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Al-Balushi E, Al Marzouqi A, Tavoosi S, Baghsheikhi AH, Sadri A, Aliabadi LS, Salarabedi MM, Rahman SA, Al-Yateem N, Jarrahi AM, Halimi A, Ahmadvand M, Abdel-Rahman WM. Comprehensive analysis of the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidases in colorectal cancer: A systematic review. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:197-213. [PMID: 38292842 PMCID: PMC10824112 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i1.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent and the second most fatal cancer. The search for more effective drugs to treat this disease is ongoing. A better understanding of the mechanisms of CRC development and progression may reveal new therapeutic strategies. Ubiquitin-specific peptidases (USPs), the largest group of the deubiquitinase protein family, have long been implicated in various cancers. There have been numerous studies on the role of USPs in CRC; however, a comprehensive view of this role is lacking. AIM To provide a systematic review of the studies investigating the roles and functions of USPs in CRC. METHODS We systematically queried the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS Our study highlights the pivotal role of various USPs in several processes implicated in CRC: Regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, DNA repair, and drug resistance. The findings of this study suggest that USPs have great potential as drug targets and noninvasive biomarkers in CRC. The dysregulation of USPs in CRC contributes to drug resistance through multiple mechanisms. CONCLUSION Targeting specific USPs involved in drug resistance pathways could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming resistance to current treatment regimens in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Al-Balushi
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amina Al Marzouqi
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shima Tavoosi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73441, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Baghsheikhi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 11365/4435, Iran
| | - Arash Sadri
- Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Leyla Sharifi Aliabadi
- Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology, and Cell Therapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Mahdi Salarabedi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1983969411, Iran
| | - Syed Azizur Rahman
- College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nabeel Al-Yateem
- Department of Nursing, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alireza Mosavi Jarrahi
- Cancer Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1983969411, Iran
| | - Aram Halimi
- Cancer Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1983969411, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ahmadvand
- Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology, and Cell Therapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Wael M Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Xu J, Guo R, Wen N, Li L, Yi Y, Chen J, He Z, Yang J, Xiao ZXJ, Niu M. FBXO3 stabilizes USP4 and Twist1 to promote PI3K-mediated breast cancer metastasis. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002446. [PMID: 38134227 PMCID: PMC10745200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002446] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer morbidity and mortality. It has been reported that the F-box protein FBXO3 functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase in regulating various biological processes, including host autoimmune, antiviral innate immunity, and inflammatory response. However, the role of FBXO3 in tumor metastasis remains elusive. We have previously shown that ΔNp63α is a common inhibitory target in oncogene-induced cell motility and tumor metastasis. In this study, we show that FBXO3 plays a vital role in PI3K-mediated breast cancer metastasis independent of its E3 ligase activity and ΔNp63α in breast cancer cells and in mouse. FBXO3 can bind to and stabilize USP4, leading to Twist1 protein stabilization and increased breast cancer cell migration and tumor metastasis. Mechanistically, FBXO3 disrupts the interaction between USP4 and aspartyl aminopeptidase (DNPEP), thereby protecting USP4 from DNPEP-mediated degradation. Furthermore, p110αH1047R facilitates the phosphorylation and stabilization of FBXO3 in an ERK1-dependent manner. Knockdown of either FBXO3 or USP4 leads to significant inhibition of PI3K-induced breast cancer metastasis. Clinically, elevated expression of p110α/FBXO3/USP4/Twist1 is associated with poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of breast cancer patients. Taken together, this study reveals that the FBXO3-USP4-Twist1 axis is pivotal in PI3K-mediated breast tumor metastasis and that FBXO3/USP4 may be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongtian Guo
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nasi Wen
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Luping Li
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Yi
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingzhen Chen
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zongyu He
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Jim Xiao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengmeng Niu
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang H, Han Y, Xiao W, Gao Y, Sui Z, Ren P, Meng F, Tang P, Yu Z. USP4 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting TAK1. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:730. [PMID: 37949874 PMCID: PMC10638297 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06259-0] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 4 (USP4) represents a potential oncogene involved in various human cancers. Nevertheless, the biological roles and precise mechanism of USP4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression are not understood. Here, USP4 expression was found to be markedly upregulated in ESCC tumor tissues and cells. Loss- and gain-of-function assays suggested that USP4 silencing inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while USP4 overexpression promoted these behaviors. Consistently, USP4 silencing repressed tumor growth and metastasis in an ESCC nude mouse model in vivo. As a target molecule of USP4, transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) also showed high expression in ESCC. Moreover, we observed that USP4 specifically interacted with TAK1 and stabilized TAK1 protein levels via deubiquitination in ESCC cells. Importantly, USP4 promotes ESCC proliferation, migration, and invasion via the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and can be inhibited by U0126. Neutral red (NR), an inhibitor of USP4 can suppress ESCC progression in vitro and in vivo. Overall, this study revealed that USP4/TAK1 plays crucial roles in ESCC progression by modulating proliferation, migration, and invasion, and USP4 might be a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongdian Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Youming Han
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
- Binhai Hospital of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300456, China
| | - Wanyi Xiao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yongyin Gao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Zhilin Sui
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and PeKing Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China
| | - Peng Ren
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Fanbiao Meng
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Peng Tang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Zhentao Yu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300060, China.
