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Published on: August 25, 2021
Advances in Cancer Treatment by Targeting the Neddylation Pathway
Wenbin Gai1, Zhiqiang Peng2, Cui Hua Liu3
1Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
Abstract:
Developmental down-regulation protein 8 (NEDD8), expressed by neural progenitors, is a ubiquitin-like protein that conjugates to and regulates the biological function of its substrates. The main target of NEDD8 is cullin-RING E3 ligases. Upregulation of the neddylation pathway is closely associated with the progression of various tumors, and MLN4924, which inhibits NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), is a promising new antitumor compound for combination therapy. Here, we summarize the latest progress in anticancer strategies targeting the neddylation pathway and their combined applications, providing a theoretical reference for developing antitumor drugs and combination therapies.
Insights
The neddylation pathway, regulated by NEDD8 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8), is crucial in cancer progression. Inhibiting this pathway with MLN4924 offers a promising strategy for novel antitumor combination therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8) is a ubiquitin-like protein regulating substrate function.
- The primary targets of NEDD8 are cullin-RING E3 ligases.
- Aberrant neddylation pathway activity correlates with various cancer progressions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current anticancer strategies targeting the neddylation pathway.
- To explore the combined applications of these strategies in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in neddylation pathway targeting.
- Analysis of combination therapies involving neddylation inhibitors.
Main Results:
- The neddylation pathway is a significant target for cancer treatment.
- MLN4924, a NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor, shows potential in preclinical studies.
- Combination therapies involving neddylation pathway inhibition are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the neddylation pathway presents a viable approach for developing new anticancer drugs.
- Combined therapeutic strategies hold promise for enhanced antitumor efficacy.
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