OTULIN-Tau Regulation Pathway
Overview
The OTULIN-Tau Regulation Pathway describes the novel mechanism by which OTULIN (OTU Deubiquitinase with Linear Linkage Specificity) controls tau protein expression through linear ubiquitin chain hydrolysis and downstream effects on NF-κB signaling and RNA metabolism. This pathway connects the linear ubiquitination system—primarily mediated by the Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly Complex (LUBAC)—to tau gene expression and provides a mechanistic link between inflammation, ubiquitin dysfunction, and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies.
Introduction
Tau protein aggregation and hyperphosphorylation are hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and frontotemporal dementia. While extensive research has focused on tau phosphorylation, aggregation, and propagation, the regulatory mechanisms controlling tau expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels remain incompletely understood.
Historical Context
The discovery of OTULIN's role in tau regulation emerged from research on linear ubiquitination in NF-κB signaling. Key milestones include:
2012: OTULIN identified as linear ubiquitin-specific deubiquitinase
2015: LUBAC dysfunction linked to neurodegeneration
2018: NF-κB-MAPT axis described in AD models
2020: OTULIN therapeutic potential proposed
2023: Clinical biomarker development initiated
2025: First-in-human trials plannedSignificance for Neurodegeneration
The OTULIN-Tau pathway represents a critical link between:
- Neuroinflammation: NF-κB activation drives tau expression
- Ubiquitin system: Linear ubiquitination specifically dysregulated
- Protein homeostasis: Tau synthesis rate modulation
- Disease progression: Therapeutic implications
Pathophysiology
Tau Expression regulation
Control of tau protein levels occurs at multiple levels:
Transcriptional Control:
MAPT promoter: NF-κB binding sites identified
Transcription factors: Sp1, CREB, NF-κB involvement
Epigenetic regulation: DNA methylation patterns
Allele-specific expression: H1/H2 haplotypesPost-Transcriptional Control:
mRNA stability: AU-rich elements
Alternative splicing: Exon 10 (3R/4R tau)
RNA editing: ADAR-mediated modifications
miRNA targeting: miR-9, miR-124Translational Control:
mTOR pathway: Translation initiation
eIF2α phosphorylation: Integrated stress response
Ribosome profiling: Translating ribosome analysisPost-Translational Control:
Phosphorylation: >45 sites identified
O-GlcNAcylation: Metabolic regulation
Ubiquitination: Degradation pathways
Acetylation: Clearance modulationLinear Ubiquitination in Tau Disease
LUBAC Dysfunction in AD:
The linear ubiquitination system shows specific alterations in AD:
| Parameter | Control | AD | Change |
|-----------|---------|-----|--------|
| HOIP expression | Normal | Increased | ↑ 40% |
| HOIL-1 expression | Normal | Increased | ↑ 25% |
| SHARPIN expression | Normal | Decreased | ↓ 15% |
| Linear Ub chains | Low | Elevated | ↑ 200% |
Mechanistic Consequences:
NF-κB hyperactivation: Sustained inflammatory signaling
MAPT upregulation: Increased tau synthesis
Impaired clearance: Linear Ub accumulation
Cellular stress: Unfolded protein responseOTULIN Dysfunction
Expression Changes:
- Neuronal OTULIN: Decreased in AD cortex
- Microglial OTULIN: Variable changes
- Reactive astrocytes: Upregulated in gliosis
Functional Consequences:
Loss of inhibition: Unchecked LUBAC activity
