The emerging role of USP29 in cancer and other diseases
Ru Zhang1,2, Zeqiong Cai2, Doudou Ren2
1Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Abstract:
Reversible protein ubiquitination is a key process for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Deubiquitinases, which can cleave ubiquitin from substrate proteins, have been reported to be deeply involved in disease progression ranging from oncology to neurological diseases. The human genome encodes approximately 100 deubiquitinases, most of which are poorly characterized. One of the well-characterized deubiquitases is ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29), which is often upregulated in pathological tissues and plays important roles in the progression of different diseases. Moreover, several studies have shown that deletion of Usp29 in mice does not cause visible growth and developmental defects, indicating that USP29 may be an ideal therapeutic target. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the important roles and regulatory mechanisms of USP29 in cancer and other diseases, which may help us better understand its biological functions and improve future studies to construct suitable USP29-targeted therapy systems.
Insights
Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) is crucial in diseases and a potential therapeutic target. USP29
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Homeostasis
Background:
- Reversible protein ubiquitination is vital for cellular balance.
- Deubiquitinases (DUBs) regulate ubiquitination and are implicated in diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.
- Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) is an important DUB, often upregulated in disease states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the roles and regulatory mechanisms of USP29 in various diseases.
- To highlight USP29 as a potential therapeutic target due to its disease involvement and lack of observed developmental defects in knockout models.
- To guide future research in developing USP29-targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on USP29.
- Analysis of USP29's involvement in cancer and other pathological conditions.
- Examination of USP29's regulatory mechanisms and biological functions.
Main Results:
- USP29 is frequently upregulated in pathological tissues.
- USP29 plays significant roles in the progression of diverse diseases, including cancer.
- USP29 knockout mice exhibit no apparent growth or developmental abnormalities, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- USP29 is a critical regulator in disease pathogenesis.
- USP29 represents a promising and potentially safe therapeutic target for various diseases.
- Further research into USP29's functions and regulation is warranted for targeted therapy development.
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