1
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Tian Z, Xu C, He W, Lin Z, Zhang W, Tao K, Ding R, Zhang X, Dou K. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP19 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression through stabilizing YAP. Cancer Lett 2023; 577:216439. [PMID: 37832781 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216439] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and yes-associated protein (YAP) is one of the major factors of the Hippo pathway. However, the mechanism of abnormal YAP activation in HCC has not been well elucidated. Here, we screened a Deubiquitinating enzymes' (DUB) siRNA library targeting DUBs, and identified Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 19 (USP19) as a specific deubiquitinating enzyme of YAP in HCC, which could stabilize YAP at K76 and K90 sites via removing the K48- and K11-linked ubiquitin chains. USP19 knockdown decreased the expression of YAP protein and its target gene (CTGF, CYR61, ANKRD1) expression. Through substantial in vivo and in vitro experiments, we prove that USP19 facilities the proliferation and migration of HCC. More importantly, we found that USP19 was upregulated in HCC tissues and associated with poor prognosis. In general, our research revealed a novel post-translational mechanism between USP19 and YAP in HCC, suggesting that USP19 may be a pivotal therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weixiang He
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhibin Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China; Chinese Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Western Resources and Modern Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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2
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Mancarella C, Morrione A, Scotlandi K. PROTAC-Based Protein Degradation as a Promising Strategy for Targeted Therapy in Sarcomas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16346. [PMID: 38003535 PMCID: PMC10671294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous bone and soft tissue cancers representing the second most common tumor type in children and adolescents. Histology and genetic profiling discovered more than 100 subtypes, which are characterized by peculiar molecular vulnerabilities. However, limited therapeutic options exist beyond standard therapy and clinical benefits from targeted therapies were observed only in a minority of patients with sarcomas. The rarity of these tumors, paucity of actionable mutations, and limitations in the chemical composition of current targeted therapies hindered the use of these approaches in sarcomas. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is an innovative pharmacological modality to directly alter protein abundance with promising clinical potential in cancer, even for undruggable proteins. TPD is based on the use of small molecules called degraders or proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which trigger ubiquitin-dependent degradation of protein of interest. In this review, we will discuss major features of PROTAC and PROTAC-derived genetic systems for target validation and cancer treatment and focus on the potential of these approaches to overcome major issues connected to targeted therapies in sarcomas, including drug resistance, target specificity, and undruggable targets. A deeper understanding of these strategies might provide new fuel to drive molecular and personalized medicine to sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Mancarella
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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3
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Gong H, Xue B, Ru J, Pei G, Li Y. Targeted Therapy for EWS-FLI1 in Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4035. [PMID: 37627063 PMCID: PMC10452796 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a rare and predominantly pediatric malignancy of bone and soft tissue in children and adolescents. Although international collaborations have greatly improved the prognosis of most EwS, the occurrence of macrometastases or relapse remains challenging. The prototypic oncogene EWS-FLI1 acts as an aberrant transcription factor that drives the cellular transformation of EwS. In addition to its involvement in RNA splicing and the DNA damage response, this chimeric protein directly binds to GGAA repeats, thereby modifying the transcriptional profile of EwS. Direct pharmacological targeting of EWS-FLI1 is difficult because of its intrinsically disordered structure. However, targeting the EWS-FLI1 protein complex or downstream pathways provides additional therapeutic options. This review describes the EWS-FLI1 protein partners and downstream pathways, as well as the related target therapies for the treatment of EwS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helong Gong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Busheng Xue
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Jinlong Ru
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | - Guoqing Pei
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
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4
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Zhang X, Chen Y, Yang B, Shao X, Ying M. Driving the degradation of oncofusion proteins for targeted cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103584. [PMID: 37061213 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Oncofusion proteins drive the development of about 16.5% of human cancers {AuQ: Edit OK?}, functioning as the unique pathogenic factor in some cancers. The targeting of oncofusion proteins is an attractive strategy to treat malignant tumors. Recently, triggering the degradation of oncofusion proteins has been shown to hold great promise as a therapeutic strategy. Here, we review the recent findings on the mechanisms that maintain the high stability of oncofusion proteins. Then, we summarize strategies to target the degradation of oncofusion proteins through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, and the caspase-dependent pathway. By examining oncofusion protein degradation in cancer, we not only gain better insight into the carcinogenic mechanisms that involve oncofusion proteins, but also raise the possibility of treating oncofusion-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingya Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yingqian Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuejing Shao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Meidan Ying
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Pediatric Cancer Research Center, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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5
