USP7 inhibition induces apoptosis in glioblastoma by enhancing ubiquitination of ARF4

Stabilization of KPNB1 by deubiquitinase USP7 promotes glioblastoma progression through the YBX1-NLGN3 axis

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system. It is an aggressive tumor characterized by rapid proliferation, diffuse tumor morphology, and poor prognosis. Unfortunately, current treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are unable to achieve good outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new treatment targets. A detailed mechanistic exploration of the role of the nuclear pore transporter KPNB1 in GBM is lacking. This study demonstrated that KPNB1 regulated GBM progression through a transcription factor YBX1 to promote the expression of post-protrusion membrane protein NLGN3. This regulation was mediated by the deubiquitinating enzyme USP7.

METHODS

A tissue microarray was used to measure the expression of KPNB1 and USP7 in glioma tissues. The effects of KPNB1 knockdown on the tumorigenic properties of glioma cells were characterized by colony formation assays, Transwell migration assay, EdU proliferation assays, CCK-8 viability assays, and apoptosis analysis using flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing identified NLGN3 as a downstream molecule that is regulated by KPNB1. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation were performed to analyze the potential interaction between KPNB1 and YBX1. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of YBX1 was determined with nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation and immunofluorescence staining, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to study DNA binding with YBX1. Ubiquitination assays were performed to determine the effects of USP7 on KPNB1 stability. The intracranial orthotopic tumor model was used to detect the efficacy in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that the nuclear receptor KPNB1 was highly expressed in GBM and could mediate the nuclear translocation of macromolecules to promote GBM progression. Knockdown of KPNB1 inhibited the progression of GBM, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we found that KPNB1 could regulate the downstream expression of Neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) by mediating the nuclear import of transcription factor YBX1, which could bind to the NLGN3 promoter. NLGN3 was necessary and sufficient to promote glioma cell growth. Furthermore, we found that deubiquitinase USP7 played a critical role in stabilizing KPNB1 through deubiquitination. Knockdown of USP7 expression or inhibition of its activity could effectively impair GBM progression. In vivo experiments also demonstrated the promoting effects of USP7, KPNB1, and NLGN3 on GBM progression. Overall, our results suggested that KPNB1 stability was enhanced by USP7-mediated deubiquitination, and the overexpression of KPNB1 could promote GBM progression via the nuclear translocation of YBX1 and the subsequent increase in NLGN3 expression.

CONCLUSION

This study identified a novel and targetable USP7/KPNB1/YBX1/NLGN3 signaling axis in GBM cells.

Current and future directions of USP7 interactome in cancer study

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is an essential protein quality controller for regulating protein homeostasis and autophagy. Ubiquitination is a protein modification process that involves the binding of one or more ubiquitins to substrates through a series of enzymatic processes. These include ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2), and ubiquitin ligases (E3). Conversely, deubiquitination is a reverse process that removes ubiquitin from substrates via deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Dysregulation of ubiquitination-related enzymes can lead to various human diseases, including cancer, through the modulation of protein ubiquitination. The most structurally and functionally studied DUB is the ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7). Both the TRAF and UBL domains of USP7 are known to bind to the [P/A/E]-X-X-S or K-X-X-X-K motif of substrates. USP7 has been shown to be involved in cancer pathogenesis by binding with numerous substrates. Recently, a novel substrate of USP7 was discovered through a systemic analysis of its binding motif. This review summarizes the currently discovered substrates and cellular functions of USP7 in cancer and suggests putative substrates of USP7 through a comprehensive systemic analysis.