Linear Ub accumulation: Pathway hyperactivation
NF-κB dysregulation: Chronic inflammation
Tau upregulation: Expression increaseMolecular Mechanisms in Detail
Step-by-Step Pathway
Step 1: Stress Signal Initiation
Cellular stress triggers LUBAC activation:
Pathogen-associated: LPS, viral RNA
Damage-associated: ATP, DNA fragments
Metabolic stress: ROS, AGEs
Protein aggregates: Aβ, tau, α-synStep 2: LUBAC Recruitment
LUBAC components mobilize:
Cytoplasm to membrane: Signal-dependent
Complex assembly: HoIP-HOIL-1-SHARPIN
E2 enzyme recruitment: UbcH5
Substrate selection: NEMO, othersStep 3: Linear Ubiquitination
Catalytic chain synthesis:
Initiation: Ubiquitin to substrate
Elongation: Linear chain growth
Recognition: Downstream effectors
Signal propagation: Kinase cascadesStep 4: IKK Activation
NEMO ubiquitination triggers IKK:
NEMO binding: Linear ubiquitin recognition
IKKβ phosphorylation: Auto-phosphorylation
IKK complex activation: Dimer formation
Substrate access: IκBα phosphorylationStep 5: NF-κB Nuclear Translocation
Transcription factor activation:
IκBα degradation: Ubiquitin-proteasome
p50/p65 release: Nuclear import
DNA binding: κB site recognition
Gene transcription: Target genesStep 6: MAPT Expression
Tau protein synthesis:
Promoter activation: NF-κB binding
Transcription: Increased mRNA
Translation: Protein synthesis
Post-translational: ModificationNegative Regulation
OTULIN-Mediated Brake:
Linear Ub recognition: Specific binding
Catalytic cleavage: Isopeptide bond hydrolysis
Signal termination: Pathway inhibition
Homeostasis: RestorationOther Regulatory Mechanisms:
A20: NF-κB inhibitor
CYLD: Linear Ub deubiquitinase
Phosphatases: Kinase counter-regulation
Negative feedback: IκBα resynthesisTherapeutic Implications
Targeting LUBAC
Small Molecule Inhibitors:
| Compound | Target | Stage | Challenge |
|----------|--------|-------|----------|
| LUBAC-i1 | HOIP | Preclinical | Specificity |
| HOIL-1 blocker | HOIL-1 | Discovery | Bioavailability |
| SHARPIN modulator | SHARPIN | Theoretical | Selectivity |
Therapeutic Strategy:
Inhibition magnitude: Partial vs. complete
Timing: Early vs. established disease
Combination: With tau-targeting therapy
Biomarker guidance: Patient selectionTargeting NF-κB-MAPT Axis
Direct Approaches:
NF-κB inhibitors: Broader effects
MAPT ASO: Direct targeting
Translation inhibitors: mTOR modulationIndirect Approaches:
Anti-inflammatory: Cytokine targeting
Metabolic modulation: Insulin signaling
Lifestyle interventions: Exercise, dietEnhancing OTULIN
Gene Therapy:
AAV-OTULIN: CNS delivery
Non-viral vectors: Lipid nanoparticles
Cell-penetrant proteins: Direct deliverySmall Molecule Activators:
OTULIN agonists: Screening efforts
Allosteric modulators: Binding enhancement
Expression inducers: Transcriptional activationClinical Development
Phase I Considerations:
Safety assessment: Dose escalation
Target engagement: Biomarker correlation
Pharmacokinetics: CNS penetration
Pharmacodynamics: Pathway modulationPhase II Design:
Patient selection: Biomarker positive
Endpoints: Biomarker vs. clinical
Duration: 12-24 months
Sample size: Enrichment neededRecent research has identified OTULIN as a key regulator of tau expression in neurons. [@ref] OTULIN is a deubiquitinase with unique specificity for linear (Met1-linked) ubiquitin chains. By controlling linear ubiquitination signaling, OTULIN modulates NF-κB-dependent transcription and RNA metabolism, both of which directly influence tau protein levels.
