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Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7): an emerging drug target for cancer treatment

Laura D Carreira1,2, Rita I Oliveira1,2, Vânia M Moreira1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|October 4, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a promising cancer target. USP7 inhibitors show antitumor activity, but further research is needed for clinical development and overcoming chemoresistance.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), also known as HAUSP, is a deubiquitinating enzyme.
  • USP7 plays a role in signaling pathways frequently dysregulated in cancers.
  • USP7 inhibition offers a potential therapeutic strategy by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure and function of USP7 in cancer.
  • To discuss the relevance of USP7 in malignant tumors.
  • To explore recent advances and future directions in the development of USP7 inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of USP7 structure and function.
  • Analysis of USP7's role in cancer signaling pathways.
  • Examination of current USP7 inhibitor research and development.

Main Results:

  • USP7 inhibitors demonstrate significant in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities.
  • Despite promising preclinical data, no USP7 inhibitors have advanced to clinical trials.
  • Challenges remain in understanding USP7 binding sites and optimizing compound screening.

Conclusions:

  • USP7 is a druggable target with potential for novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research into USP7 binding and screening methods is crucial for clinical translation.
  • USP7 inhibitors may offer a valuable approach to combatting cancer, including chemoresistant forms.
Keywords:
Cancerchemoresistancedeubiquitinasesdrug targetinhibitorsubiquitin-proteasome systemubiquitin-specific protease 7

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