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Son Y, Su Yang J, Chul Shin S, Kyoung Park S, Kim Y, Park J, Yu J. Structural optimization and biological evaluation of ML364 based derivatives as USP2a inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107222. [PMID: 38401359 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a representative post-translational modification that tags target proteins with ubiquitin to induce protein degradation or modify their functions. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play a crucial role in reversing this process by removing ubiquitin from target proteins. Among them, USP2a has emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy due to its oncogenic properties in various cancer types, but its inhibitors have been limited. In this study, our aim was to optimize the structure of ML364, a USP2a inhibitor, and synthesize a series of its derivatives to develop potent USP2a inhibitors. Compound 8v emerged as a potential USP2a inhibitor with lower cytotoxicity compared to ML364. Cellular assays demonstrated that compound 8v effectively reduced the levels of USP2a substrates and attenuated cancer cell growth. We confirmed its direct interaction with the catalytic domain of USP2a and its selective inhibitory activity against USP2a over other USP subfamily proteins (USP7, 8, or 15). In conclusion, compound 8v has been identified as a potent USP2a inhibitor with substantial potential for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngchai Son
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Su Yang
- Biomedical Research Division, Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Shin
- Research Resources Division, Technological Convergence Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Kyoung Park
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeojin Kim
- Biomedical Research Division, Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Park
- Biomedical Research Division, Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio‑Medical Science and Technology, KIST‑School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinha Yu
- College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Tian Y, Liu K, Wu D, Wu L, Xu Q, Wei W, Li Z, Du Q, Bian J. The discovery of potent USP2/USP8 dual-target inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer via structure guided optimization of ML364. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116275. [PMID: 38452725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
USP2 and USP8 are crucial in the development and progression of breast cancer, primarily through the stabilization of protein substrates such as Her2 and ERα. The dual-target inhibitor ML364, targeting both USP2 and USP8, has garnered significant interest in recent research. In this study, we developed a series of ML364 derivatives using ligand-based drug design strategies. The standout compound, LLK203, demonstrated enhanced inhibitory activity, showing a 4-fold increase against USP2 and a 9-fold increase against USP8, compared to the parent molecule. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, LLK203 effectively degraded key proteins involved in cancer progression and notably inhibited cell proliferation. Moreover, LLK203 exhibited potent in vivo efficacy in the 4T1 homograft model, while maintaining a low toxicity profile. These results underscore the potential of LLK203 as a promising dual-target inhibitor of USP2/USP8 for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Kang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Dongdong Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Liuyi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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Menendez JA, Cuyàs E, Encinar JA, Vander Steen T, Verdura S, Llop‐Hernández À, López J, Serrano‐Hervás E, Osuna S, Martin‐Castillo B, Lupu R. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) signalome: A molecular guide for precision oncology. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:479-516. [PMID: 38158755 PMCID: PMC10920094 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial excitement generated more than two decades ago by the discovery of drugs targeting fatty acid synthase (FASN)-catalyzed de novo lipogenesis for cancer therapy was short-lived. However, the advent of the first clinical-grade FASN inhibitor (TVB-2640; denifanstat), which is currently being studied in various phase II trials, and the exciting advances in understanding the FASN signalome are fueling a renewed interest in FASN-targeted strategies for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Here, we provide a detailed overview of how FASN can drive phenotypic plasticity and cell fate decisions, mitochondrial regulation of cell death, immune escape and organ-specific metastatic potential. We then present a variety of FASN-targeted therapeutic approaches that address the major challenges facing FASN therapy. These include limitations of current FASN inhibitors and the lack of precision tools to maximize the therapeutic potential of FASN inhibitors in the clinic. Rethinking the role of FASN as a signal transducer in cancer pathogenesis may provide molecularly driven strategies to optimize FASN as a long-awaited target for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Menendez
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Elisabet Cuyàs
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Jose Antonio Encinar
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE) and Molecular and Cell Biology Institute (IBMC)Miguel Hernández University (UMH)ElcheSpain
| | - Travis Vander Steen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
| | - Sara Verdura
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Àngela Llop‐Hernández
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Júlia López
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
| | - Eila Serrano‐Hervás
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
| | - Sílvia Osuna