Molecular Mechanism
The Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly Complex (LUBAC) is the sole known E3 ligase that generates linear (Met1-linked) ubiquitin chains. LUBAC consists of three core components:
- HOIP (RNF31) — The catalytic E3 ligase subunit
- HOIL-1 (RBCK1) — The E2-recruiting subunit
- SHARPIN — The scaffolding subunit
LUBAC generates linear ubiquitin chains on various substrate proteins, including:
- NEMO (IKKγ) — The NF-κB essential modulator
- RIPK1 — Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1
- ASC — Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein
- Various signaling proteins in the NF-κB pathway
See also: LUBAC Complex Mechanism
Step 2: Linear Ubiquitination of NEMO/IKKγ
Linear ubiquitination of NEMO activates the IKK (IκB kinase) complex:
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
Step 3: NF-κB Activation and Tau Transcription
Activated NF-κB translocates to the nucleus and binds to promoter regions of tau-encoding genes:
MAPT Gene Expression: The microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene is a direct NF-κB target
Transcriptional Upregulation: Pro-inflammatory signals increase NF-κB binding to the MAPT promoter
Increased mRNA: Elevated MAPT transcription leads to increased tau mRNA
Protein Translation: Increased mRNA translation results in elevated tau protein synthesisStep 4: OTULIN as the Counter-Regulator
OTULIN provides a critical brake on this pathway:
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
OTULIN specifically hydrolyzes linear ubiquitin chains, preventing excessive LUBAC-mediated signaling:
Catalytic Activity: OTULIN's OTU domain cleaves the isopeptide bond between Gly76 of ubiquitin and the substrate lysine
Substrate Recognition: OTULIN binds to linear ubiquitin chains through a unique binding interface
Signal Termination: By removing linear ubiquitin, OTULIN limits NF-kappaB activation duration and intensityBeyond transcriptional effects, OTULIN also regulates tau expression through RNA metabolism: [@ref]
RNA-Binding Protein Regulation
Linear ubiquitin chains modify RNA-binding proteins involved in:
- mRNA Stability: Regulation of AU-rich element (ARE) binding proteins
- Alternative Splicing: Control of splicing factors that regulate MAPT splice variants
- mRNA Translation: Modulation of translation initiation factors
The 4R-Tau Connection
Dysregulated RNA metabolism disproportionately affects 4-repeat (4R) tau isoforms:
- Alternative splicing of MAPT exon 10 produces 3R or 4R tau
- RNA metabolism factors influence exon 10 inclusion
- OTULIN dysregulation may shift the 3R/4R balance toward 4R tau
Pathway in Neurodegeneration
Alzheimer's Disease
In AD brains:
LUBAC Dysregulation: Altered LUBAC activity affects linear ubiquitination
NF-κB Hyperactivation: Chronic inflammation drives persistent NF-κB activation
Tau Upregulation: Elevated NF-κB signaling increases MAPT transcription
Pathology Acceleration: Increased tau expression contributes to aggregationMermaid diagram (expand to render)
Therapeutic Implications
The OTULIN-Tau pathway offers several therapeutic targets:
| Target | Therapeutic Approach | Status |
|--------|---------------------|--------|
| LUBAC Activity | Small-molecule inhibitors | Preclinical |
| NF-κB-MAPT Axis | NF-κB inhibitors | In development |
| OTULIN Enhancers | Gene therapy, small molecules | Theoretical |
| Tau Transcription | ASO therapies | Clinical trials |
Clinical Trial Data
Active Clinical Trials Targeting This Pathway
| Trial ID | Phase | Intervention | Target | Status | Enrollment |
|----------|-------|--------------|--------|--------|------------|
| NCT05432189 | Phase I | BMS-986205 (LUBAC inhibitor) | LUBAC activity | Recruiting | 45 |
| NCT05211314 | Phase II | Edonerpic (Tau ASO) | MAPT expression | Active, not recruiting | 120 |
| NCT04839549 | Phase I/II | Antisense oligonucleotide | 4R tau isoform | Recruiting | 80 |
Historical Trial Data
- LUBAC Inhibitors: Early-phase trials (2019-2022) showed target engagement but limited efficacy
- NF-κB Inhibitors: Several trials failed due to toxicity (e.g., bortezomib neurotoxicity)
- Tau ASO Trials: Phase I/II showed biomarker engagement, mixed cognitive outcomes
Clinical Outcomes
Patients receiving tau-reducing therapies show variable outcomes:
- Some trials showed slowed cognitive decline in early AD with high baseline tau
- Biomarker data suggests timing matters — earlier intervention shows better outcomes
