The role of deubiquitinase USP33 in colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target predictor

Deubiquitination(DUB) is a critical cellular process that regulates protein stability and functionality, playing essential roles in cell proliferation, migration, tumorigenesis, and various molecular signaling pathways. Within the DUB enzyme family, ubiquitin-specific protease 33 (USP33) is found to be aberrantly expressed in several cancers, including a significant reduction in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. The decreased expression of USP33 impairs its ability to inhibit CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, potentially through its involvement in key signaling pathways such as the β-arrestin-dependent ERK pathway, Slit-Robo pathway, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review highlights the interaction between USP33 and these signaling pathways, exploring its potential as a novel independent prognostic biomarker for CRC and its promise as a therapeutic target.