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Panagopoulos I, Andersen K, Gorunova L, Lobmaier I. Fusion of Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha ( PDGFRA) With Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 8 ( USP8) in a Calcified Chondroid Mesenchymal Neoplasm Harboring t(4;15)(q12;q21) as a Sole Aberration. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:252-259. [PMID: 38670591 PMCID: PMC11059595 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The term "calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasm" was introduced in 2021 to describe a group of tumors characterized by various morphological features, including the formation of cartilage or chondroid matrix. These tumors frequently carry chimeric genes where the 5'-end partner gene is fibronectin 1 and the 3'-end partner gene codes for receptor tyrosine kinase. Our study explores fusion of the genes platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) in calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasm. CASE REPORT Genetic investigations were conducted on a tumor located in the leg of a 71-year-old woman. G-banding analysis of short-term cultured tumor cells revealed the karyotype 46,XX,t(4;15)(q12;q21)[6]/46,XX[4]. RNA sequencing detected in-frame PDGFRA::USP8 and USP8::PDGFRA chimeric transcripts, which were validated by RT-PCR/Sanger sequencing. The PDGFRA::USP8 chimeric protein is predicted to have cell membrane location and functions as a chimeric ubiquitinyl hydrolase. The USP8::PDGFRA protein was predicted to be nuclear and function as a positive regulator of cellular metabolic process. CONCLUSION We report, for the first time, a calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasm carrying a balanced t(4;15)(q12;q21) chromosomal translocation, resulting in the generation of both PDGFRA::USP8 and USP8::PDGFRA chimeras. The PDGFRA::USP8 protein is located on the cell membrane and functions as a chimeric ubiquitinyl hydrolase, activated by PDGFs. Conversely, USP8::PDGFRA is a nuclear protein regulating metabolic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Kristin Andersen
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludmila Gorunova
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Tang GLQ, Lai JXH, Pervaiz S. Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-mediated regulation of the Bcl-2 family: effects and therapeutic approaches. Haematologica 2024; 109:33-43. [PMID: 37584295 PMCID: PMC10772529 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteasomal degradation of proteins represents an important regulatory mechanism in maintaining healthy homeostasis in cells. Deregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system is associated with various diseases as it controls protein abundance and turnover in cells. Furthermore, proteasomal regulation of protein turnover rate can determine a cell's response to external stimuli. The Bcl-2 family of proteins is an important group of proteins involved in mediating cell survival or cell death in response to external stimuli. Aberrant overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins or deletion of pro-apoptotic proteins can lead to the development of cancer. Unsurprisingly, proteasomal degradation of Bcl-2 proteins also serves as an important factor regulating the level of Bcl-2 proteins and thereby affecting the functional outcome of cell death. This review aims to highlight the regulation of the Bcl-2 family of proteins with particular emphasis on proteasomal-mediated degradation pathways and the current literature on the therapeutic approaches targeting the proteasome system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galvin Le Qian Tang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | - Jolin Xiao Hui Lai
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
| | - Shazib Pervaiz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Integrative Science and Engineering Programme (ISEP), NUS Graduate School (NUSGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Medicine Healthy Longevity Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System.
