Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Quantitative Detection of DNA Protein Crosslinks and Their Post-Translational Modifications
Published on: April 21, 2023
USP7 Is a Master Regulator of Genome Stability
Gabrielle J Valles1, Irina Bezsonova1, Roger Woodgate2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States.
Genetic alterations drive cancer by disrupting genome stability. The enzyme ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) is crucial for this stability and its deregulation promotes cancer progression, suggesting USP7 as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Genetic alterations are fundamental to cancer initiation and progression.
- Failures in genome stability pathways lead to accelerated genetic alterations in cancer.
- Ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) is a key regulator of ubiquitination in genome stability pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of USP7 in maintaining genome stability.
- To explore the connection between USP7 deregulation and cancer progression.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting USP7 in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on USP7 function in genome stability.
- Analysis of research linking USP7 deregulation to various cancer types.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data regarding USP7-targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- USP7 plays a critical role in DNA repair and maintaining genomic integrity.
- Aberrant USP7 levels are observed in numerous cancers and correlate with disease progression.
- USP7 deregulation contributes to cancer cell survival and immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- USP7 is essential for genome stability, and its dysregulation is a significant factor in cancer development.
- Targeting USP7 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
- Further research into USP7's mechanisms and therapeutic applications is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
Master Transcription Regulators
Master Transcription Regulators
Abnormal Proliferation
Negative Regulator Molecules

