Targeting the USP7-CDK1 axis suppresses estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer progression

Abstract

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (ERPBC) accounts for approximately 70% of breast cancers in women worldwide. The therapeutic strategy process for ERPBC is well-established and significantly reduces the mortality rate. The discovery of new therapeutic targets remains essential for ERPBC patients with metastasis or endocrine resistance. This study indicated that USP7 is highly expressed in ERBPC and promotes tumor progression and metastasis. Inhibition of USP7 activity repressed proliferation, induced apoptosis, suppressed migration and invasive activities, and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ERPBC. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated that USP7 regulates CDK1 expression, which is highly expressed and correlates with a poor overall survival rate in ERPBC. USP7 directly interacts with CDK1 and regulates its stability. The combined inhibition of USP7 and CDK1 by GNE-6776 and Ro-3306 synergistically represses the malignant process and metastasis of ERPBC. These findings proved that targeting USP7 and CDK1 is a potential strategy for overcoming endocrine resistance in patients with advanced ERPBC.