scholarly journals Targeting the Ubiquitin System in Glioblastoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nico Scholz ◽  
Kathreena M. Kurian ◽  
Florian A. Siebzehnrubl ◽  
Julien D. F. Licchesi
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
Primary Brain Tumor ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Deubiquitinating Enzymes ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Ubiquitin System ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Promising Source

Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults with poor overall outcome and 5-year survival of less than 5%. Treatment has not changed much in the last decade or so, with surgical resection and radio/chemotherapy being the main options. Glioblastoma is highly heterogeneous and frequently becomes treatment-resistant due to the ability of glioblastoma cells to adopt stem cell states facilitating tumor recurrence. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. The ubiquitin system, in particular E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, have emerged as a promising source of novel drug targets. In addition to conventional small molecule drug discovery approaches aimed at modulating enzyme activity, several new and exciting strategies are also being explored. Among these, PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) aim to harness the endogenous protein turnover machinery to direct therapeutically relevant targets, including previously considered “undruggable” ones, for proteasomal degradation. PROTAC and other strategies targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system offer new therapeutic avenues which will expand the drug development toolboxes for glioblastoma. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes in the context of glioblastoma and their involvement in core signaling pathways including EGFR, TGF-β, p53 and stemness-related pathways. Finally, we offer new insights into how these ubiquitin-dependent mechanisms could be exploited therapeutically for glioblastoma.

scholarly journals Targeting Cullin–RING E3 ubiquitin ligases for drug discovery: structure, assembly and small-molecule modulation

2015 ◽  
Vol 467 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emil Bulatov ◽  
Alessio Ciulli
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Ubiquitin System ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome ◽  
New Gene ◽  
Structure Assembly

In the last decade, the ubiquitin–proteasome system has emerged as a valid target for the development of novel therapeutics. E3 ubiquitin ligases are particularly attractive targets because they confer substrate specificity on the ubiquitin system. CRLs [Cullin–RING (really interesting new gene) E3 ubiquitin ligases] draw particular attention, being the largest family of E3s. The CRLs assemble into functional multisubunit complexes using a repertoire of substrate receptors, adaptors, Cullin scaffolds and RING-box proteins. Drug discovery targeting CRLs is growing in importance due to mounting evidence pointing to significant roles of these enzymes in diverse biological processes and human diseases, including cancer, where CRLs and their substrates often function as tumour suppressors or oncogenes. In the present review, we provide an account of the assembly and structure of CRL complexes, and outline the current state of the field in terms of available knowledge of small-molecule inhibitors and modulators of CRL activity. A comprehensive overview of the reported crystal structures of CRL subunits, components and full-size complexes, alone or with bound small molecules and substrate peptides, is included. This information is providing increasing opportunities to aid the rational structure-based design of chemical probes and potential small-molecule therapeutics targeting CRLs.

scholarly journals New strategies to inhibit KEAP1 and the Cul3-based E3 ubiquitin ligases

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Canning ◽  
Alex N. Bullock
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
E3 Ligases ◽  
Btb Domain ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome ◽  
New Gene ◽  
And Function

E3 ubiquitin ligases that direct substrate proteins to the ubiquitin–proteasome system are promising, though largely unexplored drug targets both because of their function and their remarkable specificity. CRLs [Cullin–RING (really interesting new gene) ligases] are the largest group of E3 ligases and function as modular multisubunit complexes constructed around a Cullin-family scaffold protein. The Cul3-based CRLs uniquely assemble with BTB (broad complex/tramtrack/bric-à-brac) proteins that also homodimerize and perform the role of both the Cullin adapter and the substrate-recognition component of the E3. The most prominent member is the BTB–BACK (BTB and C-terminal Kelch)–Kelch protein KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), a master regulator of the oxidative stress response and a potential drug target for common conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Structural characterization of BTB–Cul3 complexes has revealed a number of critical assembly mechanisms, including the binding of an N-terminal Cullin extension to a bihelical ‘3-box’ at the C-terminus of the BTB domain. Improved understanding of the structure of these complexes should contribute significantly to the effort to develop novel therapeutics targeted to CRL3-regulated pathways.

scholarly journals E3 ubiquitin ligases as drug targets and prognostic biomarkers in melanoma

Medicina ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Bielskienė ◽  
Lida Bagdonienė ◽  
Julija Mozūraitienė ◽  
Birutė Kazbarienė ◽  
Ernestas Janulionis
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Prognostic Biomarkers ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases

scholarly journals Emerging roles of the HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases in hematological malignancies

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenza Simona Delvecchio ◽  
Claudia Fierro ◽  
Sara Giovannini ◽  
Gerry Melino ◽  
Francesca Bernassola
Keyword(s):  
Hematological Malignancies ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Covalent Attachment ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Hect Domain ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Substrate Proteins

AbstractUbiquitination-mediated proteolysis or regulation of proteins, ultimately executed by E3 ubiquitin ligases, control a wide array of cellular processes, including transcription, cell cycle, autophagy and apoptotic cell death. HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases can be distinguished from other subfamilies of E3 ubiquitin ligases because they have a C-terminal HECT domain that directly catalyzes the covalent attachment of ubiquitin to their substrate proteins. Deregulation of HECT-type E3-mediated ubiquitination plays a prominent role in cancer development and chemoresistance. Several members of this subfamily are indeed frequently deregulated in human cancers as a result of genetic mutations and altered expression or activity. HECT-type E3s contribute to tumorigenesis by regulating the ubiquitination rate of substrates that function as either tumour suppressors or oncogenes. While the pathological roles of the HECT family members in solid tumors are quite well established, their contribution to the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies has only recently emerged. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the involvement of the HECT-type E3s in leukemogenesis.

