Recent advances in the development of deubiquitinases inhibitors as antitumor agents

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Drug Discovery and Development
• Oncology

Background:

• Ubiquitination is a key post-translational modification regulating protein function.
• Deubiquitinases (DUBs) reverse ubiquitination, playing vital roles in cellular processes.
• DUBs are implicated in various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structures and functions of major DUB classes.
• To discuss advancements in developing selective small-molecule DUB inhibitors.
• To highlight the potential of DUB inhibitors as antitumor agents.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of DUB structures and functions.
• Analysis of recent research on small-molecule DUB inhibitor development.
• Focus on DUBs as therapeutic targets in oncology.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of diverse DUB families and their mechanisms.
• Identification of challenges and progress in achieving DUB inhibitor selectivity.
• Evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of DUB inhibitors against cancer.

Conclusions:

• DUBs are critical regulators with significant disease relevance.
• Selective inhibition of DUBs presents a promising avenue for cancer therapy.
• Continued research is essential for overcoming challenges in DUB inhibitor drug discovery.