Ubiquitin protease 28, a potential drug target in squamous lung carcinoma

The Behrens (ICR) and Kessler labs show that ubiquitin-specific protease 28 (USP28) is required for the survival of lung squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs). Using genetic knockout models and a novel small molecule inhibitor of USP28, we demonstrate loss or inhibition of USP28 impairs the growth of LSCCs to a much greater degree than lung adenocarcinomas, associated with a greater degree of loss of c-MYC, c-JUN, and DP63. This work will be of interest to researchers seeking to better understand and treat LSCCs.