USP5-IN-1 is a selective inhibitor of ubiquitin-specific protease 5 (USP5), an enzyme involved in the regulation of ubiquitin signaling pathways. It has been primarily used in research settings to study the role of USP5 in protein degradation, cellular homeostasis, and disease progression. By inhibiting USP5, this compound prevents deubiquitination, promoting the degradation of specific ubiquitinated proteins and allowing scientists to investigate the consequences of disrupted deubiquitination processes.

One key application is in cancer research, where USP5 inhibition has shown potential in promoting the degradation of oncoproteins (such as β-catenin) and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. It is also used to explore mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, where abnormal protein accumulation plays a critical role, and in studies of inflammation-related pathways. USP5-IN-1 serves as a valuable tool for validating USP5 as a therapeutic target and for developing strategies that modulate the ubiquitin-proteasome system, with potential applications in cancer therapy and beyond.