Small-molecule allosteric activator of ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7)

Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) is a deubiquitylase essential for cell homeostasis, DNA repair, and regulation of both tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Inactivating USP7 mutations have been associated with Hao-Fountain Syndrome (HAFOUS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Although a range of USP7 inhibitors have been developed over the last decade, in the context of HAFOUS as well as oncogene regulation, USP7 activators may represent a more relevant approach. To address this challenge, we report the discovery and characterization of a small-molecule activator of USP7 called MS-8. We showed that MS-8 activates USP7 by engaging the allosteric C-terminal binding pocket of USP7, thus mimicking the allosteric autoactivation by the USP7 C-terminal tail. We observed that MS-8 engages and activates mutant USP7 in a cellular context, impacting downstream proteins. Taken together, our study provides validation of the USP7 activator that paves the way towards novel activation-driven USP7 pharmacology.