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Regulation of EWSR1-FLI1 Function by Post-Transcriptional and Post-Translational Modifications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020382. [PMID: 36672331 PMCID: PMC9857208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020382] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor in childhood and adolescence. Currently, first-line therapy includes multidrug chemotherapy with surgery and/or radiation. Although most patients initially respond to chemotherapy, recurrent tumors become treatment refractory. Pathologically, Ewing sarcoma consists of small round basophilic cells with prominent nuclei marked by expression of surface protein CD99. Genetically, Ewing sarcoma is driven by a fusion oncoprotein that results from one of a small number of chromosomal translocations composed of a FET gene and a gene encoding an ETS family transcription factor, with ~85% of tumors expressing the EWSR1::FLI1 fusion. EWSR1::FLI1 regulates transcription, splicing, genome instability and other cellular functions. Although a tumor-specific target, EWSR1::FLI1-targeted therapy has yet to be developed, largely due to insufficient understanding of EWSR1::FLI1 upstream and downstream signaling, and the challenges in targeting transcription factors with small molecules. In this review, we summarize the contemporary molecular understanding of Ewing sarcoma, and the post-transcriptional and post-translational regulatory mechanisms that control EWSR1::FLI1 function.
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6
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Wang S, Huo X, Yang Y, Mo Y, Kollipara RK, Kittler R. Ablation of EWS-FLI1 by USP9X inhibition suppresses cancer cell growth in Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 552:215984. [PMID: 36330954 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The neomorphic transcription factor EWS-FLI1 is a key driver of Ewing sarcoma. Ablation of EWS-FLI1 may present a promising therapeutic strategy for this malignancy. Here we found that the deubiquitinase, ubiquitin specific peptidase 9 X-linked (USP9X) stabilizes EWS-FLI1 protein expression in Ewing sarcoma. We show that USP9X binds the ETS domain of EWS-FLI1 in Ewing sarcoma cells and deubiquitinates EWS-FLI1 and that USP9X and EWS-FLI1 protein expression is correlated in clinical Ewing sarcoma specimens. We found that treatment of Ewing sarcoma cells with the USP9X inhibitor WP1130 mediates rapid EWS-FLI1 degradation in vitro and in vivo which coincides with reduced growth of Ewing sarcoma cells and tumors. Our results suggest that USP9X might be a potential therapeutic target to mediate EWS-FLI1 depletion in Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xiaofang Huo
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yiping Yang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yingxi Mo
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rahul K Kollipara
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralf Kittler
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA; Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
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7
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Apfelbaum AA, Wrenn ED, Lawlor ER. The importance of fusion protein activity in Ewing sarcoma and the cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate it: A review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1044707. [PMID: 36505823 PMCID: PMC9727305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1044707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that despite clonal origins tumors eventually become complex communities comprised of phenotypically distinct cell subpopulations. This heterogeneity arises from both tumor cell intrinsic programs and signals from spatially and temporally dynamic microenvironments. While pediatric cancers usually lack the mutational burden of adult cancers, they still exhibit high levels of cellular heterogeneity that are largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas are aggressive bone and soft tissue malignancies with peak incidence in adolescence and the prognosis for patients with relapsed and metastatic disease is dismal. Ewing sarcomas are driven by a single pathognomonic fusion between a FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, the most common of which is EWS::FLI1. Despite sharing a single driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells demonstrate a high degree of transcriptional heterogeneity both between and within tumors. Recent studies have identified differential fusion protein activity as a key source of this heterogeneity which leads to profoundly different cellular phenotypes. Paradoxically, increased invasive and metastatic potential is associated with lower EWS::FLI1 activity. Here, we review what is currently understood about EWS::FLI1 activity, the cell autonomous and tumor microenvironmental factors that regulate it, and the downstream consequences of these activity states on tumor progression. We specifically highlight how transcription factor regulation, signaling pathway modulation, and the extracellular matrix intersect to create a complex network of tumor cell phenotypes. We propose that elucidation of the mechanisms by which these essential elements interact will enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches that are designed to target this complexity and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
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8
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Rossi FA, Rossi M. Emerging Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 19 in Oncogenesis and Cancer Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:889166. [PMID: 35646888 PMCID: PMC9133600 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.889166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination and ubiquitin-like post-translational modifications control the activity and stability of different tumor suppressors and oncoproteins. Hence, regulation of this enzymatic cascade offers an appealing scenario for novel antineoplastic targets discovery. Among the different families of enzymes that participate in the conjugation of Ubiquitin, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), responsible for removing ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like peptides from substrate proteins, have attracted increasing attention. In this regard, increasing evidence is accumulating suggesting that the modulation of the catalytic activity of DUBs represents an attractive point of therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment. In particular, different lines of research indicate that USP19, a member of the DUBs, plays a role in the control of tumorigenesis and cancer dissemination. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge of USP19 wide association with the control of several cellular processes in different neoplasms, which highlights the emerging role of USP19 as a previously unrecognized prognosis factor that possesses both positive and negative regulation activities in tumor biology. These observations indicate that USP19 might represent a novel putative pharmacologic target in oncology and underscores the potential of identifying specific modulators to test in clinical settings.
