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Insights Into the Properties, Biological Functions, and Regulation of USP21

Tao An1, Yanting Lu2, Xu Yan1

  • 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|July 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Ubiquitin-specific protease 21 (USP21) removes ubiquitin and plays a key role in various biological processes. Recent studies highlight USP21's pro-carcinogenic effects, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) regulate protein function by removing ubiquitin.
  • USP21, a prominent DUB, has emerged as crucial in diverse biological functions.
  • Growing evidence links USP21 to pro-carcinogenic activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of Ubiquitin-specific protease 21 (USP21).
  • To summarize current knowledge on USP21's properties, functions, and regulation.
  • To discuss USP21's pathophysiological roles, particularly in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on USP21.
  • Analysis of USP21's involvement in physiological and pathological processes.
  • Examination of cellular regulation mechanisms of USP21.

Main Results:

  • USP21 is implicated in a wide array of biological processes.
  • USP21 exhibits significant pro-carcinogenic effects, elucidated in recent years.
  • Current pharmacological interventions targeting USP21 are limited.

Conclusions:

  • USP21 is a critical regulator with diverse biological functions.
  • USP21's role in cancer progression necessitates further investigation.
  • Development of specific USP21 inhibitors is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Keywords:
USP21cancerdeubiquitylationregulationsignaling pathwaystarget inhibition

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