMOylation moieties. Although these modifications expand the complexity, they potentially offer novel targeting opportunities across tumor sub-populations. Experimental targeting of cancer-specific post-translational modifications (PTMs) has shown encouraging results in pre-clinical models of BCa, which could potentially overcome issues with inherent intra-tumor heterogeneity due to simultaneous expression on different proteins. Here, we review current knowledge on post-translational modifications in BCa and highlight recent efforts in experimental targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Htoo Zarni Oo
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Roland Seiler
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; Department of Urology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter C Black
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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Pinto-Fernandez A, Kessler BM. DUBbing Cancer: Deubiquitylating Enzymes Involved in Epigenetics, DNA Damage and the Cell Cycle As Therapeutic Targets. Front Genet 2016; 7:133. [PMID: 27516771 PMCID: PMC4963401 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling cell proliferation is one of the hallmarks of cancer. A number of critical checkpoints ascertain progression through the different stages of the cell cycle, which can be aborted when perturbed, for instance by errors in DNA replication and repair. These molecular checkpoints are regulated by a number of proteins that need to be present at the right time and quantity. The ubiquitin system has emerged as a central player controlling the fate and function of such molecules such as cyclins, oncogenes and components of the DNA repair machinery. In particular, proteases that cleave ubiquitin chains, referred to as deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), have attracted recent attention due to their accessibility to modulation by small molecules. In this review, we describe recent evidence of the critical role of DUBs in aspects of cell cycle checkpoint control, associated DNA repair mechanisms and regulation of transcription, representing pathways altered in cancer. Therefore, DUBs involved in these processes emerge as potentially critical targets for the treatment of not only hematological, but potentially also solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adan Pinto-Fernandez
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
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Boustani MR, Khoshnood RJ, Nikpasand F, Taleshi Z, Ahmadi K, Yahaghi E, Goudarzi PK. Overexpression of ubiquitin-specific protease 2a (USP2a) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in human gliomas. J Neurol Sci 2016; 363:249-52. [PMID: 27000259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gliomas are among the most frequent adult primary brain tumors. Recent studies have shown that there are novel opportunities for developing therapeutics by targeting the differentiation and self-renewal features of glioma. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of USP2a an Nrf2 in patients with glioma and their association with prognosis of gliomas that was detected with immunohistochemical staining. METHODS In this study, 40 patient's tissue samples with primary gliomas were collected between January 2009 and December 2013. MRI of patients was done before and within 24 h after surgery. USP2a and Nrf2 expression levels were examined by immunohistochemistry. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 16.0, X(2) test, log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry indicated that USP2a expression was increased in glioma cells than normal brain tissues. The increased USP2a staining was markedly correlated with advanced tumor grade (P=0.02) and age (P=0.016). Our result showed that Nrf2 expression was significantly higher in glioma cells as compared to normal brain tissues. The high expression level of Nrf2 was markedly linked to age (P=0.007), and tumor grade (P=0.03). Kaplan-Meier survival and log-rank analysis indicated that patients with low expression of USP2a had longer overall survival than those with high levels (log-rank test P<0.001). Moreover, patients with high Nrf2 expression had shorter overall survival than those with low levels (log-rank test P<0.001). In the univariate analysis, the high expression of Nrf2 and USP2a (P=0.004; P=0.006), age (P=0.025), and tumor grade (P=0.001) were correlated with poor survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that, high Nrf2 and USP2a staining (P=0.001; P=0.003), advanced tumor grade (P=0.01) and age (P=0.033) were independent predictor of overall survival. CONCLUSION In summary, the result of this study showed USP2a and Nrf2 may be as prognostic marker in patients with gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Jalili Khoshnood
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fermoozan Nikpasand
- General Medicine, Tehran Medical Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Taleshi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Koorosh Ahmadi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Emad Yahaghi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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