Identification of a novel ferroptosis-inducing micropeptide in bladder cancer

Weijian Li1, Ye Shen2, Chen Yang1

  • 1Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Cancer Letters
|December 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A novel peptide, CTSGDP-13, shows promise for treating bladder cancer (BC) by inducing ferroptosis. It targets TRIM25, offering new therapeutic avenues for this common male malignancy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Bladder cancer (BC) presents significant therapeutic challenges, particularly in males.
  • Endogenous peptides are emerging as potential therapeutic targets for improving BC prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize novel endogenous peptides with anti-cancer effects in bladder cancer.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor activity of CTSGDP-13 in BC.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to assess the anti-cancer effects of CTSGDP-13.
  • Mechanistic investigations involved analyzing protein-protein interactions, ubiquitination, and degradation pathways.
  • The USP7/TRIM25/KEAP1 axis was examined in relation to CTSGDP-13 activity.

Main Results:

  • CTSGDGDP-13 was identified as a novel endogenous peptide with potent anti-cancer effects in BC.
  • CTSGDGDP-13 promotes ferroptosis in BC cells, inhibiting tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo.
  • TRIM25, upregulated in BC, was identified as a downstream target of CTSGDP-13; CTSGDP-13 promotes TRIM25 ubiquitination and degradation via the USP7/TRIM25/KEAP1 axis.

Conclusions:

  • CTSGDGDP-13 demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for bladder cancer by inducing ferroptosis.
  • Targeting the USP7/TRIM25/KEAP1 axis offers a promising strategy for BC treatment.
  • Understanding the roles of CTSGDP-13 and TRIM25 provides valuable insights for BC diagnosis and therapy.

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