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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
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Published on: November 23, 2016
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USP7: Structure, substrate specificity, and inhibition.
Alexandra Pozhidaeva1, Irina Bezsonova2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UCONN Health, Farmington, CT, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
DNA Repair
|February 27, 2019
Summary
The Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) regulates protein turnover. This review highlights the de-ubiquitinating enzyme USP7, its role in cancer, and the development of targeted small molecule inhibitors for therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cellular protein turnover is primarily regulated by the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS).
- Key components of the UPS, including ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes, are critical for cellular homeostasis and tightly regulated.
- Dysregulation of the UPS is implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in understanding the de-ubiquitinating enzyme USP7.
- To summarize USP7's structure, substrate specificity, and its relevance in human cancers.
- To provide an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting USP7 for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of structural data and functional studies related to USP7.
- Survey of ongoing research in the development of USP7 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- USP7 plays a significant role in the stability of key proteins involved in cancer progression.
- Recent studies have elucidated USP7's unique structural features and substrate recognition mechanisms.
- Promising small molecule inhibitors targeting USP7 are emerging as potential therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- USP7 is a critical de-ubiquitinating enzyme with significant implications in human cancers.
- Targeting USP7 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
- Further research into USP7 inhibitors could lead to novel cancer therapies.
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