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Author Spotlight: Investigating Liver Cancer Pathogenesis Using Patient-Derived Organoids
Published on: August 18, 2023
Research progress of the Otubains subfamily in hepatocellular carcinoma
Yanming Wu1, Sa'udah Badriah Mohd Sani1, Ke Peng2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang 13200, Malaysia.
Abstract:
In cancer research, oncogenesis can be affected by modulating the deubiquitination pathway. Ubiquitination regulates proteins post-translationally in variety of physiological processes. The Otubain Subfamily includes OTUB1 (ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B1) and OTUB2(ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B2). They are deubiquitinating enzymes, which are research hotspots in tumor immunotherapy, with their implications extending across the spectrum of tumor development. Understanding their important role in tumorigenesis, includ-ing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial. HCC has alarming global incidence rates and mortality statistics, ranking among the top five prevalent cancers in Malaysia1. Numerous studies have consistently indicated significant expression of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in HCC cells. In addition, OTUB1 has important biological functions in cancer, suggesting its important role in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the action of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in liver cancer remains inadequately explored. Therefore, Otubain Subfamily, as potential molecular target, holds promise for advancing HCC treatments. However, further clinical studies are required to verify its efficacy and application prospects.
Insights
The Otubain Subfamily, including OTUB1 and OTUB2, plays a role in cancer development. Understanding these deubiquitinating enzymes could lead to new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ubiquitination is a key post-translational modification regulating protein function in physiological processes.
- The Otubain Subfamily, comprising OTUB1 and OTUB2, are deubiquitinating enzymes implicated in cancer development.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer globally, with significant expression of OTUB1 and OTUB2 observed in HCC cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the Otubain Subfamily (OTUB1 and OTUB2) in tumorigenesis, specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To highlight the potential of OTUB1 and OTUB2 as molecular targets for advancing HCC treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on deubiquitination pathways, oncogenesis, and the expression/function of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in cancer.
- Analysis of studies linking OTUB1 and OTUB2 expression to HCC incidence and development.
Main Results:
- OTUB1 and OTUB2 are significantly expressed in HCC cells.
- OTUB1 demonstrates important biological functions in cancer, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis.
- The precise mechanisms of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in liver cancer require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- The Otubain Subfamily (OTUB1 and OTUB2) is a promising area for molecular targeting in HCC therapy.
- Further clinical investigations are necessary to validate the efficacy and application of targeting OTUB1 and OTUB2 in HCC treatment.
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