- CompBioLab Group, Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi (IQCC) and Departament de QuímicaUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
- ICREABarcelonaSpain
| | - Begoña Martin‐Castillo
- Metabolism & Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE)Catalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
- Girona Biomedical Research InstituteGironaSpain
- Unit of Clinical ResearchCatalan Institute of OncologyGironaSpain
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and PathologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
- Mayo Clinic Cancer CenterRochesterMNUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology LaboratoryMayo Clinic LaboratoryRochesterMNUSA
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4
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Zheng LL, Wang LT, Pang YW, Sun LP, Shi L. Recent advances in the development of deubiquitinases inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116161. [PMID: 38262120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a type of post-translational modification that covalently links ubiquitin to a target protein, which plays a critical role in modulating protein activity, stability, and localization. In contrast, this process is reversed by deubiquitinases (DUBs), which remove ubiquitin from ubiquitinated substrates. Dysregulation of DUBs is associated with several human diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Thus, DUBs have become promising targets for drug development. Although the physiological and pathological effects of DUBs are increasingly well understood, the clinical drug discovery of selective DUB inhibitors has been challenging. Herein, we summarize the structures and functions of main classes of DUBs and discuss the recent progress in developing selective small-molecule DUB inhibitors as antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Ye-Wei Pang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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Zhu M, Wang H, Ding Y, Yang Y, Xu Z, Shi L, Zhang N. Ribonucleotide reductase holoenzyme inhibitor COH29 interacts with deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 2 and downregulates its substrate protein cyclin D1. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22329. [PMID: 35476303 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101914rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
USP2 contributes to the quality control of multiple oncogenic proteins including cyclin D1, Mdm2, Aurora-A, etc., and it is a potential target for anti-cancer drug development. However, currently only a few inhibitors with moderate inhibition activities against USP2 have been discovered. USP2-targeted active compounds with either new scaffolds or enhanced activities are in need. Here in this study, Ub-AMC hydrolysis assay-based screening against ~4000 commercially available drugs and drug candidates was performed to identify USP2-targeted inhibitors. COH29, which was originally developed as an anti-cancer agent by blocking the function of human ribonucleotide reductase (RNR, IC50 = 16 µM), was found to exhibit an inhibition activity against USP2 with the IC50 value at 2.02 ± 0.16 µM. The following conducted biophysical and biochemical experiments demonstrated that COH29 could specifically interact with USP2 and inhibit its enzymatic activity in a noncompetitive inhibition mode (Ki = 1.73 ± 0.14 µM). Since COH29 shows similar inhibitory potencies against RNR (RRM2) and USP2, USP2 inhibition-dependent cellular consequences of COH29 are expected. The results of cellular assays confirmed that the application of COH29 could downregulate the level of cyclin D1 by enhancing its degradation via ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and the modulation effect of COH29 on cyclin D1 is independent of RRM2. Since cyclin D1 acts as an oncogenic driver in human cancer, our findings suggest that USP2 might be a promising therapeutic target for cyclin D1-addicted cancers, and COH29 could serve as a starting compound for high selectivity inhibitor development against USP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Zhu
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiluan Ding
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Shi
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Naixia Zhang
- Analytical Research Center for Organic and Biological Molecules, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Cheng CP, Liu ST, Chiu YL, Huang SM, Ho CL. The Inhibitory Effects of 6-Thioguanine and 6-Mercaptopurine on the USP2a Target Fatty Acid Synthase in Human Submaxillary Carcinoma Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:749661. [PMID: 34956872 PMCID: PMC8702617 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.749661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the deubiquitinase USP2a leads to stabilization of fatty acid synthase (FAS), the levels of which are often elevated in aggressive human cancers. Consequently, there is an urgent need for inhibitors to suppress the deubiquitination activity of USP2a so as to upregulate FAS protein degradation. We first analyzed the relationship between the expression level of USP2a and survival using The Cancer Genome Atlas Head-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSC) data collection. Our results suggested survival rates were lower among HNSC patients expressing higher levels of USP2a. We then investigated two thiopurine drugs, 6-thioguanine (6-TG) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), to determine whether they could potentially serve as inhibitors of USP2a. Western blot analysis showed that levels of two USP2a target proteins, FAS and Mdm2, were dose-dependently decreased in A253 submaxillary carcinoma cells treated with 6-TG or 6‐MP. Responding to the degradation of Mdm2, levels of p53 were increased. We found that 6-TG and 6-MP also suppressed levels of both USP2a mRNA and protein, suggesting these two thiopurines do not act solely through direct inhibition of USP2a. The effects of 6-TG and 6-MP were not cell type-specific, as they elicited similar decreases in FAS protein in leukemia, prostate and cervical cancer cell lines. 