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9
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Pedot G, Marques JG, Ambühl PP, Wachtel M, Kasper S, Ngo QA, Niggli FK, Schäfer BW. Inhibition of HDACs reduces Ewing sarcoma tumor growth through EWS-FLI1 protein destabilization. Neoplasia 2022; 27:100784. [PMID: 35366465 PMCID: PMC8971315 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic transcription factors lacking enzymatic activity or targetable binding pockets are typically considered "undruggable". An example is provided by the EWS-FLI1 oncoprotein, whose continuous expression and activity as transcription factor are critically required for Ewing sarcoma tumor formation, maintenance, and proliferation. Because neither upstream nor downstream targets have so far disabled its oncogenic potential, we performed a high-throughput drug screen (HTS), enriched for FDA-approved drugs, coupled to a Global Protein Stability (GPS) approach to identify novel compounds capable to destabilize EWS-FLI1 protein by enhancing its degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The protein stability screen revealed the dual histone deacetylase (HDAC) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor called fimepinostat (CUDC-907) as top candidate to modulate EWS-FLI1 stability. Fimepinostat strongly reduced EWS-FLI1 protein abundance, reduced viability of several Ewing sarcoma cell lines and PDX-derived primary cells and delayed tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model, whereas it did not significantly affect healthy cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that EWS-FLI1 protein levels were mainly regulated by fimepinostat's HDAC activity. Our study demonstrates that HTS combined to GPS is a reliable approach to identify drug candidates able to modulate stability of EWS-FLI1 and lays new ground for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed to reduce Ewing sarcoma tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Pedot
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joana Graça Marques
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip P Ambühl
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Kasper
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Quy A Ngo
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix K Niggli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 32, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
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10
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Naito M. Targeted Protein Degradation and Drug Discovery. J Biochem 2022; 172:61-69. [PMID: 35468190 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation attracts attention as a novel modality for drug discovery as well as for basic research. Various types of degrader molecules have been developed so far, which include PROTACs and SNIPERs, E3 modulators, hydrophobic tagging molecules, IAP antagonists, and deubiquitylase inhibitors. PROTACs and SNIPERs are chimeric degrader molecules consisting of a target ligand linked to another ligand that binds to an E3 ubiquitin ligase. In the cells, they recruit an E3 ligase to the target protein, thereby inducing ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of the target protein. Because of their modular structure, novel PROTACs and SNIPERs targeting proteins of your interest can be rationally developed by substituting target ligands. In this article, various compounds capable of inducing protein degradation were overviewed, including SNIPER compounds developed in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikihiko Naito
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo
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11
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Padovani C, Jevtić P, Rapé M. Quality control of protein complex composition. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1439-1450. [PMID: 35316660 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells possess hundreds of protein complexes that contain multiple subunits and must be formed at the correct time and place during development. Despite specific assembly pathways, cells frequently encounter complexes with missing or aberrant subunits that can disrupt important signaling events. Cells, therefore, employ several ubiquitin-dependent quality control pathways that can prevent, correct, or degrade flawed complexes. In this review, we will discuss our emerging understanding of such quality control of protein complex composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Padovani
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Predrag Jevtić
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael Rapé
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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12
