Deubiquitinase in CNS vascular formation and barrier maintenance

Role of deubiquitinating enzymes in central nervous system (CNS) vascularization and barrier function remains elusive.

The researchers demonstrate that USP9X is a key deubiquitinase controlling Wnt signaling by stabilizing b-catenin in the central nervous system (CNS) vasculature.

The authors identified β-catenin as a direct substrate of USP9X, with USP9X catalyzing K48 polyubiquitin chains to stabilize β-catenin. 

 Loss of USP9X in CNS endothelial cells impairs CNS angiogenesis and barrier function under both physiological and pathological conditions.

https://www.cell.com/developmental-cell/fulltext/S1534-5807(25)00029-2

https://sciencemission.com/Wnt-signaling-for-CNS-vascular-formation