The Role of Deubiquitinases in Vascular Diseases

Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are a major component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in eukaryotic cells; the system plays a crucial role in many biological processes, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, which are important in vascular biology and pathology. DUBs have drawn significant attention in recent years, and their function is increasingly linked with vascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the indirect and direct evidence for the effects of DUBs on atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, angiogenesis, and hypertension, and point out pathways that could be pursued for investigating DUBs. Intervention in the function of DUBs in vascular diseases has potential therapeutic value.