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Li KQ, Bai X, Ke AT, Ding SQ, Zhang CD, Dai DQ. Ubiquitin-specific proteases: From biological functions to potential therapeutic applications in gastric cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116323. [PMID: 38401523 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116323] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Deubiquitination, a post-translational modification regulated by deubiquitinases, is essential for cancer initiation and progression. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are essential elements of the deubiquitinase family, and are overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC). Through the regulation of several signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-Catenin and nuclear factor-κB signaling, and the promotion of the expression of deubiquitination- and stabilization-associated proteins, USPs promote the proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of GC. In addition, the expression of USPs is closely related to clinicopathological features, patient prognosis, and chemotherapy resistance. USPs therefore could be used as prognostic biomarkers. USP targeting small molecule inhibitors have demonstrated strong anticancer activity. However, they have not yet been tested in the clinic. This article provides an overview of the latest fundamental research on USPs in GC, aiming to enhance the understanding of how USPs contribute to GC progression, and identifying possible targets for GC treatment to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Qiang Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Ang-Ting Ke
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Si-Qi Ding
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Chun-Dong Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Dong-Qiu Dai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China; Cancer Center, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China.
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2
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Jutant EM, Chelgham MK, Ottaviani M, Thuillet R, Le Vely B, Humbert M, Guignabert C, Tu L, Huertas A. Central role of ubiquitin-specific protease 8 in leptin signaling pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:120-133. [PMID: 37704159 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.09.003] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptin receptor (ObR-b) is overexpressed in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs) from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is implicated in both mechanisms that contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling: hyperproliferation and inflammation. Our aim was to investigate the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) in ObR-b overexpression in PAH. METHODS We performed in situ and in vitro experiments in human lung specimens and isolated PA-SMCs combined with 2 different in vivo models in rodents and we generated a mouse with an inducible USP8 deletion specifically in smooth muscles. RESULTS Our results showed an upregulation of USP8 in the smooth muscle layer of distal pulmonary arteries from patients with PAH, and upregulation of USP8 expression in PAH PA-SMCs, compared to controls. USP8 inhibition in PAH PA-SMCs significantly blocked both ObR-b protein expression level at the cell surface as well as ObR-b-dependant intracellular signaling pathway as shown by a significant decrease in pSTAT3 expression. USP8 was required for ObR-b activation in PA-SMCs and its inhibition prevented Ob-mediated cell proliferation through STAT3 pathway. USP8 inhibition by the chemical inhibitor DUBs-IN-2 protected against the development of experimental PH in the 2 established experimental models of PH. Targeting USP8 specifically in smooth muscle cells in a transgenic mouse model also protected against the development of experimental PH. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the role of USP8 in ObR-b overexpression and pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne-Marie Jutant
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Center, Hôpital Bicêtre, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Mustapha K Chelgham
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Mina Ottaviani
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Raphaël Thuillet
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Benjamin Le Vely
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marc Humbert
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Center, Hôpital Bicêtre, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Ly Tu
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Alice Huertas
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, 133 Avenue de la Résistance, 92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Center, Hôpital Bicêtre, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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3
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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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4
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Tang J, Long G, Hu K, Xiao D, Liu S, Xiao L, Zhou L, Tao Y. Targeting USP8 Inhibits O-GlcNAcylation of SLC7A11 to Promote Ferroptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Stabilization of OGT. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302953. [PMID: 37867237 PMCID: PMC10667802 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal and aggressive human malignancy. The present study examins the anti-tumor effects of deubiquitylating enzymes (DUB) inhibitors in HCC. It is found that the inhibitor of ubiquitin specific peptidase 8 (USP8) and DUB-IN-3 shows the most effective anti-cancer responses. Targeting USP8 inhibits the proliferation of HCC and induces cell ferroptosis. In vivo xenograft and metastasis experiments indicate that inhibition of USP8 suppresses tumor growth and lung metastasis. DUB-IN-3 treatment or USP8 depletion decrease intracellular cystine levels and glutathione biosynthesis while increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistical studies reveal that USP8 stabilizes O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) via inhibiting K48-specific poly-ubiquitination process on OGT protein at K117 site, and STE20-like kinase (SLK)-mediated S716 phosphorylation of USP8 is required for the interaction with OGT. Most importantly, OGT O-GlcNAcylates solute carrier family 7, member 11 (SLC7A11) at Ser26 in HCC cells, which is essential for SLC7A11 to import the cystine from the extracellular environment. Collectively, this study demonstrates that pharmacological inhibition or knockout of USP8 can inhibit the progression of HCC and induce ferroptosis via decreasing the stability of OGT, which imposes a great challenge that targeting of USP8 is a potential approach for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Tang
- Department of Liver SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410008China
| | - Guo Long
- Department of Liver SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
| | - Kuan Hu
