The multifaceted roles of USP7: new therapeutic opportunities

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• The deubiquitylating enzyme USP7 (HAUSP) is a critical regulator of proteins involved in tumor suppression, DNA repair, immune response, viral replication, and epigenetic modification.
• Dysregulated USP7 activity is implicated in oncogenesis and viral pathogenesis, presenting it as a significant therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the therapeutic potential of USP7 inhibitors.
• To present evidence for USP7 as a viable drug target.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on USP7 function and inhibition.
• Analysis of drug discovery programs targeting USP7, including specific inhibitor data (e.g., P005091).

Main Results:

• USP7 modulates a wide array of crucial cellular proteins.
• Inhibitors of USP7, such as P005091, have demonstrated cellular proof of concept and anti-proliferative effects in cancer models.
• USP7 inhibitors represent a promising new therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

• USP7 is a key enzyme with broad regulatory functions relevant to disease.
• Targeting USP7 with inhibitors offers a potential new strategy for treating cancer and viral diseases.