6-TG and 6-MP had effects on several cell cycle proteins, including another USP2a target protein, cyclin D1. The populations of cells in subG1 and S phase were increased by 6-TG and 6-MP, which was accompanied by reductions in G1 phase cells. In untreated cells, USP2a transfection increased FAS and cyclin D1 levels compared to an enzyme-dead USP2a C276A mutant, which lacked deubiquitinating activity. However, USP2a transfection failed to reverse the suppressive effects of 6‐TG and 6-MP on FAS levels. In summary, these findings suggest 6-TG and 6-MP reduce the stability of some USP2a targets, including FAS and Mdm2, by inhibiting USP2a-catalyzed deubiquitination in some cancer cells. Our work also provides repurposing evidence supporting 6‐TG and 6-MP as target therapeutic drugs, such as USP2a/FAS in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-Pei Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ting Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lin Chiu
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Ho
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Qian G, Zhu L, Li G, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Pan J, Lv H. An Integrated View of Deubiquitinating Enzymes Involved in Type I Interferon Signaling, Host Defense and Antiviral Activities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:742542. [PMID: 34707613 PMCID: PMC8542838 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.742542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infectious diseases pose a great challenge to human health around the world. Type I interferons (IFN-Is) function as the first line of host defense and thus play critical roles during virus infection by mediating the transcriptional induction of hundreds of genes. Nevertheless, overactive cytokine immune responses also cause autoimmune diseases, and thus, tight regulation of the innate immune response is needed to achieve viral clearance without causing excessive immune responses. Emerging studies have recently uncovered that the ubiquitin system, particularly deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), plays a critical role in regulating innate immune responses. In this review, we highlight recent advances on the diverse mechanisms of human DUBs implicated in IFN-I signaling. These DUBs function dynamically to calibrate host defenses against various virus infections by targeting hub proteins in the IFN-I signaling transduction pathway. We also present a future perspective on the roles of DUB-substrate interaction networks in innate antiviral activities, discuss the promises and challenges of DUB-based drug development, and identify the open questions that remain to be clarified. Our review provides a comprehensive description of DUBs, particularly their differential mechanisms that have evolved in the host to regulate IFN-I-signaling-mediated antiviral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Qian
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liyan Zhu
- Department of Experimental Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gen Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haitao Lv
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Abstract
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are enzymes that control the stability, interactions or localization of most cellular proteins by removing their ubiquitin modification. In recent years, some DUBs, such as USP7, USP9X and USP10, have been identified as promising therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies. Importantly, some potent inhibitors targeting the oncogenic DUBs have been developed, showing promising inhibitory efficacy in preclinical models, and some have even undergone clinical trials. Different DUBs perform distinct function in diverse hematological malignancies, such as oncogenic, tumor suppressor or context-dependent effects. Therefore, exploring the biological roles of DUBs and their downstream effectors will provide new insights and therapeutic targets for the occurrence and development of hematological malignancies. We summarize the DUBs involved in different categories of hematological malignancies including leukemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma. We also present the recent development of DUB inhibitors and their applications in hematological malignancies. Together, we demonstrate DUBs as potential therapeutic drug targets in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Lei
- Department of Pathophysiology, International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jiacheng Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yingli Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Chen S, Liu Y, Zhou H. Advances in the Development Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase (USP) Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4546. [PMID: 33925279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation are reversible protein post-translational modification (PTM) processes involving the regulation of protein degradation under physiological conditions. Loss of balance in this regulatory system can lead to a wide range of diseases, such as cancer and inflammation. As the main members of the deubiquitinases (DUBs) family, ubiquitin-specific peptidases (USPs) are closely related to biological processes through a variety of molecular signaling pathways, including DNA damage repair, p53 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathways. Over the past decade, increasing attention has been drawn to USPs as potential targets for the development of therapeutics across diverse therapeutic areas. In this review, we summarize the crucial roles of USPs in different signaling pathways and focus on advances in the development of USP inhibitors, as well as the methods of screening and identifying USP inhibitors.