- Department of Liver SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410078China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of OncologyInstitute of Medical SciencesNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410078China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of Liver SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of Liver SurgeryXiangya HospitalCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of PathologyKey Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education)Xiangya HospitalCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University)Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryHunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer and Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized MedicineSecond Xiangya HospitalCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410011China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer MetabolismHunan Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of MedicineCentral South University110 Xiangya RoadChangshaHunan410078China
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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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6
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Tang J, Long G, Xiao L, Zhou L. USP8 positively regulates hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and confers ferroptosis resistance through β-catenin stabilization. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:360. [PMID: 37311739 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05747-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic carcinoma, which is a growing public health problem worldwide. One of the main genetic alterations in HCC is the deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, activation of β-catenin is associated with the progression of HCC. In the present study, we aimed to identify novel modulators in controlling β-catenin ubiquitination and stability. USP8 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and correlated with β-catenin protein level. High expression of USP8 indicated poor prognosis of HCC patients. USP8 depletion significantly decreased β-catenin protein level, β-catenin target genes expression and TOP-luciferase activity in HCC cells. Further mechanistic study revealed that the USP domain of USP8 interacted with the ARM domain of β-catenin. USP8 stabilized β-catenin protein via inhibiting K48-specific poly-ubiquitination process on β-catenin protein. In addition, USP8 depletion inhibited the proliferation, invasion and stemness of HCC cells and conferred ferroptosis resistance, which effects could be further rescued by β-catenin overexpression. In addition, the USP8 inhibitor DUB-IN-3 inhibited the aggressive phenotype and promoted ferroptosis of HCC cells through degradation of β-catenin. Thus, our study demonstrated that USP8 activated the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling through a post-translational mechanism of β-catenin. High expression of USP8 promoted the progression and inhibited ferroptosis of HCC. Targeting the USP8 may serve as a promising strategy for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Guo Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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7
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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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8
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Yang H, Zhang X, Lao M, Sun K, He L, Xu J, Duan Y, Chen Y, Ying H, Li M, Guo C, Lu Q, Wang S, Su W, Liang T, Bai X. Targeting ubiquitin-specific protease 8 sensitizes anti-programmed death-ligand 1 immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:560-575. [PMID: 36539510 PMCID: PMC9950432 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) help tumor cells evade immune surveillance, and are regarded as important targets of anti-tumor immunotherapy. Post-translational modification of PD-L1 has potential value in immunosuppression. Here, we identified that ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) deubiquitinates PD-L1. Pancreatic cancer tissues exhibited significantly increased USP8 levels compared with those in normal tissues. Clinically, the expression of USP8 showed a significant association with the tumor-node-metastasis stage in multiple patient-derived cohorts of pancreatic cancer. Meanwhile, USP8 deficiency could reduce tumor invasion and migration and tumor size in an immunity-dependent manner, and improve anti-tumor immunogenicity. USP8 inhibitor pretreatment led to reduced tumorigenesis and immunocompetent mice with Usp8 knockdown tumors exhibited extended survival. Moreover, USP8 interacted positively with PD-L1 and upregulated its expression by inhibiting the ubiquitination-regulated proteasome degradation pathway in pancreatic cancer. Combination therapy with a USP8 inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 effectively suppressed pancreatic tumor growth by activation of cytotoxic T-cells and the anti-tumor immunity was mainly dependent on the PD-L1 pathway and CD8 + T cells. Our findings highlight the importance of targeting USP8, which can sensitize PD-L1-targeted pancreatic cancer to immunotherapy and might represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat patients with pancreatic tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshen Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengyi Lao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lihong He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Honggang Ying
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Muchun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengxiang Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingsong Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sicheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Research Center for Healthcare Data Science, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 8 Modulates Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Breast Cancer by Stabilizing Estrogen Receptor Alpha. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:8483325. [PMID: 36644233 PMCID: PMC9839415 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8483325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common neoplastic and lethal malignancy in women. Although antiendocrine therapy is the main treatment for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive BC, the development of resistance is a major clinical complication. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) in ERα signaling and identify potential targets for endocrine resistance. Public databases were used to analyze USP8 expression, prognosis, clinical characteristics, and immune cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assays were used to detect protein levels and ERα signaling. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used to measure ERα target gene expression. The cell counting kit-8, wound-healing, clone formation, and Transwell assays were used to investigate the effects of USP8 depletion or inhibition on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. An immunofluorescence assay was used for localizing USP8 and ERα, and a protein stability assay was performed for detecting the degradation of ERα protein. The cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry. USP8 was highly expressed in the luminal subtype of BC and was associated with poor prognosis. The infiltration levels of many immune cells were positively correlated with USP8 expression. Depletion of USP8 dramatically decreased the ERα signaling activity and weakened the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of BC cells. USP8 knockdown markedly induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest (G0/G1). Colocalization analysis and protein stability assays indicated a probable mechanism by which USP8 regulates ERα. Our study demonstrates that USP8 might be crucial in BC development and may be considered a potential target for treating ER-positive BC malignancies in vitro.