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and PeKing Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China.
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4
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Guo Z, Guo L. Tumor-promoting action of ubiquitin protease 43 in gastric cancer progression through deubiquitination and stabilization of stress-inducible phosphoprotein 1. Exp Cell Res 2023; 430:113714. [PMID: 37442266 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the 5th most common cancer over the world. Ubiquitin protease 43 (UBP43) is a multifunctional protein with deubiquitinase activities. Abnormal expression of UBP43 has been reported in numerous types of malignancies. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes (Fold change ≥2 or ≤ -2 and p < 0.01) in GC from the datasets downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis databases, which showed that UBP43 and stress-inducible phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) were up-regulated in both datasets. Online databases displayed the binding of UBP43 to STIP1 and the positive correlation between the two proteins. This study aims to explore: the role of UBP43 in cell proliferation and apoptosis in GC; the relationship between UBP43 and STIP1; and whether UBP43 exerts its function via STIP1 in GC. Knockdown/overexpression stable GC cell lines were generated by transducing lentivirus carrying coding sequence/short hairpin RNA of UBP43 and puromycin selection. GC patients with higher expressions of UBP43 had poor prognosis. Loss-/gain-of-function experiments revealed that pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic abilities of UBP43 in GC cells and xenografts. UBP43 could interact with STIP1, inhibit its ubiquitination, and promote its protein stability, thereby enhancing STIP1 expression. Moreover, STIP1 knockdown reversed the pro-proliferative ability of UBP43 in GC cells. Our study uncovers that the pro-proliferative role of UBP43 in GC development is STIP1-dependent and indicates that UBP43 may act as a potent therapeutic target in GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Guo
- Department of Operating Room, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China.
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5
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Kim YJ, Lee Y, Shin H, Hwang S, Park J, Song EJ. Ubiquitin-proteasome system as a target for anticancer treatment-an update. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:573-597. [PMID: 37541992 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01455-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
As the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) regulates almost every biological process, the dysregulation or aberrant expression of the UPS components causes many pathological disorders, including cancers. To find a novel target for anticancer therapy, the UPS has been an active area of research since the FDA's first approval of a proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in 2003 for treating multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we summarize newly described UPS components, including E3 ubiquitin ligases, deubiquitinases (DUBs), and immunoproteasome, whose malfunction leads to tumorigenesis and whose inhibitors have been investigated in clinical trials as anticancer therapy since 2020. We explain the mechanism and effects of several inhibitors in depth to better comprehend the advantages of targeting UPS components for cancer treatment. In addition, we describe attempts to overcome resistance and limited efficacy of some launched proteasome inhibitors, as well as an emerging PROTAC-based tool targeting UPS components for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Jung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonjoo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungkyung Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - SuA Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Park
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio‑Medical Science and Technology, KIST‑School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Song
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea.