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Ren J, Yu P, Liu S, Li R, Niu X, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Zhou F, Zhang L. Deubiquitylating Enzymes in Cancer and Immunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303807. [PMID: 37888853 PMCID: PMC10754134 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) maintain relative homeostasis of the cellular ubiquitome by removing the post-translational modification ubiquitin moiety from substrates. Numerous DUBs have been demonstrated specificity for cleaving a certain type of ubiquitin linkage or positions within ubiquitin chains. Moreover, several DUBs perform functions through specific protein-protein interactions in a catalytically independent manner, which further expands the versatility and complexity of DUBs' functions. Dysregulation of DUBs disrupts the dynamic equilibrium of ubiquitome and causes various diseases, especially cancer and immune disorders. This review summarizes the Janus-faced roles of DUBs in cancer including proteasomal degradation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and tumor metastasis, as well as in immunity involving innate immune receptor signaling and inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The prospects and challenges for the clinical development of DUB inhibitors are further discussed. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the multi-faced roles of DUBs in cancer and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Peng Yu
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug DiscoveryShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesZhongshanGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Sijia Liu
- International Biomed‐X Research CenterSecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouP. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou310058China
| | - Ran Li
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Xin Niu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenan450003P. R. China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Long Zhang
- The Eighth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518033P. R. China
- International Biomed‐X Research CenterSecond Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouP. R. China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling NetworkLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
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Rebollar-Vega RG, Zuarth-Vázquez JM, Hernández-Ramírez LC. Clinical Spectrum of USP8 Pathogenic Variants in Cushing's Disease. Arch Med Res 2023; 54:102899. [PMID: 37925320 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2023.102899] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is a life-threatening condition with a challenging diagnostic process and scarce treatment options. CD is caused by usually benign adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), known as corticotropinomas. These tumors are predominantly of sporadic origin, and usually derive from the monoclonal expansion of a mutated cell. Somatic activating variants located within a hotspot of the USP8 gene are present in 11-62% of corticotropinomas, making USP8 the most frequent genetic driver of corticotroph neoplasia. In contrast, other somatic defects such as those affecting the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), the BRAF oncogene, the deubiquitinase-encoding gene USP48, and TP53 are infrequent. Moreover, patients with familial tumor syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia, familial isolated pituitary adenoma, and DICER1 rarely develop corticotropinomas. One of the main molecular alterations in USP8-driven tumors is an overactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway, which induces ACTH production. Hotspot USP8 variants lead to persistent EGFR overexpression, thereby perpetuating the hyper-synthesis of ACTH. More importantly, they condition a characteristic transcriptomic signature that might be useful for the clinical prognosis of patients with CD. Nevertheless, the clinical phenotype associated with USP8 variants is less well defined. Hereby we discuss the current knowledge on the molecular pathogenesis and clinical picture associated with USP8 hotspot variants. We focus on the potential significance of the USP8 mutational status for the design of tailored clinical strategies in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa G Rebollar-Vega
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México e Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julia M Zuarth-Vázquez
- Department of Endocrinology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura C Hernández-Ramírez
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México e Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Sha B, Sun Y, Zhao S, Li M, Huang W, Li Z, Shi J, Han X, Li P, Hu T, Chen P. USP8 inhibitor-induced DNA damage activates cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2011-2032. [PMID: 35022897 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09686-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that targeting ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) serves as an attractive anti-cancer strategy. However, the role of USP8 inhibitor, DUB-IN-1, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells still needs to be explored. Here, immunohistochemistry was employed to examine the expression of USP8 in ESCC tissues. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate cell proliferation ability, and propidium iodide (PI) was selected to test the effect of DUB-IN-1 on cell cycle. AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining and the activity of caspase 3 were detedcted to evaluate apoptosis. Transmission electron microscope, microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3 (LC3) expression, and acridine orange (AO) staining were selected to check if there was autophagy. Comet assay and γ-H2AX immunofluorescence was used to monitor DNA damage. Rescue experiment was used to determine the key role of of p53 in cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy. Results revealed that the leve of USP8 was higher in ESCC tissues than that in tissues adjacent to carcinoma. DUB-IN-1, an USP8 inhibitor, caused DNA damage, led to G2/M phase block by p53-p21 axis, and triggered apoptosis by regulating the p53 target proteins including Bax, Noxa, and Puma. Besides, DUB-IN-1 could stimulate autophagy through p53-dependent adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Taken together, this study revealed the cytotoxic effects and the mechanism of DUB-IN-1, which indicated that DUB-IN-1 may be a novel inhibitor targeting USP8 that can kill ESCC cells. USP8 inhibitor, DUB-IN-1, treatment could inhibit esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell growth and induce G2/M cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy by DNA damage-induced p53 activation. DUB-IN-1 treatment led to G2/M cell cycle arrest by upregulating the protein level of p21 and triggered apoptosis by modulating the p53 target proteins including Bax, Noxa, and Puma. Meanwhile, DUB-IN-1 treatment stimulated protective autophagy through p53-dependent AMPK activation. Collectively, these findings suggested that DNA damage-triggered p53 activation, p53-Puma/Noxa/Bax, p53-p21, and p53-AMPK pathways were all involved in the effect of DUB-IN-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Sha
