PSMD14 as a translational target in cancer and beyond: from deubiquitination mechanisms to drug resistance and precision therapy

Abstract

The deubiquitinase PSMD14 (also known as RPN11 or POH1), a critical component of the JAB1/MPN/Mov34 metalloenzyme family, has emerged as a pivotal regulator of protein homeostasis through its deubiquitinating activity. While preclinical studies have extensively characterized PSMD14-mediated stabilization of oncogenic substrates involved in cell cycle progression, programmed cell death, metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion, a translational gap remains between these mechanistic insights and clinical application. This review synthesizes current evidence demonstrating that PSMD14 drives therapeutic resistance across multiple malignancies, including resistance to cisplatin, oxaliplatin, temozolomide, anlotinib, tamoxifen, and bortezomib by deubiquitinating and stabilizing key effectors such as E2F1, ALK2, IMPDH2, estrogen receptor α, and proteasomal components. Furthermore, we highlight the prognostic value of PSMD14 as a biomarker for overall survival and recurrence prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and other malignancies, along with its emerging role in non-tumor conditions such as glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and post-cardiac arrest neurological outcomes. We critically evaluate the therapeutic landscape of PSMD14 inhibitors, from natural products (thiolutin) and synthetic agents (Capzimin, O-phenanthroline) to next-generation dual-target inhibitors, and discuss the clinical barriers to translation, including off-target toxicity, patient stratification, and optimal combination strategies. By integrating mechanistic discovery with biomarker development and inhibitor optimization, this review aims to lay a foundation for the future development of PSMD14-targeted therapeutic strategies.