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Chen CJ, Huang JY, Huang JQ, Deng JY, Shangguan XH, Chen AZ, Chen LT, Wu WH. Metformin attenuates multiple myeloma cell proliferation and encourages apoptosis by suppressing METTL3-mediated m6A methylation of THRAP3, RBM25, and USP4. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:986-1004. [PMID: 36762777 PMCID: PMC10054227 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2170521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the results of epidemiological and preclinical studies, metformin can improve the prognosis of patients with malignant tumors. Studies have confirmed that metformin inhibits multiple myeloma (MM) cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis. Nevertheless, the specific mechanism remains to be elucidated. MM cells were intervened with different doses of metformin to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were employed to assess the expression of METTL3, METTL14, WTAP, FTO, and ALKBH5 after metformin intervention. The microarray dataset GSE29023 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and calculated using the R language (limma package) to authenticate differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery (David) was applied for GO annotation analysis of DEGs. Subsequently, the string database and Cytoscape software were applied to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) and DEM hub gene networks. Bioinformatics analysis and MeRIP were applied to predict and test METTL3-mediated m6A levels on mRNA of THRAP3, RBM25, and USP4 in METTL3 knocked-down cells. Then rescue experiments were performed to explore effects of METTL3 and THRAP3, RBM25, or USP4 on cell proliferation and apoptosis. The effect on MM cell xenograft tumor growth was observed by injection of metformin or/and overexpression of METTL3 in in vivo experiments. Metformin decreased cell proliferation and encouraged cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Global m6A modification was elevated in MM cells compared to normal cells, which was counteracted by metformin treatment. Furthermore, THRAP3, RBM25, and USP4 were identified as possible candidate genes for metformin treatment by GSE29023 data mining. METTL3 interference impaired m6A modification on mRNA of THRAP3, RBM25, and USP4 as well as expression levels. The mRNA stability and expression of THRAP3, RBM25, and USP4 was decreased after metformin treatment, which was reversed by METTL3 overexpression. THRAP3, RBM25 or USP4 knockdown reversed the assistance of METTL3 overexpression on the malignant behavior of MM cells. Finally, upregulation of METTL3 was shown to exert facilitative effects on xenograft tumor growth by blocking metformin injection. The present study demonstrates that metformin can repress the expression of THRAP3, RBM25, and USP4 by inhibiting METTL3-mediated m6A modification, which in turn hamper cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis.Abbreviations: multiple myeloma (MM), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), differentially expressed genes (DEGs), database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery (David), protein-protein interaction (PPI), epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase like 14 (METTL14), wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), methyltransferase like 16 (METTL16), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), glioma stem cells (GSCs), normal bone marrow-derived plasma cells (nPCs), false discovery rate (FDR), biological process (BP), optical density (OD), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), M6A RNA immunoprecipitation assay (MeRIP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Jie Chen
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jie-Yun Huang
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jian-Qing Huang
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Deng
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Shangguan
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ai-Zhen Chen
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Long-Tian Chen
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wei-Hao Wu
- Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
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Liu P, Liu S, Zhu C, Li Y, Li Y, Fei X, Hou J, Wang X, Pan Y. The deubiquitinating enzyme MINDY2 promotes pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by stabilizing ACTN4 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1169833. [PMID: 37207150 PMCID: PMC10189038 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1169833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer (PC) are still not fully understood. Ubiquitination modifications have a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. Yet, the role of MINDY2, a member of the motif interacting with Ub-containing novel DUB family (MINDY), as a newly identified deubiquitinating enzyme, in PC is still unclear. In this study, we found that MINDY2 expression is elevated in PC tissue (clinical samples) and was associated with poor prognosis. We also found that MINDY2 is associated with pro-carcinogenic factors such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammatory response, and angiogenesis; the ROC curve suggested that MINDY2 has a high diagnostic value in PC. Immunological correlation analysis suggested that MINDY2 is deeply involved in immune cell infiltration in PC and is associated with immune checkpoint-related genes. In vivo and in vitro experiments further suggested that elevated MINDY2 promotes PC proliferation, invasive metastasis, and EMT. Meanwhile, actinin alpha 4 (ACTN4) was identified as a MINDY2-interacting protein by mass spectrometry and other experiments, and ACTN4 protein levels were significantly correlated with MINDY2 expression. The ubiquitination assay confirmed that MINDY2 stabilizes the ACTN4 protein level by deubiquitination. The pro-oncogenic effect of MINDY2 was significantly inhibited by silencing ACTN4. Bioinformatics Analysis and Western blot experiments further confirmed that MINDY2 stabilizes ACTN4 through deubiquitination and thus activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, we identified the oncogenic role and mechanism of MINDY2 in PC, suggesting that MINDY2 is a viable candidate gene for PC and may be a therapeutic target and critical prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Songbai Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Changhao Zhu
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yongning Li
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaobin Fei
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Junyi Hou
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xing Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xing Wang, ; Yaozhen Pan,
| | - Yaozhen Pan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xing Wang, ; Yaozhen Pan,
