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Published on: July 5, 2019
Decoding the Oncogenic Role of USP22 Through Pan-Cancer Genomic and Epigenetic Analysis.
Uma Devi A1, Prakash Kumar Shukla1
1Center for Bioseparation Technology, VIT, Vellore, India.
Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) is overexpressed in 13 cancers, correlating with poor survival and hypomethylation. This suggests USP22 is a potential pan-cancer therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) is a key component of the human SAGA complex.
- USP22 regulates histone deubiquitination and methylation, impacting gene expression.
- USP22 overexpression is linked to cancer progression and therapy resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a pan-cancer analysis of USP22 expression, regulation, and clinical significance.
- To assess the association of USP22 with survival, genetic alterations, and immune microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Human Protein Atlas, UALCAN, and Timer 2.0 for USP22 expression analysis across 33 TCGA cancer types.
- Investigated genetic changes, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), DNA methylation, and immune correlations.
- Examined gene correlation and protein-protein interactions.
Main Results:
- USP22 was significantly overexpressed in 13 out of 33 cancer types.
- Elevated USP22 expression correlated with advanced pathological stages, specific histological subtypes, TP53 mutations, and higher tumor grade.
- High USP22 expression was associated with decreased OS and a more immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, alongside significant hypomethylation in tumor samples.
Conclusions:
- USP22 plays a significant role in various cancers.
- USP22 and its associated pathways represent potential therapeutic targets for cancer intervention.
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