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Rbx1, a component of the VHL tumor suppressor complex and SCF ubiquitin ligase.

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is mutated in most human kidney cancers. The VHL protein is part of a complex that includes Elongin B, Elongin C, and Cullin-2, proteins associated with transcriptional elongation and ubiquitination. Here it is shown that the endogenous VHL complex in rat liver also includes Rbx1, an evolutionarily conserved protein that contains a RING-H2 fingerlike motif and that interacts with Cullins. The yeast homolog of Rbx1 is a subunit and potent activator of the Cdc53-containing SCFCdc4 ubiquitin ligase required for ubiquitination of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor Sic1 and for the G1 to S cell cycle transition. These findings provide a further link between VHL and the cellular ubiquitination machinery.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Itchy, a Nedd4 ubiquitin ligase, downregulates latent membrane protein 2A activity in B-cell signaling.

Nedd4 family ubiquitin protein ligases (E3s) specifically associate with latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) of Epstein-Barr virus. Our previous studies analyzing LMP2A function in vitro have suggested that Nedd4 family E3s regulate LMP2A function. To determine the role of Nedd4 family E3s in LMP2A B-cell signaling, LMP2A transgenic (LMP2A(+)) mice were crossed with mice with the Itch-deficient (Itch(-/-)) background. Itchy, a mouse homologue of human AIP4, is a Nedd4 family E3 and is also the most abundant Nedd4 family E3 found in LMP2A affinity precipitates from B cells. There were significantly fewer B-cell receptor-positive B cells in spleen and bone marrow B cells in LMP2A(+) Itch(-/-) mice than in LMP2A(+) mice. In addition, LMP2A(+) Itch(-/-) bone marrow B cells formed larger colonies in cultures treated with interleukin-7 (IL-7) than control bone marrow B cells did. Finally, there was a dramatic increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of LMP2A and Syk in IL-7-cultured LMP2A(+) Itch(-/-) B cells. These results indicate that Nedd4 family E3s, in particular Itchy, downmodulate LMP2A activity in B-cell signaling.

Animals↗

Rsp5 ubiquitin-protein ligase mediates DNA damage-induced degradation of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Rsp5 is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that belongs to the hect domain family of E3 proteins. We have previously shown that Rsp5 binds and ubiquitinates the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, Rpb1, in vitro. We show here that Rpb1 ubiquitination and degradation are induced in vivo by UV irradiation and by the UV-mimetic compound 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) and that a functional RSP5 gene product is required for this effect. The 26S proteasome is also required; a mutation of SEN3/RPN2 (sen3-1), which encodes an essential regulatory subunit of the 26S proteasome, partially blocks 4-NQO-induced degradation of Rpb1. These results suggest that Rsp5-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of Rpb1 are components of the response to DNA damage. A human WW domain-containing hect (WW-hect) E3 protein closely related to Rsp5, Rpf1/hNedd4, also binds and ubiquitinates both yeast and human Rpb1 in vitro, suggesting that Rpf1 and/or another WW-hect E3 protein mediates UV-induced degradation of the large subunit of polymerase II in human cells.