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Zhu Y, Gu L, Lin X, Zhou X, Lu B, Liu C, Lei C, Zhou F, Zhao Q, Prochownik EV, Li Y. USP19 exacerbates lipogenesis and colorectal carcinogenesis by stabilizing ME1. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110174. [PMID: 34965422 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipogenesis plays a critical role in colorectal carcinogenesis, but precisely how remains unclear. Here, we show that ERK2 phosphorylates ME1 at T103, thereby inhibiting its polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation and enhancing its interaction with USP19. USP19 antagonizes RNF1-mediated ME1 degradation by deubiquitination, which in turn promotes lipid metabolism and NADPH production and suppresses ROS. Meanwhile, ROS dramatically increases PD-L1 mRNA levels through accelerating expression of the transcription factor NRF2. Increased lipid metabolism is correlated with ERK2 activity and colorectal carcinogenesis in human patients. Therefore, the combination of ERK2 inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 antibody significantly inhibits spontaneous and chemically induced colorectal carcinogenesis. Collectively, the USP19-ME1 axis plays a vital role in colorectal carcinogenesis and may also provide a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Zhu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Li Gu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bingjun Lu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Caoqi Lei
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory for Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory for Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Pittsburgh Liver Research Center and The Hillman Cancer Center of UPMC, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Youjun Li
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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13
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Flores G, Grohar PJ. One oncogene, several vulnerabilities: EWS/FLI targeted therapies for Ewing sarcoma. J Bone Oncol 2021; 31:100404. [PMID: 34976713 PMCID: PMC8686064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2021.100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
EWS/FLI is the defining mutation of Ewing sarcoma. This oncogene drives malignant transformation and progression and occurs in a genetic background characterized by few other recurrent cooperating mutations. In addition, the tumor is absolutely dependent on the continued expression of EWS/FLI to maintain the malignant phenotype. However, EWS/FLI is a transcription factor and therefore a challenging drug target. The difficulty of directly targeting EWS/FLI stems from unique features of this fusion protein as well as the network of interacting proteins required to execute the transcriptional program. This network includes interacting proteins as well as upstream and downstream effectors that together reprogram the epigenome and transcriptome. While the vast number of proteins involved in this process challenge the development of a highly specific inhibitors, they also yield numerous therapeutic opportunities. In this report, we will review how this vast EWS-FLI transcriptional network has been exploited over the last two decades to identify compounds that directly target EWS/FLI and/or associated vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Flores
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, USA
| | - Patrick J Grohar
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 3501 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mullard M, Lavaud M, Regnier L, Tesfaye R, Ory B, Rédini F, Verrecchia F. Ubiquitin-specific proteases as therapeutic targets in paediatric primary bone tumours? Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 194:114797. [PMID: 34678225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In children and young adults, primary malignant bone tumours are mainly composed of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. Despite advances in treatments, nearly 40% of patients succumb to these diseases. In particular, the clinical outcome of metastatic osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma remains poor, with less than 30% of patients who develop metastases surviving five years after initial diagnosis. Over the last decade, the cancer research community has shown considerable interest in the processes of protein ubiquitination and deubiquitination. In particular, a growing number of studies show the relevance to target the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family in various cancers. This review provides an update on the current knowledge regarding the implication of these USPs in the progression of bone sarcoma: osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Mullard
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Mélanie Lavaud
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Laura Regnier
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Robel Tesfaye
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Benjamin Ory
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Françoise Rédini
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Franck Verrecchia
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France.
