DUB3 and USP7 de-ubiquitinating enzymes control replication inhibitor Geminin: molecular characterization and associations with breast cancer

Oncogene. 2017 Aug 17;36(33):4802-4809. doi: 10.1038/onc.2017.21. Epub 2017 Mar 13.

Abstract

Correct control of DNA replication is crucial to maintain genomic stability in dividing cells. Inappropriate re-licensing of replicated origins is associated with chromosomal instability (CIN), a hallmark of cancer progression that at the same time provides potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Geminin is a critical inhibitor of the DNA replication licensing factor Cdt1. To properly achieve its functions, Geminin levels are tightly regulated through the cell cycle by ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation, but the de-ubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) involved had not been identified. Here we report that DUB3 and USP7 control human Geminin. Overexpression of either DUB3 or USP7 increases Geminin levels through reduced ubiquitination. Conversely, depletion of DUB3 or USP7 reduces Geminin levels, and DUB3 knockdown increases re-replication events, analogous to the effect of Geminin depletion. In exploring potential clinical implications, we found that USP7 and Geminin are strongly correlated in a cohort of invasive breast cancers (P<1.01E-08). As expected, Geminin expression is highly prognostic. Interestingly, we found a non-monotonic relationship between USP7 and breast cancer-specific survival, with both very low or high levels of USP7 associated with poor outcome, independent of estrogen receptor status. Altogether, our data identify DUB3 and USP7 as factors that regulate DNA replication by controlling Geminin protein stability, and suggest that USP7 may be involved in Geminin dysregulation during breast cancer progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromosomal Instability
  • DNA Replication / physiology
  • Disease Progression
  • Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Geminin / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Prognosis
  • Protein Stability
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / genetics
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • CDT1 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Geminin
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Ubiquitin
  • Endopeptidases
  • USP17L2 protein, human
  • USP7 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7
  • ubiquitin isopeptidase