The role of the cancer stem cell marker USP22 in tumors

Ubiquitin specific peptidase 22 (USP22) is one of the 11 known death-from-cancer signature genes. USP22 is also considered a cancer stem cell marker and is highly expressed in a variety of tumor types. USP22 alters the expression of tumor-associated genes (e.g., proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes) and promotes tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis via the modification of cell cycle activity and the activation of a variety of signaling pathways. In patients with tumors, USP22 expression is related to lymphatic metastasis, clinical stage of tumors, survival rate and a number of other factors. In addition, USP22 is considered an indicator of a poor prognosis and thus may be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with tumors. As a potential cancer stem cell marker, USP22 may serve as a novel target for tumor therapies. Finally, USP22 also plays an important role in tumor development and progression.