Protein Degradation by E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Cancer Stem Cells [Review]

Quiroga, M.; Rodríguez-Alonso, A.; Alfonsín, G.; Rodríguez, J.J.E.; Breijo, S.M.; Chantada, V.; Figueroa, A. Protein Degradation by E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers 2022, 14, 990. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14040990

Abstract

[Abstract] Cancer stem cells are a small subpopulation within the tumor with high capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and reconstitution of tumor heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells are major contributors of tumor initiation, metastasis and therapy resistance in cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that ubiquitination-mediated post-translational modification plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of cancer stem cell characteristics. In this review, we will discuss how protein degradation controlled by the E3 ubiquitin ligases plays a fundamental role in the self-renewal, maintenance and differentiation of cancer stem cells, highlighting the possibility to develop novel therapeutic strategies against E3 ubiquitin ligases targeting CSCs to fight cancer.

Keywords

E3 ubiquitin-ligase
Cancer stem cells
Post-translational modification
Protein degradation
Ubiquitination

Description

The aim of this review was to discuss the fundamental role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in controlling cancer stem cells. It will be surmised that protein degradation controlled by the E3 ubiquitin ligases plays a fundamental role in the self-renewal, maintenance and differentiation of cancer stem cells, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic target for anticancer drug development.

Editor version

https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14040990

Rights

Atribución 4.0 Internacional

ISSN

2072-6694