Emerging trends in post-translational modification: Shedding light on Glioblastoma multiforme

Recent multi-omics studies, including proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics have revealed the critical role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the progression and pathogenesis of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Further, PTMs alter the oncogenic signaling events and offer a novel avenue in GBM therapeutics research through PTM enzymes as potential biomarkers for drug targeting. In addition, PTMs are critical regulators of chromatin architecture, gene expression, and tumor microenvironment (TME), that play a crucial function in tumorigenesis. Moreover, the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms enhances GBM therapeutics research through the identification of novel PTM enzymes and residues. Herein, we briefly explain the mechanism of protein modifications in GBM etiology, and in altering the biologics of GBM cells through chromatin remodeling, modulation of the TME, and signaling pathways. In addition, we highlighted the importance of PTM enzymes as therapeutic biomarkers and the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in protein PTM prediction.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 prevents recurrent spontaneous abortion by targeting enhancer of zeste homolog 2 to regulate trophoblast proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway†

Trophoblasts are significant components of the placenta and play crucial roles in maternal-fetal crosstalk. Adequate trophoblast migration and invasion are essential for embryo implantation and healthy pregnancy. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), a member of the deubiquitinating enzyme family, regulates the processes of migration and invasion in multiple tumor cells. However, the effects of USP7 on trophoblasts and its possible mechanism in the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the expression of USP7 in villous tissues obtained from RSA patients and healthy controls, and then GNE-6776 (a USP7-specific inhibitor) and USP7 siRNA were used in a trophoblast cell line, HTR-8/SVneo, to further assess the effect of USP7 on the biological function of trophoblasts. Our results provide convincing evidence that USP7 is downregulated in the placental villous tissues of RSA patients. USP7 was found to have a crucial role in the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of trophoblast cells. Further experiments revealed that USP7 directly interacted with the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in trophoblasts. Taken together, these findings indicate the vital role of USP7 in regulating trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion, thus affecting the pathogenesis of RSA, providing new insights into the important role of USP7 in the maternal-fetal interface.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7): an emerging drug target for cancer treatment

INTRODUCTION

Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) also known as herpesvirus-associated ubiquitin-specific protease (HAUSP) is a well-characterized cysteine protease that belongs to the largest subfamily of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). It is involved in multiple signaling pathways, some of them dysregulated in malignant tumors. USP7 inhibition can lead to cell growth arrest and apoptosis through inhibition of tumor promoters and stabilization of tumor suppressors, making it a promising druggable target for cancer therapy.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers the structure of USP7, its function in multiple signaling pathways and relevance in cancer, as well as recent advances and future perspectives in the development of USP7 inhibitors for cancer therapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Literature reports display the multiple antitumor activities of USP7 inhibitors, both in vitro and in vivo. Nonetheless, none have entered clinical trials so far, highlighting the need to delve into a deeper understanding of USP7 binding sites and the development of more accurate compound screening methods. Despite these challenges, further development of USP7 inhibitors is promising as a valuable new approach for cancer treatment, including the ability to address chemoresistance.

Highlights in USP7 inhibitors for cancer treatment

Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a member of one of the most largely studied families of deubiquitylating enzymes. It plays a key role modulating the levels of multiple proteins, including tumor suppressors, transcription factors, epigenetic modulators, DNA repair proteins, and regulators of the immune response. The abnormal expression of USP7 is found in various malignant tumors and a high expression signature generally indicates poor tumor prognosis. This suggests USP7 as a promising prognostic and druggable target for cancer therapy. Nonetheless, no approved drugs targeting USP7 have already entered clinical trials. Therefore, the development of potent and selective USP7 inhibitors still requires intensive research and development efforts before the pre-clinical benefits translate into the clinic. This mini review systematically summarizes the role of USP7 as a drug target for cancer therapeutics, as well as the scaffolds, activities, and binding modes of some of the most representative small molecule USP7 inhibitors reported in the scientific literature. To wind up, development challenges and potential combination therapies using USP7 inhibitors for less tractable tumors are also disclosed.

Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7: A Novel Deubiquitinase That Regulates Protein Homeostasis and Cancers

Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7 (USP7), or herpes virus-associated protease (HAUSP), is the largest family of the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Recent studies have shown that USP7 plays a vital role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulation of these processes mediated by USP7 may contribute to many diseases, such as cancers. Moreover, USP7 with aberrant expression levels and abnormal activity are found in cancers. Therefore, given the association between USP7 and cancers, targeting USP7 could be considered as an attractive and potential therapeutic approach in cancer treatment. This review describes the functions of USP7 and the regulatory mechanisms of its expression and activity, aiming to emphasize the necessity of research on USP7, and provide a better understanding of USP7-related biological processes and cancer.