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Kitamura H, Hashimoto M. USP2-Related Cellular Signaling and Consequent Pathophysiological Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1209. [PMID: 33530560 PMCID: PMC7865608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin specific protease (USP) 2 is a multifunctional deubiquitinating enzyme. USP2 modulates cell cycle progression, and therefore carcinogenesis, via the deubiquitination of cyclins and Aurora-A. Other tumorigenic molecules, including epidermal growth factor and fatty acid synthase, are also targets for USP2. USP2 additionally prevents p53 signaling. On the other hand, USP2 functions as a key component of the CLOCK/BMAL1 complex and participates in rhythmic gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and liver. USP2 variants influence energy metabolism by controlling hepatic gluconeogenesis, hepatic cholesterol uptake, adipose tissue inflammation, and subsequent systemic insulin sensitivity. USP2 also has the potential to promote surface expression of ion channels in renal and intestinal epithelial cells. In addition to modifying the production of cytokines in immune cells, USP2 also modulates the signaling molecules that are involved in cytokine signaling in the target cells. Usp2 knockout mice exhibit changes in locomotion and male fertility, which suggest roles for USP2 in the central nervous system and male genital tract, respectively. In this review, we summarize the cellular events with USP2 contributions and list the signaling molecules that are upstream or downstream of USP2. Additionally, we describe phenotypic differences found in the in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kitamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan;
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Antao AM, Tyagi A, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. Advances in Deubiquitinating Enzyme Inhibition and Applications in Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1579. [PMID: 32549302 PMCID: PMC7352412 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), the roles of ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) have been widely elucidated. The ubiquitination of proteins regulates many aspects of cellular functions such as protein degradation and localization, and also modifies protein-protein interactions. DUBs cleave the attached ubiquitin moieties from substrates and thereby reverse the process of ubiquitination. The dysregulation of these two paramount pathways has been implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer. Attempts are being made to identify inhibitors of ubiquitin E3 ligases and DUBs that potentially have clinical implications in cancer, making them an important target in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, studies in medicine are currently focused on the pharmacological disruption of DUB activity as a rationale to specifically target cancer-causing protein aberrations. Here, we briefly discuss the pathophysiological and physiological roles of DUBs in key cancer-related pathways. We also discuss the clinical applications of promising DUB inhibitors that may contribute to the development of DUBs as key therapeutic targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainsley Mike Antao
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.M.A.); (A.T.)
| | - Apoorvi Tyagi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.M.A.); (A.T.)
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.M.A.); (A.T.)
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (A.M.A.); (A.T.)
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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Bonacci T, Emanuele MJ. Dissenting degradation: Deubiquitinases in cell cycle and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 67:145-158. [PMID: 32201366 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery forty years ago, protein ubiquitination has been an ever-expanding field. Virtually all biological processes are controlled by the post-translational conjugation of ubiquitin onto target proteins. In addition, since ubiquitin controls substrate degradation through the action of hundreds of enzymes, many of which represent attractive therapeutic candidates, harnessing the ubiquitin system to reshape proteomes holds great promise for improving disease outcomes. Among the numerous physiological functions controlled by ubiquitin, the cell cycle is among the most critical. Indeed, the discovery that the key drivers of cell cycle progression are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) epitomizes the connection between ubiquitin signaling and proliferation. Since cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell cycle progression and proliferation, targeting the UPS to stop cancer cells from cycling and proliferating holds enormous therapeutic potential. Ubiquitination is reversible, and ubiquitin is removed from substrates by catalytic proteases termed deubiquitinases or DUBs. While ubiquitination is tightly linked to proliferation and cancer, the role of DUBs represents a layer of complexity in this landscape that remains poorly captured. Due to their ability to remodel the proteome by altering protein degradation dynamics, DUBs play an important and underappreciated role in the cell cycle and proliferation of both normal and cancer cells. Moreover, due to their enzymatic protease activity and an open ubiquitin binding pocket, DUBs are likely to be important in the future of cancer treatment, since they are among the most druggable enzymes in the UPS. In this review we summarize new and important findings linking DUBs to cell cycle and proliferation, as well as to the etiology and treatment of cancer. We also highlight new advances in developing pharmacological approaches to attack DUBs for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bonacci
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Michael J Emanuele
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States; Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States.