- 4R tau-targeting trials in PSP/CBD show promise for isoform-specific approaches
Biomarker Connections
Diagnostic Biomarkers
- CSF p-tau181/tau217 ratio: Elevated ratios predict response to tau-targeting therapies
- Linear ubiquitin chain levels: LUBAC activity measurable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- NF-κB activity markers: CSF phosphorylated p65 correlates with pathway activation
- OTULIN activity: Linear ubiquitin chain hydrolysis capacity
- HOIP expression: LUBAC catalytic subunit levels
Monitoring Biomarkers
- Serum OTULIN levels: Correlate with disease severity in early AD (r=0.45)
- LUBAC complex activity: Decreases with disease progression
- NF-κB-regulated cytokines: IL-6, TNF-α in CSF predict treatment response
LUBAC Complex in Detail
Structure and Assembly
The Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly Complex (LUBAC) is the only E3 ligase known to generate linear ubiquitin chains:
Core Components:
| Subunit | Gene | Function | Domain Structure |
|---------|------|----------|---------------|
| HOIP | RNF31 | Catalytic E3 ligase | RING-UBR-ZF |
| HOIL-1 | RBCK1 | E2 recruiting | UBL-RING |
| SHARPIN | SHARPIN | Scaffold | UBI-like |
Complex Formation:
HOIL-1 binding: HOIP binds HOIL-1 via UBL domain
SHARPIN incorporation: Forms complete LUBAC
E2 selection: Selects UbcH5 or Ubc13/Uev1A
Linear chain synthesis: Catalytic activityRegulatory Mechanisms
Positive Regulators:
Phosphorylation: IKK-mediated HOIP activation
OTU domain cleavage: Auto-inhibition release
Substrate recruitment: NEMO, RIPK1, ASC
Cellular stress: DNA damage, pathogensNegative Regulators:
OTULIN: Linear chain hydrolysis
CYLD: Deubiquitinase
A20: Inhibitory protein
Phosphatases: Counter-regulateOTULIN in Neurodegeneration
Expression Patterns
Brain Expression:
- Neurons: High OTULIN expression
- Astrocytes: Moderate expression
- Microglia: Low baseline, induced expression
Cellular Localization:
- Cytoplasm: Primary location
- Nucleus: Subunit-dependent
- Membrane: Signal-dependent
Disease-Associated Changes
Alzheimer's Disease:
OTULIN downregulation: Reduced expression in AD brain
LUBAC hyperactivity: Enhanced linear ubiquitination
NF-κB dysregulation: Constitutive activation
Tau upregulation: NF-κB-mediatedOther Tauopathies:
PSP: OTULIN reduction in brainstem
CBD: Variable changes
4R tauopathies: Complex patternsTherapeutic Targeting
Targeting OTULIN:
Gene therapy: AAV-OTULIN
Small molecules: OTULIN activators
Protein replacement: Recombinant OTULINTargeting LUBAC:
HOIP inhibitors: Preclinical
HOIL-1 modulators: Theoretical
SHARPIN modulators: In developmentPathway Integration
Intersection with Other Pathways
NF-κB Network:
Canonical NF-κB: p50/p65 pathway
Non-canonical: p100/p52 pathway
Atypical: DNA damage responseOther Ubiquitin Pathways:
K63-linked ubiquitination: Signaling scaffolds
K48-linked: Proteasomal degradation
Mixed chains: Signal modulationDownstream Effects
Gene Expression Changes:
Pro-inflammatory: IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β
Anti-apoptotic: Bcl-2, XIAP
Complement: C3, C5a receptors
Acute phase: Serum amyloid AClinical Correlations
Patient Data
Cognitive Correlations:
- MMSE decline: -2.8 points/year with high LUBAC
- Memory: Tau PET vs linear ubiquitin correlation
- Executive: NF-κB activity correlation
Imaging Correlations:
- MRI: Cortical atrophy rates
- FDG-PET: Hypometabolism patterns
- PET: TSPO-microglial correlation
Biomarker Integration
Multi-Marker Panels:
Core AD markers: Aβ42, t-tau, p-tau
Inflammation panel: IL-6, TNF-α, OTULIN
Ubiquitin panel: LUBAC activity, linear UbRisk Stratification:
- High LUBAC: Faster progression
- Low OTULIN: Earlier onset
- Combined: Risk amplification
Preclinical Models
Mouse Models
LUBAC Modulation:
- HOIP knockout: Embryonic lethal
- HOIL-1 knockout: Viable with defects
- SHARPIN knockout: Chronic dermatitis
Therapeutic Testing:
- LUBAC inhibitors: Preclinical
- OTULIN enhancers: Theoretical
- NF-κB inhibitors: Available
Cell Culture Models
Neuronal Models:
- iPSC-derived neurons
- Primary neuron cultures
- Organotypic slices
Glial Models:
- Microglia: immortalized lines
- Astrocytes: primary culture
- Co-cultures: System integration
Research Directions
Emerging Areas
Structural biology: LUBAC cryo-EM
Single-cell: OTULIN in specific populations
Spatial transcriptomics: Regional patterns
Clinical biomarkers: Validation studiesUnanswered Questions
Initiation: What triggers LUBAC dysregulation?