scholarly journals Protein quality control degron-containing substrates are differentially targeted in the cytoplasm and nucleus by ubiquitin ligases

Genetics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 217 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M Hickey ◽  
Carolyn Breckel ◽  
Mengwen Zhang ◽  
William C Theune ◽  
Mark Hochstrasser
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Protein Quality ◽  
Protein Quality Control ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Covalent Attachment ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Ubiquitin System ◽  
C Terminus

Abstract Intracellular proteolysis by the ubiquitin–proteasome system regulates numerous processes and contributes to protein quality control (PQC) in all eukaryotes. Covalent attachment of ubiquitin to other proteins is specified by the many ubiquitin ligases (E3s) expressed in cells. Here we determine the E3s in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that function in degradation of proteins bearing various PQC degradation signals (degrons). The E3 Ubr1 can function redundantly with several E3s, including nuclear-localized San1, endoplasmic reticulum/nuclear membrane-embedded Doa10, and chromatin-associated Slx5/Slx8. Notably, multiple degrons are targeted by more ubiquitylation pathways if directed to the nucleus. Degrons initially assigned as exclusive substrates of Doa10 were targeted by Doa10, San1, and Ubr1 when directed to the nucleus. By contrast, very short hydrophobic degrons—typical targets of San1—are shown here to be targeted by Ubr1 and/or San1, but not Doa10. Thus, distinct types of PQC substrates are differentially recognized by the ubiquitin system in a compartment-specific manner. In human cells, a representative short hydrophobic degron appended to the C-terminus of GFP-reduced protein levels compared with GFP alone, consistent with a recent study that found numerous natural hydrophobic C-termini of human proteins can act as degrons. We also report results of bioinformatic analyses of potential human C-terminal degrons, which reveal that most peptide substrates of Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) are of low hydrophobicity, consistent with previous data showing CRLs target degrons with specific sequences. These studies expand our understanding of PQC in yeast and human cells, including the distinct but overlapping PQC E3 substrate specificity of the cytoplasm and nucleus.

scholarly journals The Molecular and Pathophysiological Functions of Members of the LNX/PDZRN E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Family

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (24) ◽  
pp. 5938
Author(s):  
Jeongkwan Hong ◽  
Minho Won ◽  
Hyunju Ro
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Intercellular Signaling ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Ring Type ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase Activity ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome

The ligand of Numb protein-X (LNX) family, also known as the PDZRN family, is composed of four discrete RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases (LNX1, LNX2, LNX3, and LNX4), and LNX5 which may not act as an E3 ubiquitin ligase owing to the lack of the RING domain. As the name implies, LNX1 and LNX2 were initially studied for exerting E3 ubiquitin ligase activity on their substrate Numb protein, whose stability was negatively regulated by LNX1 and LNX2 via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. LNX proteins may have versatile molecular, cellular, and developmental functions, considering the fact that besides these proteins, none of the E3 ubiquitin ligases have multiple PDZ (PSD95, DLGA, ZO-1) domains, which are regarded as important protein-interacting modules. Thus far, various proteins have been isolated as LNX-interacting proteins. Evidence from studies performed over the last two decades have suggested that members of the LNX family play various pathophysiological roles primarily by modulating the function of substrate proteins involved in several different intracellular or intercellular signaling cascades. As the binding partners of RING-type E3s, a large number of substrates of LNX proteins undergo degradation through ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) dependent or lysosomal pathways, potentially altering key signaling pathways. In this review, we highlight recent and relevant findings on the molecular and cellular functions of the members of the LNX family and discuss the role of the erroneous regulation of these proteins in disease progression.

scholarly journals Regulation of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Plasticity by the E3 Ubiquitin-Ligases in Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3093
Author(s):  
Andrea Rodríguez-Alonso ◽  
Alba Casas-Pais ◽  
Daniel Roca-Lema ◽  
Begoña Graña ◽  
Gabriela Romay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Degradation ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Small Subset ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Cell Plasticity ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

The epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a process by which epithelial cells acquire the ability to dynamically switch between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypic cellular states. Epithelial cell plasticity in the context of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers increased cell motility, invasiveness and the ability to disseminate to distant sites and form metastasis. The modulation of molecularly defined targets involved in this process has become an attractive therapeutic strategy against cancer. Protein degradation carried out by ubiquitination has gained attention as it can selectively degrade proteins of interest. In the ubiquitination reaction, the E3 ubiquitin-ligases are responsible for the specific binding of ubiquitin to a small subset of target proteins, and are considered promising anticancer drug targets. In this review, we summarize the role of the E3 ubiquitin-ligases that control targeted protein degradation in cancer-EMT, and we highlight the potential use of the E3 ubiquitin-ligases as drug targets for the development of small-molecule drugs against cancer.

scholarly journals The Roles of the Ubiquitin–Proteasome System in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1526
Author(s):  
Junyan Qu ◽  
Tingting Zou ◽  
Zhenghong Lin
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome System ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a highly dynamic organelle in eukaryotic cells, which is essential for synthesis, processing, sorting of protein and lipid metabolism. However, the cells activate a defense mechanism called endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) response and initiate unfolded protein response (UPR) as the unfolded proteins exceed the folding capacity of the ER due to the environmental influences or increased protein synthesis. ER stress can mediate many cellular processes, including autophagy, apoptosis and senescence. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is involved in the degradation of more than 80% of proteins in the cells. Today, increasing numbers of studies have shown that the two important components of UPS, E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), are tightly related to ER stress. In this review, we summarized the regulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligases and DUBs in ER stress.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document