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15
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Su S, Chen J, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Vital T, Zhang J, Laggner C, Nguyen KT, Zhu Z, Prevatte AW, Barker NK, Herring LE, Davis IJ, Liu P. SPOP and OTUD7A Control EWS-FLI1 Protein Stability to Govern Ewing Sarcoma Growth. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004846. [PMID: 34060252 PMCID: PMC8292909 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocation results in development of an Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1-Friend leukemia integration 1 (EWS-FLI1) fusion oncogene in the majority of Ewing sarcoma. The persistent dependence of the tumor for this oncoprotein points to EWS-FLI1 as an ideal drug target. Although EWS-FLI1 transcriptional targets and binding partners are evaluated, the mechanisms regulating EWS-FLI1 protein stability remain elusive. Speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) and OTU domain-containing protein 7A (OTUD7A) are identified as the bona fide E3 ligase and deubiquitinase, respectively, that control EWS-FLI1 protein turnover in Ewing sarcoma. Casein kinase 1-mediated phosphorylation of the VTSSS degron in the FLI1 domain enhances SPOP activity to degrade EWS-FLI1. Opposing this process, OTUD7A deubiquitinates and stabilizes EWS-FLI1. Depletion of OTUD7A in Ewing sarcoma cell lines reduces EWS-FLI1 protein abundance and impedes Ewing sarcoma growth in vitro and in mice. Performing an artificial-intelligence-based virtual drug screen of a 4-million small molecule library, 7Ai is identified as a potential OTUD7A catalytic inhibitor. 7Ai reduces EWS-FLI1 protein levels and decreases Ewing sarcoma growth in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. This study supports the therapeutic targeting of OTUD7A as a novel strategy for Ewing sarcoma bearing EWS-FLI1 and related fusions, and may also be applicable to other cancers dependent on aberrant FLI1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Su
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Yao Jiang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Present address:
Cancer CenterUnion HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Ying Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Tamara Vital
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of GeneticsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of PediatricsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC 27599USA
| | - Jiaming Zhang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Present address:
Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and ImmunityHarvard School of Dental MedicineBostonMA02215USA
| | | | | | - Zhichuan Zhu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Alex W. Prevatte
- UNC Proteomics Core FacilityDepartment of PharmacologyThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Natalie K. Barker
- UNC Proteomics Core FacilityDepartment of PharmacologyThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Laura E. Herring
- UNC Proteomics Core FacilityDepartment of PharmacologyThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
| | - Ian J. Davis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of GeneticsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of PediatricsThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC 27599USA
| | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsSchool of MedicineThe University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNC27599USA
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16
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Kim SH, Baek KH. Regulation of Cancer Metabolism by Deubiquitinating Enzymes: The Warburg Effect. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126173. [PMID: 34201062 PMCID: PMC8226939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disorder of cell growth and proliferation, characterized by different metabolic pathways within normal cells. The Warburg effect is a major metabolic process in cancer cells that affects the cellular responses, such as proliferation and apoptosis. Various signaling factors down/upregulate factors of the glycolysis pathway in cancer cells, and these signaling factors are ubiquitinated/deubiquitinated via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Depending on the target protein, DUBs act as both an oncoprotein and a tumor suppressor. Since the degradation of tumor suppressors and stabilization of oncoproteins by either negative regulation by E3 ligases or positive regulation of DUBs, respectively, promote tumorigenesis, it is necessary to suppress these DUBs by applying appropriate inhibitors or small molecules. Therefore, we propose that the DUBs and their inhibitors related to the Warburg effect are potential anticancer targets.
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17
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Ducker C, Shaw PE. Ubiquitin-Mediated Control of ETS Transcription Factors: Roles in Cancer and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5119. [PMID: 34066106 PMCID: PMC8151852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome expansion, whole genome and gene duplication events during metazoan evolution produced an extensive family of ETS genes whose members express transcription factors with a conserved winged helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain. Unravelling their biological roles has proved challenging with functional redundancy manifest in overlapping expression patterns, a common consensus DNA-binding motif and responsiveness to mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling. Key determinants of the cellular repertoire of ETS proteins are their stability and turnover, controlled largely by the actions of selective E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases. Here we discuss the known relationships between ETS proteins and enzymes that determine their ubiquitin status, their integration with other developmental signal transduction pathways and how suppression of ETS protein ubiquitination contributes to the malignant cell phenotype in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Ducker
