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Gao H, Yin J, Ji C, Yu X, Xue J, Guan X, Zhang S, Liu X, Xing F. Targeting ubiquitin specific proteases (USPs) in cancer immunotherapy: from basic research to preclinical application. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:225. [PMID: 37658402 PMCID: PMC10472646 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02805-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors have evolved in various mechanisms to evade the immune system, hindering the antitumor immune response and facilitating tumor progression. Immunotherapy has become a potential treatment strategy specific to different cancer types by utilizing multifarious molecular mechanisms to enhance the immune response against tumors. Among these mechanisms, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a significant non-lysosomal pathway specific to protein degradation, regulated by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that counterbalance ubiquitin signaling. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), the largest DUB family with the strongest variety, play critical roles in modulating immune cell function, regulating immune response, and participating in antigen processing and presentation during tumor progression. According to recent studies, the expressions of some USP family members in tumor cells are involved in tumor immune escape and immune microenvironment. This review explores the potential of targeting USPs as a new approach for cancer immunotherapy, highlighting recent basic and preclinical studies investigating the applications of USP inhibitors. By providing insights into the structure and function of USPs in cancer immunity, this review aims at assisting in developing new therapeutic approaches for enhancing the immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jianqiao Yin
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ce Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jinqi Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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2
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You L, Dou Y, Zhang Y, Xiao H, Lv H, Wei GH, Xu D. SDC2 Stabilization by USP14 Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression through Co-option of PDK1. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3483-3498. [PMID: 37496999 PMCID: PMC10367555 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.84331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy and remains the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Oncogenic potential of SDC2 has been implicated in multiple types of cancers, yet its role and underlying molecular mechanisms in GC remain unknown. Here, we found that SDC2 was highly expressed in GC and its upregulation correlated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Depletion of SDC2 significantly suppressed the growth and invasive capability of GC cells, while overexpressing SDC2 exerts opposite effects. Combined bioinformatics and experimental analyses substantiated that overexpression of SDC2 activated the AKT signaling pathway in GC, mechanistically through the interaction between SDC2 and PDK1-PH domain, thereby facilitating PDK1 membrane translocation to promote AKT activation. Moreover, SDC2 could also function as a co-receptor for FGF2 and was profoundly involved in the FGF2-AKT signaling axis in GC. Lastly, we revealed a mechanism on the USP14-mediated stabilization of SDC2 that is likely to contribute to SDC2 upregulation in GC tissues. Furthermore, we showed that IU1, a potent USP14 inhibitor, decreased the abundance of SDC2 in GC cells. Our findings indicate that SDC2 functions as a novel GC oncogene and has potential utility as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li You
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi Dou
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongwei Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo Engineering and Molecular Breeding of Hubei province, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Science, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Hong Lv
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer, Shanghai 200032, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dazhi Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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3
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Shi D, Wu X, Jian Y, Wang J, Huang C, Mo S, Li Y, Li F, Zhang C, Zhang D, Zhang H, Huang H, Chen X, Wang YA, Lin C, Liu G, Song L, Liao W. USP14 promotes tryptophan metabolism and immune suppression by stabilizing IDO1 in colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5644. [PMID: 36163134 PMCID: PMC9513055 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33285-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. However, IDO1 inhibitors have shown disappointing therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials, mainly because of the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Here, we show a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of IDO1 regulated by a proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzyme, USP14, in colorectal cancer (CRC). Overexpression of USP14 promotes tryptophan metabolism and T-cell dysfunction by stabilizing the IDO1 protein. Knockdown of USP14 or pharmacological targeting of USP14 decreases IDO1 expression, reverses suppression of cytotoxic T cells, and increases responsiveness to anti-PD-1 in a MC38 syngeneic mouse model. Importantly, suppression of USP14 has no effects on AhR activation induced by the IDO1 inhibitor. These findings highlight a relevant role of USP14 in post-translational regulation of IDO1 and in the suppression of antitumor immunity, suggesting that inhibition of USP14 may represent a promising strategy for CRC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongni Shi
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianqiu Wu
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunting Jian
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510150, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junye Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengmei Huang
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Mo
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengtian Li
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huizhong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huilin Huang
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Oncology, Tumor Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 511436, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-3082, USA
| | - Chuyong Lin
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guozhen Liu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Libing Song
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Oncology, Tumor Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 511436, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenting Liao
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