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USPs in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis of Expression, Prognostic Significance, and Immune Infiltration. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6109052. [PMID: 36582601 PMCID: PMC9794441 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6109052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as an intractable malignancy, still causes an extremely high mortality worldwide. The ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family constitutes the major part of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) which has been reported to be involved in initiation and progression of various malignancies via the function of deubiquitination. However, the biological function and clinical values of USPs in PDAC have not been comprehensively elucidated. In this study, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, UALCAN database, and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) online tool were used to analyze the expression level and the relationship between USP expression and clinicopathological features in PDAC. Survival module of HPA and Kaplan-Meier plotter (KMP) databases was recruited to explore the prognostic value of USPs. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) online tool and KMP databases were utilized to elucidate tumor immune infiltration and immune-related survival of USPs. CBioPortal online tool was used to identify the gene mutation level of USPs in PDAC. Both cBioPortal and LinkedOmics were used to confirm the potential biological functions of USPs in PDAC. Our study showed that USP10, USP14, USP18, USP32, USP33, and USP39 (termed as six-USPs) expressions were significantly elevated in tumor tissues. The high expression of the four USPs (USP10, USP14, USP18, and USP39) indicated a poor prognosis. A significant relationship was indicated between the expression of six-USPs and clinicopathological features. Also, the expression of six-USPs was related to promoter methylation level. Moreover, more than 40% genetic alterations and mutations were discovered in six-USPs. Furthermore, the six-USP expression was correlated with immune infiltration and immune-related prognosis. The functional analysis found that the six-USPs were involved in various biological processes and signaling pathways, such as nucleocytoplasmic transport, choline metabolism in cancer, cell cycle, ErbB signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. In conclusion, the results showed that six-USPs are potential prognostic biomarkers and can be recruited as possible therapeutic targets of PDAC.
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Inhibition of Ubiquitin-specific Protease 4 Attenuates Epithelial—Mesenchymal Transition of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells via Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor Type I. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:1000-1006. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2632-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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10
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Bailly C, Vergoten G. Binding of Vialinin A and p-Terphenyl Derivatives to Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 4 (USP4): A Molecular Docking Study. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185909. [PMID: 36144645 PMCID: PMC9505430 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The para-terphenyl derivative vialinin A (Vi-A), isolated from Thelephora fungi, has been characterized as a potent inhibitor of the ubiquitin-specific protease 4 (USP4). Blockade of USP4 contributes to the anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of the natural product. We have investigated the interaction of Vi-A with USP4 by molecular modeling, to locate the binding site (around residue V98 within the domain in USP segment) and to identify the binding process and interaction contacts. From this model, a series of 32 p-terphenyl compounds were tested as potential USP4 binders, mainly in the vialinin, terrestrin and telephantin series. We identified 11 compounds presenting a satisfactory USP4 binding capacity, including two fungal products, vialinin B and aurantiotinin A, with a more favorable empirical energy of USP4 interaction (ΔE) than the reference product Vi-A. The rare p-terphenyl aurantiotinin A, isolated from the basidiomycete T. aurantiotincta, emerged as a remarkable USP4 binder. Structure-binding relationships have been identified and discussed, to guide the future design of USP4 inhibitors based on the p-terphenyl skeleton. The docking study should help the identification of other protease inhibitors from fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Consulting Scientific Office, 59290 Lille (Wasquehal), France
- Correspondence:
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol, Faculté de Pharmacie, University of Lille, Inserm, INFINITE-U1286, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, 59006 Lille, France
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11
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USP15 and USP4 facilitate lung cancer cell proliferation by regulating the alternative splicing of SRSF1. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:24. [PMID: 35027535 PMCID: PMC8758713 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The deubiquitinating enzyme USP15 is implicated in several human cancers by regulating different cellular processes, including splicing regulation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of its functional relevance and the successive roles in enhanced tumorigenesis remain ambiguous. Here, we found that USP15 and its close paralog USP4 are overexpressed and facilitate lung cancer cell proliferation by regulating the alternative splicing of SRSF1. Depletion of USP15 and USP4 impair SRSF1 splicing characterized by the replacement of exon 4 with non-coding intron sequences retained at its C-terminus, resulting in an alternative isoform SRSF1-3. We observed an increased endogenous expression of SRSF1 in lung cancer cells as well, and its overexpression significantly enhanced cancer cell phenotype and rescued the depletion effect of USP15 and USP4. However, the alternatively spliced isoform SRSF1-3 was deficient in such aspects for its premature degradation through nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The increased USP15 expression contributes to the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) development and shows significantly lower disease-specific survival of patients with USP15 alteration. In short, we identified USP15 and USP4 as key regulators of SRSF1 alternative splicing with altered functions, which may represent the novel prognostic biomarker as well as a potential target for LUAD.
