Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) in leukemia: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Leukemia is a significant global health concern, ranking high in cancer diagnoses and deaths.
• Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are deubiquitinating enzymes with known roles in biological processes, including cancer, but their specific involvement in leukemia requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the role of ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) in the pathogenesis of various leukemia types.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Studies were selected based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Data were extracted, synthesized, and organized to provide a comprehensive overview.

Main Results:

• Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are implicated in key leukemia processes: chromosomal aberrations, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and drug resistance.
• USP activity influences leukemia progression, inhibition, and response to chemotherapy.
• USPs regulate gene expression, protein stability, complex formation, histone deubiquitination, and protein repositioning in leukemia cells.

Conclusions:

• Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) demonstrate significant diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential in leukemia.
• Targeting USPs could revolutionize leukemia management and improve patient outcomes.