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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Zhao Y, Peng D, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Liu B, Deng Y, Ding W, Zhou Z, Liu Q. Usp8 promotes tumor cell migration through activating the JNK pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:286. [PMID: 35361778 PMCID: PMC8971431 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04749-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the most cause of high mortality for cancer patients. Identification of novel factors that modulate tumor cell migration is of great significance for therapeutic strategies. Here, we find that the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (Usp8) promotes tumor cell migration through activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Genetic epistasis analyses uncover Usp8 acts upstream of Tak1 to control the JNK pathway. Consistently, biochemical results reveal that Usp8 binds Tak1 to remove ubiquitin modification from Tak1, leading to its stabilization. In addition, human USP8 also triggers tumor cell migration and activates the JNK pathway. Finally, we show that knockdown of USP8 in human breast cancer cells suppresses cell migration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that a conserved Usp8-Tak1-JNK axis promotes tumor cell migration, and providing USP8 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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The oncogenic role of ubiquitin specific peptidase (USP8) and its signaling pathways targeting for cancer therapeutics. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 701:108811. [PMID: 33600786 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
USP8 is a deubiquitinating enzyme in the family of ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) which can remove ubiquitin from the substrate and protect the substrate from degradation. The upregulated or mutated USP8 becomes hyperactivated and stabilizes numerous oncogenes or proto-oncogenes leading to cancer progression and survival by activating multiple signaling pathways. Moreover, USP8 inhibition is also important to overcome anticancer drug-resistant. This review is the first study to find, combine, analyze, and represent the multiple oncogenic signaling pathways with their downstream and upstream regulation activated or enhanced by USP8, which will help the researchers to find any therapeutic strategy for drug discovery by inhibiting or suppressing the multi-targeted USP8.
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Berruti G. Destruction or Reconstruction: A Subtle Liaison between the Proteolytic and Signaling Role of Protein Ubiquitination in Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:215-240. [PMID: 34453739 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is one of the most diverse forms of protein post-translational modification that changes the function of the landscape of substrate proteins in response to stimuli, without the need for "de novo" protein synthesis. Ubiquitination is involved in almost all aspects of eukaryotic cell biology, from the best-studied role in promoting the removal of faulty or unnecessary proteins by the way of the ubiquitin proteasome system and autophagy-lysosome pathway to the recruitment of proteins in specific non-proteolytic signaling pathways, as emerged by the more recent discoveries about the protein signature with peculiar types of ubiquitin chains. Spermatogenesis, on its own, is a complex cellular developmental process in which mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation coexist so to result in the continuous formation of haploid spermatozoa. Successful spermatogenesis is thus at the same time a mixed result of the precise expression and correct intracellular destination of structural proteins and enzymes, from one hand, and the fine removal by targeted degradation of unfolded or damaged proteins as well as of obsolete, outlived proteins, from the other hand. In this minireview, I will focus on the importance of the ubiquitin system all over the spermatogenic process, discussing both proteolytic and non-proteolytic functions of protein ubiquitination. Alterations in the ubiquitin system have been in fact implicated in pathologies leading to male infertility. Notwithstanding several aspects of the multifaceted world of the ubiquitin system have been clarified, the physiological meaning of the so-called ubiquitin code remains still partially elusive. The studies reviewed in this chapter provide information that could aid the investigators to pursue new promising discoveries in the understanding of human and animal reproductive potential.
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