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Fungal Secondary Metabolites as Inhibitors of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413309. [PMID: 34948102 PMCID: PMC8707610 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the major non-lysosomal pathway responsible for regulated degradation of intracellular proteins in eukaryotes. As the principal proteolytic pathway in the cytosol and the nucleus, the UPS serves two main functions: the quality control function (i.e., removal of damaged, misfolded, and functionally incompetent proteins) and a major regulatory function (i.e., targeted degradation of a variety of short-lived regulatory proteins involved in cell cycle control, signal transduction cascades, and regulation of gene expression and metabolic pathways). Aberrations in the UPS are implicated in numerous human pathologies such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmunity, inflammation, or infectious diseases. Therefore, the UPS has become an attractive target for drug discovery and development. For the past two decades, much research has been focused on identifying and developing compounds that target specific components of the UPS. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of both second-generation proteasome inhibitors and inhibitors of ubiquitinating/deubiquitinating enzymes. With the feature of unique structure and bioactivity, secondary metabolites (natural products) serve as the lead compounds in the development of new therapeutic drugs. This review, for the first time, summarizes fungal secondary metabolites found to act as inhibitors of the UPS components.
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Wang Y, Wang F. Post-Translational Modifications of Deubiquitinating Enzymes: Expanding the Ubiquitin Code. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:685011. [PMID: 34177595 PMCID: PMC8224227 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.685011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination play important regulatory roles in several biological processes in eukaryotes. This process could be reversed by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which remove conjugated ubiquitin molecules from target substrates. Owing to their role as essential enzymes in regulating all ubiquitin-related processes, the abundance, localization, and catalytic activity of DUBs are tightly regulated. Dysregulation of DUBs can cause dramatic physiological consequences and a variety of disorders such as cancer, and neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Multiple factors, such as transcription and translation of associated genes, and the presence of accessory domains, binding proteins, and inhibitors have been implicated in several aspects of DUB regulation. Beyond this level of regulation, emerging studies show that the function of DUBs can be regulated by a variety of post-translational modifications, which significantly affect the abundance, localization, and catalytic activity of DUBs. The most extensively studied post-translational modification of DUBs is phosphorylation. Besides phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, oxidation, and hydroxylation are also reported in DUBs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulatory effects of post-translational modifications of DUBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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14
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Hu B, Zhang D, Zhao K, Wang Y, Pei L, Fu Q, Ma X. Spotlight on USP4: Structure, Function, and Regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:595159. [PMID: 33681193 PMCID: PMC7935551 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.595159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB)–mediated cleavage of ubiquitin plays a critical role in balancing protein synthesis and degradation. Ubiquitin-specific protease 4 (USP4), a member of the largest subfamily of cysteine protease DUBs, removes monoubiquitinated and polyubiquitinated chains from its target proteins. USP4 contains a DUSP (domain in USP)–UBL (ubiquitin-like) domain and a UBL-insert catalytic domain, sharing a common domain organization with its paralogs USP11 and USP15. USP4 plays a critical role in multiple cellular and biological processes and is tightly regulated under normal physiological conditions. When its expression or activity is aberrant, USP4 is implicated in the progression of a wide range of pathologies, especially cancers. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the current knowledge of USP4 structure, biological functions, pathological roles, and cellular regulation, highlighting the importance of exploring effective therapeutic interventions to target USP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dingyue Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kejia Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijiao Pei
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianmei Fu
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Molecular Mechanisms of DUBs Regulation in Signaling and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030986. [PMID: 33498168 PMCID: PMC7863924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The large family of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are involved in the regulation of a plethora of processes carried out inside the cell by protein ubiquitination. Ubiquitination is a basic pathway responsible for the correct protein homeostasis in the cell, which could regulate the fate of proteins through the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS). In this review we will focus on recent advances on the molecular mechanisms and specificities found for some types of DUBs enzymes, highlighting illustrative examples in which the regulatory mechanism for DUBs has been understood in depth at the molecular level by structural biology. DUB proteases are responsible for cleavage and regulation of the multiple types of ubiquitin linkages that can be synthesized inside the cell, known as the ubiquitin-code, which are tightly connected to specific substrate functions. We will display some strategies carried out by members of different DUB families to provide specificity on the cleavage of particular ubiquitin linkages. Finally, we will also discuss recent progress made for the development of drug compounds targeting DUB proteases, which are usually correlated to the progress of many pathologies such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