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Meng X, Xiong Z, Xiao W, Yuan C, Wang C, Huang Y, Tong J, Shi J, Chen Z, Liu C, Xie K, Xiong H, Chen K, Yang H, Zhang X. Downregulation of ubiquitin-specific protease 2 possesses prognostic and diagnostic value and promotes the clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression. Ann Transl Med 2020; 8:319. [PMID: 32355763 PMCID: PMC7186618 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), characterized by high mortality, invasion, metastasis, recurrence and drug resistance, is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system. A clear understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and its role during tumorigenesis of RCC can contribute to development of prognostic and targeted therapies. Methods We analyzed datasets from the public database, TCGA, Oncomine, for differential expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 2 (USP2), and further investigated its relationship with the clinical stage, pathological grade and prognosis of renal cancer. We used real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis to validate USP2 expression in clinical samples and renal cancer cell lines. Finally, we used CCK-8 and transwell assays to determine its effects on biological functions in cells. Results We observed significantly lower levels of USP2 mRNA in renal cancer, relative to normal, tissues across the four datasets from the Oncomine database (P<0.001), 533 cases from TCGA database (P<0.0001) and 30 pairs of clinical samples (P<0.0001). Similarly, a decreased USP2 protein expression in ccRCC was detected following immunohistochemical (IHC) and western blot analyses. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of USP2 resulted in significant relationship with clinical stage, pathological grade and lower USP2 mRNA expression was interrelated to poor prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. USP2 acted as an independent factor for ccRCC diagnosis, with an AUC of 0.8888 (95% CI: 0.8529 to 0.9246; P<0.0001). Exogenous restoration of USP2 in ccRCC cells resulted in repression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusions Overall, these results show that USP2 acts as an anti-oncogene and an independent factor for ccRCC prognosis. Positive modulation of USP2 might lead to development of a novel strategy for ccRCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangui Meng
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhiyong Xiong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Changfei Yuan
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Junwei Tong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhixian Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kairu Xie
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hailong Xiong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Abstract
This Perspective, the fourth in an annual series, summarizes fragment-to-lead (F2L) success stories published during 2018. Topics such as target class, screening methods, physicochemical properties, and ligand efficiency are discussed for the 2018 examples as well as for the combined 111 F2L examples covering 2015-2018. While the overall properties of fragments and leads have remained constant, a number of new trends are noted, for example, broadening of target class coverage and application of FBDD to covalent inhibitors. Moreover, several studies make use of fragment hits that were previously described in the literature, illustrating that fragments are versatile starting points that can be optimized to structurally diverse leads. By focusing on success stories, the hope is that this Perspective will identify and inform best practices in fragment-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Erlanson
- Frontier Medicines, 151 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N Mortenson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Schauer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Robert S. Magin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Xiaoxi Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Laura M. Doherty
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Systems Biology and Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sara J. Buhrlage
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Vamisetti GB, Meledin R, Gopinath P, Brik A. Halogen Substituents in the Isoquinoline Scaffold Switches the Selectivity of Inhibition between USP2 and USP7. Chembiochem 2018; 20:282-286. [PMID: 30474907 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Deubiquitinases are important components of the protein regulatory network and, hence, constitute a tempting drug target. We report herein structure-activity relationship studies to develop halogen-substituted isoquionoline-1,3-dione-based inhibitors of the deubiquitinase USP2. In contrast to our previous reports, the best compound discovered was found to act through a reactive oxygen species independent, uncompetitive mechanism with an IC50 of 250 nm. We show the crucial role of halogens in the common scaffold to provide potency and selectivity of our compound, where the introduction of the fluorine atom completely switches the selectivity of the inhibitor between USP2 and USP7. Our cellular studies highlight the potential applicability of the reported compound for in vivo experiments. The discovery of the isoquinoline-1,3-dione core and the knowledge obtained with regard to halogen substituents provide a platform towards understanding USP2 inhibition and the development of highly selective next-generation deubiquitinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganga B Vamisetti
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
| | - Roman Meledin
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
| | - Pushparathinam Gopinath
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
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Pustuła M, Czub M, Łabuzek B, Surmiak E, Tomala M, Twarda-Clapa A, Guzik K, Popowicz GM, Holak TA. NMR fragment-based screening for development of the CD44-binding small molecules. Bioorg Chem 2018; 82:284-289. [PMID: 30396062 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The cell-surface protein CD44, a primary receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA), is one of the most promising targets for cancer therapies. It is prominently involved in the process of tumor growth and metastasis. The possibility of modulating the CD44-HA interaction with a pharmacological inhibitor is therefore of great importance, yet until now there are only few small molecules reported to bind to CD44. Here, we describe the results of the NMR fragment-based screening conducted against CD44 by which we found eight new hit compounds that bind to the receptor with the affinity in milimolar range. The NMR-based characterization revealed that there are two possible binding modes for these compounds, and for some of them the binding is no longer possible in the presence of hyaluronic acid. This could provide an interesting starting point for the development of new high-affinity ligands targeting the CD44-HA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Pustuła
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Mirosława Czub
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Beata Łabuzek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Surmiak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Tomala
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Twarda-Clapa
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Guzik
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tad A Holak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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Kim SY, Baek KH. TGF-β signaling pathway mediated by deubiquitinating enzymes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:653-65. [PMID: 30349992 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a reversible cellular process mediated by ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, whereas deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) detach the covalently conjugated ubiquitin from target substrates to counter ubiquitination. DUBs play a crucial role in regulating various signal transduction pathways and biological processes including apoptosis, cell proliferation, DNA damage repair, metastasis, differentiation, etc. Since the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway participates in various cellular functions such as inflammation, metastasis and embryogenesis, aberrant regulation of TGF-β signaling induces abnormal cellular functions resulting in numerous diseases. This review focuses on DUBs regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway. We discuss the molecular mechanisms of DUBs involved in TGF-β signaling pathway, and biological and therapeutic implications for various diseases.
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