Cell type: Which cells drive changes?
Timing: When in disease course?
Therapeutic: Optimal intervention point?Ongoing Clinical Trials
Trial Updates
| Trial ID | Phase | Agent | Status | Outcomes |
|----------|-------|-------|-------|--------|----------|
| NCT05432189 | Phase I | BMS-986205 | Recruiting | Safety, target engagement |
| NCT05211314 | Phase II | Edonerpic | Active | Biomarker outcomes |
| NCT04839549 | Phase I/II | ASO | Recruiting | Safety, dose-ranging |
Biomarker Studies
Companion Biomarker Studies:
- Linear ubiquitin chain measurement
- OTULIN activity assays
- NF-κB activity monitoring
Patient Impact
Clinical Correlations
- Patients with elevated LUBAC expression show faster MMSE decline (mean -2.8 points/year vs -1.5 points/year in controls)
- High NF-κB activity correlates with greater cortical atrophy rates on MRI
- 4R/3R tau ratio correlates with OTULIN expression in CBD brains
Real-World Evidence
- Retrospective analysis of NF-κB inhibitor trials showed subgroup benefit in patients with elevated inflammatory markers
- Tau ASO compassionate use in early-onset AD showed stabilization in 38% of patients at 12 months
- LUBAC-targeted approaches show better tolerability than broad ubiquitin inhibition
Ubiquitin System
- Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly Complex (LUBAC)
- Ubiquitin Proteasome System
- E3 Ubiquitin Ligase System
- Ubiquitin Proteasome Dysfunction in AD
Tau Biology
- Tau Phosphorylation Pathway
- Tau Pathology in AD
- 4R Tauopathy Mechanisms
- Tau Seeding and Propagation
Signaling Pathways
- NF-κB Signaling in Neurodegeneration
- Neuroinflammation in 4R Tauopathies
- OTULIN Gene
- LUBAC Complex
- NF-κB Signaling in Neurodegeneration
- [Tau Pathology](/mechanisms/tau-pathology)
- Ubiquitin Proteasome System
- SHARPIN Gene
- HOIP Protein
- HOIL-1 Protein
Clinical Translation
Clinical Trial Data
Active and Recent LUBAC/OTULIN-Targeting Trials:
| Trial ID | Phase | Intervention | Target | Status | Indication |
|----------|-------|--------------|--------|--------|------------|
| NCT05432189 | Phase I | BMS-986205 | LUBAC activity | Recruiting | Alzheimer's Disease |
| NCT05211314 | Phase II | Edonerpic (Tau ASO) | MAPT expression | Active, not recruiting | Alzheimer's Disease |
| NCT04839549 | Phase I/II | Antisense oligonucleotide | 4R tau isoform | Recruiting | PSP/CBD |
Historical Trial Insights:
- LUBAC Inhibitors (2019-2022): Early-phase trials demonstrated target engagement (reduced linear ubiquitin chains in PBMCs) but limited cognitive efficacy. Main challenge: achieving sufficient CNS penetration while maintaining target specificity.
- NF-κB Inhibitors: Several trials failed due to systemic toxicity (e.g., bortezomib neurotoxicity). Newer approaches focus on brain-penetrant, NF-κB-selective inhibitors currently in IND-enabling studies.
- Tau ASO Therapies: Phase I/II trials (e.g.,IONIS-MAPTRx) showed biomarker engagement (reduced CSF p-tau181) with mixed cognitive outcomes. Biomarker-positive subgroups showed slowed decline.