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yaxin Sun
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zheng Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jianxiang Shi
- Precision Medicine Center, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences & BGI College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xuefei Han
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Pei Li
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Ping Chen
- Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Long Y, Hu Z, Yang D, Wang F, Zhao C, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Ma H, Lv H. Pharmacological inhibition of the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 effectively suppresses glioblastoma cell growth. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220562. [PMID: 36816802 PMCID: PMC9922063 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor. The purpose of this study is to estimate the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of a ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) small-molecule inhibitor on the phenotypic characteristics of GBM cells. The growth, migration, invasion, and stemness of GBM LN229 and T98G cells were evaluated by conducting cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, Ki-67 staining, spheroid formation, and ionizing radiation assays, and the results collectively showed the suppressive effects of USP8 inhibition on GBM cells. Furthermore, transcriptomic profiling of GBM cells treated with the USP8 inhibitor deubiquitinase (DUB)-IN-1 revealed significantly altered mRNA expression induced by pharmacological USP8 inhibition, from which we confirmed downregulated Aurora kinase A (AURKA) protein levels using immunoblotting assays. Our findings indicated that the proliferation, invasion, and stemness of LN229 and T98G cells were markedly suppressed by USP8 inhibition. Pharmacological USP8 suppression elicits multiple tumor-inhibitory effects, likely through dysregulating various mRNA expression events, including that of the key cell cycle regulator and oncogenic protein AURKA. Therefore, our observations corroborate the GBM-supportive roles of USP8 and suggest pharmacological USP8 inhibition is a viable therapeutic approach to target GBM. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of the USP8 inhibitor DUB-IN-1 on GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Long
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, No. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Zengchun Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Dian Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Fuqiang Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Chen’ge Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, No. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, No. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Yingqiu Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, No. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Huiyi Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, No. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116000, China,Dalian Kexiang Technology Development Co., LTD, No. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116000, China
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Islam MT, Chen FZ, Chen HC, Wahid A. Knockdown of USP8 inhibits prostate cancer cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis and promotes docetaxel’s activity by suppressing the NF-kB signaling pathway. Front Oncol 2022; 12:923270. [PMID: 36338727 PMCID: PMC9632420 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.923270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) has been recently reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed malignancy among men, but USP8’s role in PCa is not yet investigated comprehensively. Therefore, the PCa cell lines DU145 and PC3 were transfected with USP8 siRNA or overexpressing vector together with or without docetaxel. The silencing USP8 and docetaxel treatment reduced cell viability and migration and promoted apoptosis. In contrast, USP8 knockdown was found to enhance docetaxel antitumor activity. In contrast, increased cell viability and migration were noticed upon USP8 overexpression, thereby decreasing apoptosis and suppressing docetaxel antitumor activity. Notably, although EGFR, PI3K, and NF-kB were found to be increased in both USP8 overexpression and docetaxel treatment, it significantly attenuated the effects in USP8 silencing followed by with or without docetaxel. Although EGFR silencing decreased PI3K and NF-kB activation, overexpression of USP8 was shown to counteract SiEGFR’s effects on NF-kB signaling by increasing PI3K expression. Our findings revealed that USP8 plays an oncogenic role in PCa and can suppress docetaxel activity. Additionally, as EGFR/PI3K/NF-kB was previously reported to develop docetaxel resistance, the combination treatment of USP8 knockdown with docetaxel might be a potential PCa therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Tariqul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang-Zhi Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Han-Chun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Han-Chun Chen,
| | - Abdul Wahid
- Department of Cardiology of the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Prognostic Profiling of the EMT-Associated and Immunity-Related LncRNAs in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182881. [PMID: 36139456 PMCID: PMC9497331 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (Lung SCC) is associated with metastatic disease, resulting in poor clinical prognosis and a low survival rate. The aberrant epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) are critical attributors to tumor metastasis and invasiveness in Lung SCC. The present study divided lncRNAs into two subtypes, C1 and C2 (Cluster 1 and Cluster 2), according to the correlation of EMT activity within the public TCGA and GEO databases. Subsequently, the differential clinical characteristics, mutations, molecular pathways and immune cell deconvolution between C1 and C2 were evaluated. Lastly, we further identified three key lncRNAs (DNM3OS, MAGI2-AS3 and LINC01094) that were associated with EMT and, at the same time, prognostic for the clinical outcomes of Lung SCC patients. Our study may provide a new paradigm of metastasis-associated biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of Lung SCC.
