Cellular levels of key regulatory proteins are controlled via ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. Deubiquitinating enzymes or isopeptidases can potentially prevent targeted destruction of protein substrates through deubiquitination prior to proteasomal degradation. However, only one deubiquitinating enzyme to date has been matched to a specific substrate in mammalian cells and shown to functionally modify it. Here we show that the isopeptidase USP2a (ubiquitin-specific protease-2a) interacts with and stabilizes fatty acid synthase (FAS), which is often overexpressed in biologically aggressive human tumors. Further, USP2a is androgen-regulated and overexpressed in prostate cancer, and its functional inactivation results in decreased FAS protein and enhanced apoptosis. Thus, the isopeptidase USP2a plays a critical role in prostate cancer cell survival through FAS stabilization and represents a therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
Generalized gingival enlargement can be caused by a variety of etiological factors. It can be inherited (hereditary gingival fibromatosis [HGF]); associated with other diseases characterizing a syndrome; or induced as a side effect of systemic drugs, such as phenytoin, cyclosporin, or nifedipine. HGF, previously known as elephantiasis gingivae, hereditary gingival hyperplasia, and hypertrophic gingiva, is a genetic disorder characterized by a progressive enlargement of the gingiva. This review will focus on diagnosis, treatment, and control of HGF. The pattern of inheritance, the histopathologic characteristics, and the known biologic and genetic features associated with HGF are also emphasized.
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