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Peter E. Shaw
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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18
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Rossi FA, Enriqué Steinberg JH, Calvo Roitberg EH, Joshi MU, Pandey A, Abba MC, Dufrusine B, Buglioni S, De Laurenzi V, Sala G, Lattanzio R, Espinosa JM, Rossi M. USP19 modulates cancer cell migration and invasion and acts as a novel prognostic marker in patients with early breast cancer. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:28. [PMID: 33714979 PMCID: PMC7956144 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00318-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cell dissemination in cancer patients is associated with a significant reduction in their survival and quality of life. The ubiquitination pathway plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of protein homeostasis both in normal and stressed conditions and its dysregulation has been associated with malignant transformation and invasive potential of tumor cells, thus highlighting its value as a potential therapeutic target. In order to identify novel molecular targets of tumor cell migration and invasion we performed a genetic screen with an shRNA library against ubiquitination pathway-related genes. To this end, we set up a protocol to specifically enrich positive migration regulator candidates. We identified the deubiquitinase USP19 and demonstrated that its silencing reduces the migratory and invasive potential of highly invasive breast cancer cell lines. We extended our investigation in vivo and confirmed that mice injected with USP19 depleted cells display increased tumor-free survival, as well as a delay in the onset of the tumor formation and a significant reduction in the appearance of metastatic foci, indicating that tumor cell invasion and dissemination is impaired. In contrast, overexpression of USP19 increased cell invasiveness both in vitro and in vivo, further validating our findings. More importantly, we demonstrated that USP19 catalytic activity is important for the control of tumor cell migration and invasion, and that its molecular mechanism of action involves LRP6, a Wnt co-receptor. Finally, we showed that USP19 overexpression is a surrogate prognostic marker of distant relapse in patients with early breast cancer. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that USP19 might represent a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Alejandra Rossi
- grid.412850.a0000 0004 0489 7281Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT) - CONICET, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires Argentina ,grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA-CONICET-MPSP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juliana Haydeé Enriqué Steinberg
- grid.412850.a0000 0004 0489 7281Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT) - CONICET, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires Argentina ,grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA-CONICET-MPSP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Hernán Calvo Roitberg
- grid.412850.a0000 0004 0489 7281Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT) - CONICET, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires Argentina ,grid.423606.50000 0001 1945 2152Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA-CONICET-MPSP), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Molishree Umesh Joshi
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XFunctional Genomics Facility, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Ahwan Pandey
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Martin Carlos Abba
- grid.9499.d0000 0001 2097 3940Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas – Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Beatrice Dufrusine
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simonetta Buglioni
- grid.417520.50000 0004 1760 5276Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation Department, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sala
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Joaquín Maximiliano Espinosa
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XFunctional Genomics Facility, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XLinda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Mario Rossi
- grid.412850.a0000 0004 0489 7281Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT) - CONICET, Universidad Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires Argentina
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19
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Domain interactions reveal auto-inhibition of the deubiquitinating enzyme USP19 and its activation by HSP90 in the modulation of huntingtin aggregation. Biochem J 2020; 477:4295-4312. [PMID: 33094816 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 19 (USP19) is a member of the deubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes that catalyze removing the ubiquitin signals from target proteins. Our previous research has demonstrated that USP19 up-regulates the protein level and aggregation of polyQ-expanded huntingtin through the involvement of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Here, we present solution structures of the CS1, CS2 and UbL domains of USP19 and structural insights into their domain interactions. We found that the tandem CS domains fold back to interact with the C-terminal USP domain (USPD) intra-molecularly that leads to inhibition of the catalytic core of USP19, especially CS1 interacts with the embedded UbL domain and CS2 does with the CH2 catalytic core. Moreover, CS2 specifically interacts with the NBD domain of HSP90, which can activate the DUB enzyme. A mechanism of auto-inhibition of USP19 and activation by HSP90 is proposed, on which USP19 modulates the protein level of polyQ-expanded huntingtin in cells. This study provides structural and mechanistic insights into the modulation of protein level and aggregation by USP19 with the assistance of HSP90.
