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Cheng Q, Li Z, Li Y, Chen L, Chen D, Zhu J. The Emerging Role and Mechanism of E2/E3 Hybrid Enzyme UBE2O in Human Diseases. Biomedicines 2025; 13:1082. [PMID: 40426910 PMCID: PMC12109548 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13051082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2025] [Revised: 04/05/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in determining protein fate, regulating signal transduction, and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Protein ubiquitination, a key post-translational modification, is orchestrated by the sequential actions of three primary enzymes, ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2), and ubiquitin protein ligase (E3), alongside the regulatory influence of deubiquitinases (DUBs) and various cofactors. The process begins with E1, which activates ubiquitin molecules. Subsequently, E2 receives the activated ubiquitin from E1 and transfers it to E3. E3, in turn, recognizes specific target proteins and facilitates the covalent attachment of ubiquitin from E2 to lysine residues on the target protein. Among the E2 enzymes, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2O (UBE2O) stands out as a unique E2-E3 hybrid enzyme. UBE2O directly mediates the ubiquitination of a wide array of substrates, including 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha-2 (AMPKα2), MAX interactor 1 (Mxi1), and v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog (c-Maf), among others. In this narrative review, we will explore the structural characteristics of UBE2O and elucidate its molecular functions. Additionally, we will summarize recent advancements in understanding the role of UBE2O in various tumors, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and metabolic diseases. Finally, we will discuss the potential of targeting UBE2O as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Peking University Institute of Organ Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of HCC and Liver Cirrhosis, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Zuyin Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Peking University Institute of Organ Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of HCC and Liver Cirrhosis, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yongjian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Peking University Institute of Organ Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of HCC and Liver Cirrhosis, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Peking University Institute of Organ Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of HCC and Liver Cirrhosis, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Dingbao Chen
- Department of Pathology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China;
| | - Jiye Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; (Q.C.); (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.C.)
- Peking University Institute of Organ Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of HCC and Liver Cirrhosis, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
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