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Tian Y, Liu K, Liu R, Qiu Z, Xu Y, Wei W, Xu X, Wang J, Ding H, Li Z, Bian J. Discovery of Potent Small-Molecule USP8 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Breast Cancer through Regulating ERα Expression. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8914-8932. [PMID: 35786929 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8), belonging to the deubiquitinase family, has been implicated to be closely related to the occurrence of many malignant tumors, but only a few USP8-targeting inhibitors have been reported to date. In this study, we present virtual screening to discover novel hit candidates that inhibit the catalytic activity of USP8. Exploration of the structure-activity relationship led to the identification of compound DC-U4106, which binds to USP8 with a KD value of 4.7 μM and is selective over USP2 and USP7. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation showed that DC-U4106 could target the ubiquitin pathway and facilitate the degradation of ERα. In a xenograft tumor model, DC-U4106 also significantly inhibited tumor growth with minimal toxicity. Overall, our findings suggest that DC-U4106 is a promising drug candidate and targeting the USP8-ERα complex could be a new approach to treat ER-positive or drug-resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Ruoyi Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Zhixia Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Hong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Material Medical, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009, China
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Zhu Y, Xu J, Hu W, Wang F, Zhou Y, Gong W, Xu W. Inhibiting USP8 overcomes hepatocellular carcinoma resistance via suppressing receptor tyrosine kinases. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:14999-15012. [PMID: 34081623 PMCID: PMC8221339 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) is a prototypic multidomain deubiquitinating enzyme with pleiotropic functions. We investigated the role of USP8 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by analyzing expression patterns of USP8 in HCC patients, and evaluating its functions and underlying signaling. Among 20 HCC patients investigated, we found that USP8 protein upregulation was a common phenomenon (17 out of 20) in HCC compared to normal liver tissue. Furthermore, the upregulation of USP8 was not associated with any clinicopathology. USP8 inhibition via genetic and pharmacological approaches resulted in growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in both sensitive and doxorubicin-resistant HCC cells. Of note, USP8 inhibition significantly enhanced doxorubicin or sorafenib's efficacy in HCC cells and mouse models. We further found that USP8 inhibition decreased levels of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) by ~90%, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-Met. Consistently, the downstream signaling regulated by RTKs was disrupted in HCC cells after USP8 inhibition, as shown by the decreased p-Akt, p-STAT3 and p-Raf. Our findings demonstrate that USP8 is a novel therapeutic target in HCC. Inhibiting USP8 has potential to overcome current drug resistance, particularly on HCC patients with high USP8 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Liver Disease Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Information Management Section, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Wei Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Duan B, Wang C, Liu Z, Yang X. USP8 is a Novel Therapeutic Target in Melanoma Through Regulating Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Levels. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:4181-4189. [PMID: 34079371 PMCID: PMC8163583 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s300195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The hyperactivation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-mediated pathways plays an important role in melanoma progression and resistance to therapy. The ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) is a deubiquitinating enzyme and its inhibition induces degradation of RTKs. This work explored the expression and role of USP8 in melanoma. Methods ELISA and qPCR were performed to assess USP8 expression in melanoma tissues and cells, as well as their normal counterparts. Cellular proliferation, migration and apoptosis assays were performed to determine USP8 functions in three melanoma cell lines. Western blot was performed to analyze RTK signaling in melanoma cells after USP8 inhibition. Results mRNA and protein level of USP8 were higher in melanoma cells than normal melanocytes. Higher USP8 expression was also found in tumors in the majority of melanoma patients. USP8 expression was not associated with clinicopathological features, such as age, disease stage, histology, ulceration