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Vijayasimha K, Leestemaker-Palmer AL, Gibbs JS, Yewdell JW, Dolan BP. MLN4924 Inhibits Defective Ribosomal Product Antigen Presentation Independently of Direct NEDDylation of Protein Antigens. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:2273-2282. [PMID: 35428693 PMCID: PMC9288214 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Successful direct MHC class I Ag presentation is dependent on the protein degradation machinery of the cell to generate antigenic peptides that can be loaded onto MHC class I molecules for surveillance by CD8+ T cells of the immune system. Most often this process involves the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system; however, other Ub-like proteins have also been implicated in protein degradation and direct Ag presentation. In this article, we examine the role of neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8) in direct Ag presentation in mouse cells. NEDD8 is the Ub-like protein with highest similarity to Ub, and fusion of NEDD8 to the N terminus of a target protein can lead to the degradation of target proteins. We find that appending NEDD8 to the N terminus of the model Ag OVA resulted in degradation by both the proteasome and the autophagy protein degradation pathways, but only proteasomal degradation, involving the proteasomal subunit NEDD8 ultimate buster 1, resulted in peptide presentation. When directly compared with Ub, NEDD8 fusion was less efficient at generating peptides. However, inactivation of the NEDD8-conugation machinery by treating cells with MLN4924 inhibited the presentation of peptides from the defective ribosomal product-derived form of a model Ag. These results demonstrate that NEDD8 activity in the cell is important for direct Ag presentation, but not by directly targeting proteins for degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartikeya Vijayasimha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; and
| | - Amy L Leestemaker-Palmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; and
| | - James S Gibbs
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jonathan W Yewdell
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | - Brian P Dolan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; and
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5
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George DE, Tepe JJ. Advances in Proteasome Enhancement by Small Molecules. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1789. [PMID: 34944433 PMCID: PMC8699248 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteasome system is a large and complex molecular machinery responsible for the degradation of misfolded, damaged, and redundant cellular proteins. When proteasome function is impaired, unwanted proteins accumulate, which can lead to several diseases including age-related and neurodegenerative diseases. Enhancing proteasome-mediated substrate degradation with small molecules may therefore be a valuable strategy for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. In this review, we discuss the structure of proteasome and how proteasome's proteolytic activity is associated with aging and various neurodegenerative diseases. We also summarize various classes of compounds that are capable of enhancing, directly or indirectly, proteasome-mediated protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jetze J. Tepe
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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6
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LaPlante G, Zhang W. Targeting the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System for Cancer Therapeutics by Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3079. [PMID: 34203106 PMCID: PMC8235664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a critical regulator of cellular protein levels and activity. It is, therefore, not surprising that its dysregulation is implicated in numerous human diseases, including many types of cancer. Moreover, since cancer cells exhibit increased rates of protein turnover, their heightened dependence on the UPS makes it an attractive target for inhibition via targeted therapeutics. Indeed, the clinical application of proteasome inhibitors in treatment of multiple myeloma has been very successful, stimulating the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting other UPS components. On the other hand, while the discovery of potent and selective chemical compounds can be both challenging and time consuming, the area of targeted protein degradation through utilization of the UPS machinery has seen promising developments in recent years. The repertoire of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ E3 ligases for the degradation of cancer-related proteins via the proteasome, continues to grow. In this review, we will provide a thorough overview of small-molecule UPS inhibitors and highlight advancements in the development of targeted protein degradation strategies for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel LaPlante
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, MaRS Centre West Tower, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G1M1, Canada
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7
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Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Proteasome-Associated Deubiquitinases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126213. [PMID: 34207520 PMCID: PMC8226605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 26S proteasome is the principal protease for regulated intracellular proteolysis. This multi-subunit complex is also pivotal for clearance of harmful proteins that are produced throughout the lifetime of eukaryotes. Recent structural and kinetic studies have revealed a multitude of conformational states of the proteasome in substrate-free and substrate-engaged forms. These conformational transitions demonstrate that proteasome is a highly dynamic machinery during substrate processing that can be also controlled by a number of proteasome-associated factors. Essentially, three distinct family of deubiquitinases–USP14, RPN11, and UCH37–are associated with the 19S regulatory particle of human proteasome. USP14 and UCH37 are capable of editing ubiquitin conjugates during the process of their dynamic engagement into the proteasome prior to the catalytic commitment. In contrast, RPN11-mediated deubiquitination is directly coupled to substrate degradation by sensing the proteasome’s conformational switch into the commitment steps. Therefore, proteasome-bound deubiquitinases are likely to tailor the degradation events in accordance with substrate processing steps and for dynamic proteolysis outcomes. Recent chemical screening efforts have yielded highly selective small-molecule inhibitors for targeting proteasomal deubiquitinases, such as USP14 and RPN11. USP14 inhibitors, IU1 and its progeny, were found to promote the degradation of a subset of substrates probably by overriding USP14-imposed checkpoint on the proteasome. On the other hand, capzimin, a RPN11 inhibitor, stabilized the proteasome substrates and showed the anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells. It is highly conceivable that these specific inhibitors will aid to dissect the role of each deubiquitinase on the proteasome. Moreover, customized targeting of proteasome-associated deubiquitinases may also provide versatile therapeutic strategies for induced or repressed protein degradation depending on proteolytic demand and cellular context.