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16
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Gregoire-Mitha S, Gray DA. What deubiquitinating enzymes, oncogenes, and tumor suppressors actually do: Are current assumptions supported by patient outcomes? Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000269. [PMID: 33415735 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Context can determine whether a given gene acts as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) regulate the stability of many components of the pathways dictating cell fate so it would be expected that alterations in the levels or activity of these enzymes may have oncogenic or tumor suppressive consequences. In the current review we survey publications reporting that genes encoding DUBs are oncogenes or tumor suppressors. For many DUBs both claims have been made. For such "double agents," the effects of gain or loss of function will depend on the overall status of a complex of molecular signaling networks subject to extensive crosstalk. As the TGF-β paradox makes clear context is critical in cell fate decisions, and the disconnect between experimental findings and patient survival outcomes can in part be attributed to disparities between culture conditions and the microenvironment in vivo. Convincing claims for oncogene or tumor suppressor roles require the documentation of gene alterations in patient samples; survival curves are alone inadequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Gregoire-Mitha
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Douglas A Gray
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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17
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Yang Y, Fan X, Ren Y, Wu K, Tian X, Wen F, Liu D, Fan Y, Zhao S. SOX2-Upregulated microRNA-30e Promotes the Progression of Esophageal Cancer via Regulation of the USP4/SMAD4/CK2 Axis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 23:200-214. [PMID: 33376627 PMCID: PMC7750169 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly aggressive disease, and its progression involves a complex gene regulation network. Transcription factor SOX2 is amplified in various cancers including EC. A pathway involving SOX2 regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes has been previously revealed. This study aims to delineate the ability of SOX2 to influence the EC progression, with the involvement of miR-30e/USP4/SMAD4/CK2 axis. SOX2 expression was first examined in the clinical tissue samples from 30 EC patients. Effects of SOX2 on proliferation, migration, and invasion alongside tumorigenicity of transfected cells were examined by means of gain- and loss-of-function experiments. EC tissues and cells exhibited high expression of SOX2, miR-30e, and CK2 and poor expression of USP4 and SMAD4. Mechanistically, SOX2 was positively correlated with miR-30e and upregulated the expression of miR-30e. miR-30e specifically targeted USP4, which induced deubiquitination of SMAD4 and promoted its expression. Meanwhile, SMAD4 was enriched in the CK2 promoter region and thus inhibited its expression. SOX2 stimulated EC cell proliferative, invasive, and migratory capacities in vitro and tumor growth in vivo by regulating the miR-30e/USP4/SMAD4/CK2 axis. Collectively, our work reveals a novel SOX2-mediated regulatory network in EC that may be a viable target for EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
| | - Yukai Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyu Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
| | - Fengbiao Wen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
| | - Donglei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
| | - Yuxia Fan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
- Corresponding author Yuxia Fan, Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China.
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China
- Corresponding author Song Zhao, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450015, P.R. China.
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Ubiquitin-specific protease 4 predicts an unfavorable prognosis and promotes malignant behaviors in vitro in pancreatic cancer. Exp Cell Res 2020; 396:112317. [PMID: 33038351 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 4 (USP4), has been reported to participate in the progression of various cancers due to its role in post-translational modulation. However, the prognostic significance and mechanism of USP4 in pancreatic cancer (PC) have not been well elucidated before. In the present study, we found that USP4 expression was higher in PC tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues and PC patients with high level of USP4 expression have a poor prognosis via immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics analyses. In vitro study showed that knockdown of USP4 inhibited PC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, USP4 can activate nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway via stabilizing TNF receptor associated factor 6 at its protein level to promote the ability of proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells. The results of this study revealed that USP4 plays a tumor-promoting role in PC and can be used as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for patients with resected PC.
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