The role of USP1 deubiquitinase in the pathogenesis and therapy of cancer

Ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) is an important deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) involved in the maintenance of genome integrity, cell cycle, and cell homeostasis. USP1 overexpression is a characteristic feature of various cancers, correlating with a poor prognosis. The review summarizes the recent knowledge in understanding the role of deubiquitinase USP1 in the stabilization of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, as a critical event in cancer development and progression. The putative mechanisms of USP1 involvement in some prevalent human cancers are discussed. The numerous data demonstrate that inhibition of USP1 suppresses the proliferation and viability of malignant cells, sensitizes them to radiation and increases their sensitivity to various chemo- therapeutic agents, which opens up new opportunities for combined therapy of malignant neoplasms.