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8
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Nagamine BS, Godil J, Dolan BP. The Unfolded Protein Response Reveals eIF2α Phosphorylation as a Critical Factor for Direct MHC Class I Antigen Presentation. Immunohorizons 2021; 5:135-146. [PMID: 33685907 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to modulate direct MHC class I (MHC I) Ag presentation is a desirable goal for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, chronic viral infections, and cancers. It is therefore necessary to understand how changes in the cellular environment alter the cells' ability to present peptides to T cells. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a signaling pathway activated by the presence of excess unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Previous studies have indicated that chemical induction of the UPR decreases direct MHC I Ag presentation, but the precise mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we used a variety of small molecule modulators of different UPR signaling pathways to query which UPR signaling pathways can alter Ag presentation in both murine and human cells. When signaling through the PERK pathway, and subsequent eIF2α phosphorylation, was blocked by treatment with GSK2656157, MHC I Ag presentation remain unchanged, whereas treatment with salubrinal, which has the opposite effect of GSK2656157, decreases both Ag presentation and overall cell-surface MHC I levels. Treatment with 4μ8C, an inhibitor of the IRE1α UPR activation pathway that blocks splicing of Xbp1 mRNA, also diminished MHC I Ag presentation. However, 4μ8C treatment unexpectedly led to an increase in eIF2α phosphorylation in addition to blocking IRE1α signaling. Given that salubrinal and 4μ8C lead to eIF2α phosphorylation and similar decreases in Ag presentation, we conclude that UPR signaling through PERK, leading to eIF2α phosphorylation, results in a modest decrease in direct MHC I Ag presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandy S Nagamine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Jamila Godil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brian P Dolan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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9
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Zhou X, Sun SC. Targeting ubiquitin signaling for cancer immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:16. [PMID: 33436547 PMCID: PMC7804490 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become an attractive approach of cancer treatment with tremendous success in treating various advanced malignancies. The development and clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors represent one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in cancer immunotherapy. In addition, considerable progress is being made in understanding the mechanism of antitumor immunity and characterizing novel targets for developing additional therapeutic approaches. One active area of investigation is protein ubiquitination, a post-translational mechanism of protein modification that regulates the function of diverse immune cells in antitumor immunity. Accumulating studies suggest that E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases form a family of potential targets to be exploited for enhancing antitumor immunity in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhou
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7455 Fannin Street, Box 902, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shao-Cong Sun
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7455 Fannin Street, Box 902, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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10
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Abstract
The defective ribosomal product (DRiP) hypothesis was proposed nearly 25 years ago to account for the rapid generation of peptides from otherwise metabolically stable viral proteins. It posits that errors in converting genetic information into stable proteins accounts for a sizeable fraction of the immunopeptidome. Here, we review recent studies that provide insight into the importance of DRiPs for immunosurveillance and the myriad mechanisms that give rise to DRiPs.
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11
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Wu HQ, Baker D, Ovaa H. Small molecules that target the ubiquitin system. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:479-497. [PMID: 32196552 PMCID: PMC7200645 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic life depends upon the interplay between vast networks of signaling pathways composed of upwards of 109-1010 proteins per cell. The integrity and normal operation of the cell requires that these proteins act in a precise spatial and temporal manner. The ubiquitin system is absolutely central to this process and perturbation of its function contributes directly to the onset and progression of a wide variety of diseases, including cancer, metabolic syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmunity, inflammatory disorders, infectious diseases, and muscle dystrophies. Whilst the individual components and the overall architecture of the ubiquitin system have been delineated in some detail, how ubiquitination might be successfully targeted, or harnessed, to develop novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of disease, currently remains relatively poorly understood. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current status of selected small molecule ubiquitin system inhibitors. We will further discuss the unique challenges of targeting this ubiquitous and highly complex machinery, and explore and highlight potential ways in which these challenges might be met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Qiu Wu
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David Baker
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Huib Ovaa
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Liu B, Chen J, Zhang S. Emerging role of ubiquitin-specific protease 14 in oncogenesis and development of tumor: Therapeutic implication. Life Sci 2019; 239:116875. [PMID: 31676235 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin (Ub) is a small protein that can be attached to substrate proteins to direct their degradation via the proteasome. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) reverse this process by removing ubiquitin from its substrate protein. Over the past few decades, ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), a member of the DUBs, has emerged as an important player in various types of cancers. In this article, we review and summarize biological function of USP14 in tumorigenesis and multiple signaling pathways. To determine its role in cancer, we analyzed USP14 gene expression across a panel of tumors, and discussed that it could serve as a novel bio-marker in several types of cancer. And recent contributions indicated that USP14 has been shown to act as a tumor-promoting gene via the AKT, NF-κB, MAPK pathways etc. Besides, drugs targeting USP14 have shown potential anti-tumor effect and clinical significance. We focus on recent studies that explore the link between USP14 and cancer, and further discuss USP14 as a novel target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China; State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jiangping Chen
- School of International Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Song Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
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