Structure of USP7 catalytic domain and three Ubl-domains reveals a connector α-helix with regulatory role

Here we study the transition between USP7 states. We provide a crystal structure of USP7CD123 and show that CD and Ubl123 are connected via an extended charged alpha helix. Mutational analysis is used to determine whether the charge and rigidity of this 'connector helix' are important for full USP7 activity.