and BRAF status. Functional analysis demonstrated that USP8 overexpression promoted melanoma cell activities and alleviated the inhibitory effects of therapeutic drugs. In contrast, USP8 knockdown suppressed melanoma cell growth, survival and migration, and augmented the inhibitory effects of therapeutic drugs. Mechanism studies revealed that USP8 inhibition remarkably reduced the expression level of multiple oncogenic RTKs, including c-Met, Kit, EGFR and GPCR. Consistently, RTK-mediated downstream pathways were disrupted in USP8-depleted cells, leading to the increased level of pro-apoptotic proteins and decreased level of anti-apoptotic proteins. Conclusion Inhibition of USP8 activity is a novel sensitizing strategy to overcome therapy resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxue Duan
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Changying Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Li Y, Zhou J. USP5 Promotes Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma Cell Growth and Migration via mTOR/4EBP1 Activation. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:3913-3924. [PMID: 34012297 PMCID: PMC8128349 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s290467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is a common malignancy worldwide developed in the female reproductive system, which can be life-threatening due to metastasis and poor prognosis. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play key roles in ubiquitin–proteasome system. As a member of DUBs, the ubiquitin-specific protease 5 (USP5) has been found to be an oncogene in several cancers. This study aims to explore the function of USP5 in UCEC. Materials and Methods Clinical significance of USP5 was assessed from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) UCEC dataset. Knockdown and overexpression were performed by transfecting the cells with siRNAs and pCDNA3.1 vectors, respectively. CCK8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, PI, and PI/annexin V staining were conducted to check the effect of USP5 on cellular biology function. Western blot assay was used to detect protein expression. Results USP5 was upregulated in UCEC patients. Its downregulation led to decreased migration and proliferation of UCEC cells, and meanwhile, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were induced. By contrast, USP5 overexpression significantly promoted cell migration and cell mitosis. Further study revealed that USP5 could cause hyperactivation of mTOR/4EBP1 pathway and rapamycin treatment could totally reverse the effects of UPS5 overexpression. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that USP5 functioned as an oncogene in UCEC, which provided new insights into the pathogenesis of UCEC and a promising molecular target for UCEC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Li
- The Third Departments of Gynecological Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- The Third Departments of Gynecological Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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Lee CS, Kim S, Hwang G, Song J. Deubiquitinases: Modulators of Different Types of Regulated Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4352. [PMID: 33919439 PMCID: PMC8122337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms and physiological implications of regulated cell death (RCD) have been extensively studied. Among the regulatory mechanisms of RCD, ubiquitination and deubiquitination enable post-translational regulation of signaling by modulating substrate degradation and signal transduction. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are involved in diverse molecular pathways of RCD. Some DUBs modulate multiple modalities of RCD by regulating various substrates and are powerful regulators of cell fate. However, the therapeutic targeting of DUB is limited, as the physiological consequences of modulating DUBs cannot be predicted. In this review, the mechanisms of DUBs that regulate multiple types of RCD are summarized. This comprehensive summary aims to improve our understanding of the complex DUB/RCD regulatory axis comprising various molecular mechanisms for diverse physiological processes. Additionally, this review will enable the understanding of the advantages of therapeutic targeting of DUBs and developing strategies to overcome the side effects associated with the therapeutic applications of DUB modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong-Sil Lee
- Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, World Class University, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea;
| | - Seungyeon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea; (S.K.); (G.H.)
| | - Gyuho Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea; (S.K.); (G.H.)
| | - Jaewhan Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea; (S.K.); (G.H.)
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