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20
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García-Domínguez DJ, Hontecillas-Prieto L, León EA, Sánchez-Molina S, Rodríguez-Núñez P, Morón FJ, Hajji N, Mackintosh C, de Álava E. An inducible ectopic expression system of EWSR1-FLI1 as a tool for understanding Ewing sarcoma oncogenesis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234243. [PMID: 32502203 PMCID: PMC7274397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of the chimeric EWSR1-FLI1 oncoprotein is the main and initiating event defining Ewing sarcoma (ES). The dysregulation of epigenomic and proteomic homeostasis induced by the oncoprotein contributes to a wide variety of events involved in oncogenesis and tumor progression. Attempts at studying the effects of EWSR1-FLI1 in non-tumor cells to understand the mechanisms underlying sarcomagenesis have been unsuccessful to date, as ectopic expression of EWSR1-FLI1 blocks cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis in the tested cell lines. Therefore, it is essential to find a permissive cell type for EWSR1-FLI1 expression that allows its endogenous molecular functions to be studied. Here we have demonstrated that HeLa cell lines are permissive to EWSR1-FLI1 ectopic expression, and that our model substantially recapitulates the endogenous activity of the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion protein. This model could contribute to better understanding ES sarcomagenesis by helping to understand the molecular mechanisms induced by the EWSR1-FLI1 oncoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. García-Domínguez
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla/CIBERONC, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail: (DJGD); (EDA)
| | - Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla/CIBERONC, Seville, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andrés León
- Bioinformatics Unit, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina “López-Neyra”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez-Molina
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica—Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez-Núñez
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla/CIBERONC, Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Morón
- Genomics Core Facility, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Nabil Hajji
- Division of Brain Sciences, The John Fulcher Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Imperial College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Enrique de Álava
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla/CIBERONC, Seville, Spain
- Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail: (DJGD); (EDA)
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21
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Hu W, Su Y, Fei X, Wang X, Zhang G, Su C, Du T, Yang T, Wang G, Tang Z, Zhang J. Ubiquitin specific peptidase 19 is a prognostic biomarker and affect the proliferation and migration of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1964-1974. [PMID: 32236633 PMCID: PMC7160536 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin specific peptidase 19 (USP19) is a member of the USP family and exhibits diverse roles in various biological processes, such as cell differentiation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. There is limited knowledge regarding the role and impact of USP19 in cancer, particularly clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). To examine the function of USP19 in ccRCC, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were examined to determine USP19 mRNA expression levels. USP19 mRNA levels were significantly lower in ccRCC tissues than in normal tissues. USP19 downregulation was associated with ccRCC progression and poor prognostic outcomes in TCGA cohort. Furthermore, the functional involvement of USP19 in ccRCC was examined using Cell Counting Kit-8, soft agar, Transwell and wound healing assays in vitro following overexpression or knockdown of USP19 in the Caki-1 cell line. USP19 overexpression inhibited ccRCC proliferation and migration, whereas USP19 knockdown promoted ccRCC proliferation and migration in vitro. Consistent with these results, it was further demonstrated that USP19 downregulation promoted tumor growth in vivo in a xenograft model. Mechanistically, it was found that USP19 exerted its inhibitory effect on ccRCC proliferation and migration by suppressing the activation of ERK. Collectively, the present findings identified a role for USP19 as a tumor suppressor in ccRCC and demonstrated that USP19 is a potential prognostic biomarker that could be applied in ccRCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbing Hu
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Yanfang Su
- Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Xinxiong Fei
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Guanglin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Su
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Tianxing Du
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Gangsheng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Ze Tang
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
| | - Jierong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, P.R. China
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22
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Targeting the undruggable: exploiting neomorphic features of fusion oncoproteins in childhood sarcomas for innovative therapies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:625-642. [PMID: 31970591 PMCID: PMC6994515 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
While sarcomas account for approximately 1% of malignant tumors of adults, they are particularly more common in children and adolescents affected by cancer. In contrast to malignancies that occur in later stages of life, childhood tumors, including sarcoma, are characterized by a striking paucity of somatic mutations. However, entity-defining fusion oncogenes acting as the main oncogenic driver mutations are frequently found in pediatric bone and soft-tissue sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma (EWSR1-FLI1), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (PAX3/7-FOXO1), and synovial sarcoma (SS18-SSX1/2/4). Since strong oncogene-dependency has been demonstrated in these entities, direct pharmacological targeting of these fusion oncogenes has been excessively attempted, thus far, with limited success. Despite apparent challenges, our increasing understanding of the neomorphic features of these fusion oncogenes in conjunction with rapid technological advances will likely enable the development of new strategies to therapeutically exploit these neomorphic features and to ultimately turn the “undruggable” into first-line target structures. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the current literature on targeting neomorphic features of fusion oncogenes found in Ewing sarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma, and give a perspective for future developments. Scheme depicting the different targeting strategies of fusion oncogenes in pediatric fusion-driven sarcomas. Fusion oncogenes can be targeted on their DNA level (1), RNA level (2), protein level (3), and by targeting downstream functions and interaction partners (4). ![]()