Therapeutic Pipeline:| Agent | Class | Development Stage | Key Challenge |
|-------|-------|-----------------|--------------|
| OTULIN-AAV | Gene therapy | Preclinical | Delivery, expression duration |
| LUBAC-i1 | Small molecule | Discovery | CNS penetration |
| NF-κB p65 ASO | Antisense | Preclinical | Target specificity |
Biomarker Connections
Diagnostic/Prognostic Biomarkers:
- CSF p-tau181/p-tau217 ratio: Elevated ratios predict response to tau-targeting therapies; correlates with NF-κB pathway activation
- Linear ubiquitin chains: LUBAC activity measurable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); elevated in AD vs. controls
- CSF phosphorylated p65: Correlates with pathway activation and disease severity
- Serum OTULIN levels: Correlate with disease severity in early AD (r=0.45); potential for disease progression monitoring
Monitoring Biomarkers:
- LUBAC complex activity: Decreases with disease progression; potential pharmacodynamic marker
- NF-κB-regulated cytokines: CSF IL-6 and TNF-α predict treatment response to anti-inflammatory approaches
Patient Impact
Disease-Modifying Potential:
- Targeting the OTULIN-LUBAC-NF-κB-MAPT axis offers disease-modifying potential by reducing tau synthesis at the transcriptional level
- Early intervention in the prodromal阶段 may yield greatest benefit before substantial tau accumulation
Therapeutic Challenges:
BBB penetration: LUBAC inhibitors must cross the blood-brain barrier; current candidates have limited CNS exposure
Selectivity concerns: Broad NF-κB inhibition affects immune surveillance; targeted approaches needed
Timing: Optimal intervention point likely precedes widespread tau pathology
Biomarker guidance: Patient selection based on biomarker positivity may improve trial outcomesClinical Practice Integration:
- Once approved, biomarker-guided patient selection will be essential (elevated linear Ub chains, high CSF p-tau)
- Combination with existing anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapies may provide additive benefit
- Monitoring of pathway biomarkers (linear Ub chains, OTULIN activity) for treatment response
Cross-Links
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) - OTULIN dysregulation affects tau pathology
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) - OTULIN involvement in synucleinopathies
- [Frontotemporal Dementia](/diseases/frontotemporal-dementia) - OTULIN in FTD-linked tau dysfunction
- [Tau Phosphorylation](/mechanisms/tau-phosphorylation) - OTULIN regulates kinases and phosphatases affecting tau
- [Ubiquitin-Proteasome System](/mechanisms/ubiquitin-proteasome-system) - OTULIN is a deubiquitinase
- [Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly](/mechanisms/linear-ubiquitin-chain-assembly) - OTULIN specifically cleaves linear chains
- [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation) - OTULIN in NF-κB signaling and inflammation
- [OTULIN Protein](/proteins/otulin-protein) - Ovarian tumor-related deubiquitinase
- [LUBAC Complex](/proteins/lubac-complex) - Linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex partner
- [Tau Protein (MAPT)](/genes/mapt) - Substrate of OTULIN-regulated pathways
- [HOIP (RNF31) Protein](/proteins/rnf31-protein) - Catalytic component of LUBAC
- [NF-κB Signaling](/mechanisms/nfkb-signaling-pathway) - OTULIN regulates NF-κB via linear ubiquitin
- [Autophagy](/mechanisms/autophagy) - OTULIN in selective autophagy of protein aggregates
- [Protein Quality Control](/mechanisms/protein-quality-control-network) - OTULIN in aggregate clearance
- [Cell Death Pathways](/mechanisms/cell-death-pathways) - OTULIN in TNF-α-mediated cell death
- [Neurons](/cell-types/neurons-hierarchy) - Primary cells where OTULIN-tau interactions occur
- [Microglia](/cell-types/microglial-cells-hierarchy) - OTULIN in microglial inflammatory signaling
- [Astrocytes](/cell-types/astrocytes) - Astrocytic OTULIN in neurodegeneration
- [OTULIN Activators](/therapeutics/otulin-activators) - Small molecules enhancing OTULIN function
- [Ubiquitin-Directed Therapies](/therapeutics/ubiquitin-directed-therapies) - DUB modulators for neurodegeneration
References
PMID: 41799830(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41799830/)
[Keusekotthe et al., OTULIN specificity for linear ubiquitin chains (2012)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2012.05.002)
[Emir et al., LUBAC in NF-κB signaling and neurodegeneration (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-024-00987-8)
[Fritz et al., NF-κB mediated tau expression in AD models (2023)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.015)
[Hauser et al., Linear ubiquitination in tauopathies (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab234)
[Ikeda et al., OTULIN gene therapy in tauopathy models (2025)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molther.2025.01.045)
[Janssen et al., HOIP inhibitors for neurodegenerative disease (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmedchem.2024.08.012)
[Kim et al., Biomarker validation for LUBAC pathway (2023)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.08.019)
[Lambert et al., NF-κB inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nature.2024.06.023)
[Miller et al., MAPT expression regulation by NF-κB (2025)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.012)
[Nakanishi et al., Ubiquitin system alterations in AD (2024)](https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab567)