Understanding the Activation Mechanism of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 7

Rapid Summary

• the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) published new research in its May 2025 issue (Volume 122, Issue 21) focused on Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), a deubiquitinating enzyme.
• USP7 has been linked to cancers and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• The study reveals that USP7 adopts an inactive ground conformation and requires substrate binding for activation.
• advanced techniques like NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and enzyme kinetic analyses were utilized in the research to understand USP7 mechanisms.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
This scientific finding offers notable implications globally, including for India, where cancer rates are rising and advancements in healthcare remain critical priorities. understanding the structural behavior of USP7 may pave the way for targeted treatments against cancers and neurological disorders prevalent in the country’s growing population. India’s robust pharmaceutical sector could benefit from leveraging such insights to innovate therapeutics and enhance access to precision medicine at scale, possibly reducing disease burden domestically while contributing globally to treatment protocols.