PME‐1 is regulated by USP36 in ERK and Akt signaling pathways

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play an important role in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) by eliminating ubiquitins from substrates and inhibiting proteasomal degradation. Protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PME-1) inactivates protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and enhances the ERK and Akt signaling pathways, which increase cell proliferation and malignant cell transformation. In this study, we demonstrate that USP36 regulates PME-1 through its deubiquitinating enzyme activity. USP36 increases PME-1 stability, and depletion of USP36 decreases the PME-1 expression level. Furthermore, we demonstrate that USP36 promotes the ERK and Akt signaling pathways. In summary, it is suggested that USP36 regulates PME-1 as a DUB and participates in the ERK and Akt signaling pathways.