4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide↗

Localization of the Rsp5p ubiquitin-protein ligase at multiple sites within the endocytic pathway.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RSP5 gene encodes an essential HECT E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. Rsp5p contains an N-terminal C2 domain, three WW domains in the central portion of the molecule, and a C-terminal catalytic HECT domain. A diverse group of substrates of Rsp5p and vertebrate C2 WW-domain-containing HECT E3s have been identified, including both nuclear and membrane-associated proteins. We determined the intracellular localization of Rsp5p and the determinants necessary for localization, in order to better understand how Rsp5p activities are coordinated. Using both green fluorescent protein fusions to Rsp5p and immunogold electron microscopy, we found that Rsp5p was distributed in a punctate pattern at the plasma membrane, corresponding to membrane invaginations that are likely sites of endosome formation, as well as at perivacuolar sites. The latter appeared to correspond to endocytic intermediates, as these structures were not seen in a sla2/end4-1 mutant, and double-immunogold labeling demonstrated colocalization of Rsp5p with the endosomal markers Pep12p and Vps32p. The C2 domain was an important determinant of localization; however, mutations that disrupted HECT domain function also caused mislocalization of Rsp5p, indicating that enzymatic activity is linked to localization. Deletion of the C2 domain partially stabilized Fur4p, a protein previously shown to undergo Rsp5p- and ubiquitin-mediated endocytosis; however, Fur4p was still ubiquitinated at the plasma membrane when the C2 domain was deleted from the protein. Together, these results indicate that Rsp5p is located at multiple sites within the endocytic pathway and suggest that Rsp5p may function at multiple steps in the ubiquitin-mediated endocytosis pathway.

Endocytosis↗

A ubiquitin-protein ligase (E3) mutation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae suppressed by co-overexpression of two ubiquitin-specific processing proteases.

To isolate mutations related to the ubiquitin system, I constructed a plasmid carrying the YUH1 and UBP1 genes (genes of ubiquitin-specific processing proteases) whose expressions were under the control of the galactose-inducible GAL1-GAL10 promoter. Cells of a strain carrying the plasmid were mutagenized with ethyl methanesulfonate. One mutant, which showed galactose-dependent growth at a high temperature (37 degrees C), was isolated from about 380,000 mutagenized colonies. The mutation responsible for galactose-dependent growth at 37 degrees C was a single nuclear recessive mutation designated as uby1-1. UBP1 and YUH1 as well as the GAL1-GAL10 promoter are required to suppress uby1-1. At the restrictive temperature, a uby1-1 mutant did not arrest at a specific phase of the cell cycle, but still lost viability. Even at the permissive temperature (30 degrees C), the uby1-1 mutant grew somewhat slowly and showed pleiotropic phenotypes including hypersensitivity to stresses such as cadmium and canavanine, and sporulation defects. The genomic DNA fragments in a single-copy plasmid which complemented uby1-1 were isolated. Chromosomal mapping, sequencing and subcloning analyses indicated that the gene complementing uby1-1 is RSP5, which encodes a ubiquitin-protein ligase (E3) homologous to E6-AP (E6 associated protein). Deletion, complementation and linkage analyses revealed that UBY1 and RSP5 are the same gene. Therefore, the E3 protein encoded by RSP5 (UBY1) is required for vegetative growth, sporulation and stress response. The present procedure using suppression by co-overexpression of two cloned genes will be useful to isolate mutations of related genes and to analyze biochemical pathways and gene-interactions.

Base Sequence↗

Novel mutations of ubiquitin protein ligase 3A gene in Italian patients with Angelman syndrome.

Angelman syndrome is a neurobehavioral disorder caused by defects of imprinted gene(s) on chromosome 15q11-13. AS-specific DNA methylation is found in patients carrying 3-4 Mb deletions ( approximately 70%), paternal uniparental disomy (3-5%) or imprinting center mutations (2-9%), while normal methylation pattern with biparental inheritance characterizes the remaining approximately 20-25% AS patients (Stalker et al.,1998; Tsai et al.,1998). Mutations in the Ubiquitin protein ligase 3A gene (UBE3A) have been found in the latter group, but only preliminary figures are available on their frequencies. We selected a sample of 25 AS patients with a clinical diagnosis of AS and a normal methylation pattern in order to search for mutations of the UBE3A gene. Automated sequencing of exons 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 performed on our 25 patients allowed us to identify three novel mutations: an 897insA in two unrelated familial cases, a 2544insA and an E167X in two sporadic cases. Mutation R482X previously reported in a sporadic patient was identified in a third familial case. Hum Mutat 15:387, 2000.

Adolescent↗

Promotion of S-phase entry and cell growth under serum starvation by SAG/ROC2/Rbx2/Hrt2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase component: association with inhibition of p27 accumulation.

