Therapeutic potential of targeting ubiquitin-specific proteases in colorectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) vital for cellular processes.
• USPs regulate protein stability and interactions, impacting oncogenes and tumor suppressors in cancers like colorectal cancer (CRC).
• Targeting USPs offers a potential alternative to conventional cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of USPs in colorectal cancer (CRC).
• To examine challenges and recent advancements in developing USP inhibitors.
• To discuss novel therapeutic strategies targeting USPs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of USP functions in CRC.
• Analysis of current drug development challenges and progress for USP inhibitors.
• Exploration of emerging therapeutic modalities like PROTACs, molecular glues, and DUBTACs.

Main Results:

• USPs play significant roles in CRC pathogenesis.
• Developing USP inhibitors faces considerable challenges.
• Targeted protein degraders and stabilizers show promise for USP-targeted therapy.

Conclusions:

• USPs are critical targets in colorectal cancer therapy.
• Overcoming challenges in USP inhibitor development is essential.
• Novel strategies such as PROTACs and DUBTACs represent a promising future for CRC treatment.