Two proteins may help brain tumor cells resist chemo
Original title: USP33-mediated deubiquitination stabilizes YTHDF2 and promotes glioblastoma malignancy and temozolomide resistance.
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This was done on cells in a lab, not in people. It is a very early step.
This was only done in tumor cells in a dish.
The short version
In lab dishes, blocking one protein made brain tumor cells weaker.
What was studied. Scientists looked at two proteins, USP33 and YTHDF2, in a brain tumor called glioblastoma: The fastest-growing type of glioma (grade 4). Treatment usually starts soon after diagnosis: surgery first, then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary. They used lab grown tumor cells and past patient tumor data. They also tested 4221 chemical compounds to find one that blocks USP33.
What they found. In past patient data, high levels of either protein went with shorter survival. USP33 kept YTHDF2 from breaking down, which helped cells grow and resist chemo. A compound called deoxyshikonin blocked USP33 and lowered YTHDF2 in tumor cells.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: This is early lab work. It points to a possible new target for future glioblastoma: The fastest-growing type of glioma (grade 4). Treatment usually starts soon after diagnosis: surgery first, then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary drugs. It does not change your care today.
What it doesn't mean: This work was done in cells in a dish, not in people. Deoxyshikonin is not a treatment, and it has not been tested in patients. It is not a cure, and it does not mean chemo resistance is solved. Many years of testing would be needed first.
Source: PubMed, August 3, 2026 · Read the original
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