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23
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Liu Z, Wan Y, Qiu Y, Qi X, Yang M, Huang J, Zhang Q. Development and validation of a novel immune-related prognostic model in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:1393-1405. [PMID: 32624696 PMCID: PMC7330657 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.47301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The immune system plays an important role in the development of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Therefore, immune-related genes (IRGs) expression may be an important predictor of LUSC prognosis. However, a prognostic model based on IRGs that can systematically assess the prognosis of LUSC patients is still lacking. This study aimed to construct a LUSC immune-related prognostic model by using IRGs. Methods: Gene expression data about LUSC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differential expression analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify prognostic differentially expressed IRGs. A prognostic model was constructed using the Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Then we validated the performance of the prognostic model in training and test cohorts. Furthermore, associations with clinical variables and immune infiltration were also analyzed. Results: 593 differentially expressed IRGs were identified, and 8 of them were related to prognosis. Then a transcription factor regulatory network was established. A prognostic model consisted of 4 immune-related genes was constructed by using Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The prognostic value of this model was successfully validated in training and test cohorts. Further analysis showed that the prognostic model could be used independently to predict the prognosis of LUSC patients. The relationships between the risk score and immune cell infiltration indicated that the model could reflect the status of the tumor immune microenvironment. Conclusions: We constructed a risk model using four PDIRGs that can accurately predict the prognosis of LUSC patients. The risk score generated by this model can be used as an independent prognostic indicator. Moreover, the model can predict the infiltration of immune cells in patients, which is conducive to the prediction of patient sensitivity to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Liu
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxiang Wan
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqin Qiu
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuewei Qi
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinchang Huang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoli Zhang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Ommer J, Selfe JL, Wachtel M, O'Brien EM, Laubscher D, Roemmele M, Kasper S, Delattre O, Surdez D, Petts G, Kelsey A, Shipley J, Schäfer BW. Aurora A Kinase Inhibition Destabilizes PAX3-FOXO1 and MYCN and Synergizes with Navitoclax to Induce Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Death. Cancer Res 2019; 80:832-842. [PMID: 31888889 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The clinically aggressive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) subtype is characterized by expression of the oncogenic fusion protein PAX3-FOXO1, which is critical for tumorigenesis and cell survival. Here, we studied the mechanism of cell death induced by loss of PAX3-FOXO1 expression and identified a novel pharmacologic combination therapy that interferes with PAX3-FOXO1 biology at different levels. Depletion of PAX3-FOXO1 in fusion-positive (FP)-RMS cells induced intrinsic apoptosis in a NOXA-dependent manner. This was pharmacologically mimicked by the BH3 mimetic navitoclax, identified as top compound in a screen from 208 targeted compounds. In a parallel approach, and to identify drugs that alter the stability of PAX3-FOXO1 protein, the same drug library was screened and fusion protein levels were directly measured as a read-out. This revealed that inhibition of Aurora kinase A most efficiently negatively affected PAX3-FOXO1 protein levels. Interestingly, this occurred through a novel specific phosphorylation event in and binding to the fusion protein. Aurora kinase A inhibition also destabilized MYCN, which is both a functionally important oncogene and transcriptional target of PAX3-FOXO1. Combined treatment with an Aurora kinase A inhibitor and navitoclax in FP-RMS cell lines and patient-derived xenografts synergistically induced cell death and significantly slowed tumor growth. These studies identify a novel functional interaction of Aurora kinase A with both PAX3-FOXO1 and its effector MYCN, and reveal new opportunities for targeted combination treatment of FP-RMS. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that Aurora kinase A and Bcl-2 family proteins are potential targets for FP-RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Ommer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joanna L Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleanor M O'Brien
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominik Laubscher
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Roemmele
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Kasper
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Delattre
- France INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisé LNCC, PSL Université, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Didier Surdez
- France INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisé LNCC, PSL Université, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Gemma Petts
- Department of Diagnostic Paediatric Histopathology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Kelsey
- Department of Diagnostic Paediatric Histopathology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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