2. Signaling Pathways
  3. Cell Cycle/DNA Damage
  4. Deubiquitinase
  5. USP21 Isoform

USP21

USP21 (ubiquitin-specific protease 21) is a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family that functions as a deubiquitylating enzyme, reversing ubiquitination and regulating protein stability, signaling, transcription, and other cellular processes[1]. Mechanistically, USP21 deubiquitinates multiple substrates and participates in pathways linked to transcriptional regulation, epigenetic control, and signal transduction, including regulation of histone H2A ubiquitination and maintenance of signaling proteins that influence cell proliferation and survival[1][2]. In disease contexts, accumulating evidence identifies USP21 as a contributor to tumor development, with elevated expression or activity reported across multiple cancer models and associated with oncogenic phenotypes[1][2]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, USP21 promotes cell proliferation and tumor growth by deubiquitinating and stabilizing MEK2, thereby enhancing ERK signaling and cell-cycle progression[2]. Therefore, USP21 has emerged as a therapeutically relevant deubiquitinase and an experimental target for studies of cancer signaling, ubiquitin biology, and pathway regulation[1][3]. Compared with related USP family members, USP21 is distinguished by its specific substrate repertoire and biological functions, and current research emphasizes selective target engagement rather than broad deubiquitinase inhibition[1][3]. For experimental applications, BAY-805 is the first potent and selective USP21 inhibitor reported as a high-quality chemical probe, providing a useful tool for investigating USP21-dependent mechanisms and validating USP21 as a therapeutic target in cancer research[3].

USP21 Related Products (3):

Cat. No. Product Name Effect Purity
  • HY-13453
    BAY 11-7082
    		Inhibitor 99.98%
    BAY 11-7082 is an IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB inhibitor. BAY 11-7082 selectively and irreversibly inhibits the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of IκB-α, and decreases NF-κB and expression of adhesion molecules. BAY 11-7082 inhibits ubiquitin-specific protease USP7 and USP21 (IC50=0.19, 0.96 μM, respectively). BAY 11-7082 inhibits gasdermin D (GSDMD) pore formation in liposomes and inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and IL-1β secretion in human and mouse cells.
  • HY-153045
    BAY-805
    		Inhibitor 99.89%
    BAY-805, a chemical probe, is a selective inhibitor of ubiquitin-specific protease USP21. BAY-805 has high selectivity for deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) targets, kinases, proteases and other common target enzymes.
  • HY-153045A
    BAY-728
    		99.92%
    BAY-728 can be used as a negative control of BAY-805. BAY-805 is a potent and selective Inhibitor of USP21.