The sensitive-to-apoptosis gene (SAG) was initially identified as a redox-inducible, apoptosis-protective protein and subsequently found to be the second family member of regulator of cullins (ROC)/RING box protein (Rbx)/Hrt, which acts as a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase. We report here that SAG promoted cell growth under serum starvation. Microinjection of SAG mRNA into quiescent NIH/3T3 cells induced S-phase entry as determined by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. Likewise, overexpression of SAG by either adenovirus infection of immortalized human epidermal keratinocytes (Rhek-1) or DNA transfection of SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells induced cell proliferation under serum starvation. Because cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs), including p21, p27, and p57, are degraded through the ubiquitin pathway, we tested whether SAG-induced cell growth is associated with CKI degradation. Although there was no significant difference in the levels of p21 and p57 between the vector controls and SAG-overexpressing cells, serum starvation induced 10- to 18-fold accumulation of p27 in control Rhek-1 cells. Accumulation of p27 was remarkably inhibited (only 2 to 5-fold) in SAG-infected cells. Inhibition of p27 accumulation was also observed in stably SAG-overexpressing SY5Y cells. Significantly, SAG-associated inhibition of p27 accumulation was largely abolished by the treatment with a proteasome inhibitor. In vivo binding of SAG and Skp2, an F-box protein that promotes p27 ubiquitination, was detected, and the binding was enhanced in SAG-overexpressing cells grown under serum starvation. Thus, SAG-induced growth with serum withdrawal appears to be associated with SAG-mediated p27 degradation. Mol. Carcinog. 30:37-46, 2001.

Animals↗

A patient with mutations in DNA Ligase IV: clinical features and overlap with Nijmegen breakage syndrome.

The clinical phenotype of Ligase IV syndrome (LIG4 syndrome), an extremely rare autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations in the LIG4 gene, closely resembles that of Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS), and is characterized by microcephaly, characteristic facial features, growth retardation, developmental delay, and immunodeficiency. We report a 4(1/2)-year-old boy who presented with acute T-cell leukemia. The facial gestalt was strongly reminiscent of NBS. The patient died shortly after the onset of treatment for his T-cell leukemia. Subsequent chromosome breakage studies showed a high rate of breakage in a fibroblast culture. Radiosensitivity was assessed by a colony survival assay; the results showed radiosensitivity greater than is typically seen in NBS. Mutation screening of the NBS1 gene was negative. Sequencing of the LIG4 gene revealed a homozygous truncating mutation 2440 C>T (R814X). Although this mutation has been previously noted in LIG4 syndrome, this patient is the first reported homozygote for the mutation. In this study, we review the clinical features of this rare syndrome and provide suggestions for differential diagnosis.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Association of a long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase 4 gene polymorphism with depression and with enhanced niacin-induced dermal erythema.

Hypotheses about relationships between changes in membrane lipids and mental illness have focused primarily on three long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Membrane deficiencies of these fatty acids have been reported in schizophrenia (AA, EPA, and DHA) and in depression (EPA and DHA). Long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase type 4 (FACL4; MIM 300157) is a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of AA, EPA, and DHA. FACL4 selectively esterifies these fatty acids with co-enzyme A, forming acyl-co-A, which can then be incorporated into membrane phospholipid. We used niacin-induced dermal erythema as one index of AA metabolism to identify a common C to T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the first intron of the FACL4 gene (Xq22.3), which is associated with enhanced dermal erythema in both schizophrenia and control subjects. Male subjects with the T0 genotype showed greater dermal erythema following topical application of methylnicotinate, suggesting that this polymorphism may be in linkage disequilibrium with a functional polymorphism of the FACL4 gene that modulates re-sequestration of agonist-released free AA. We also examined the allele frequency of this polymorphism in 555 European-Americans (EA), including 229 control subjects, 198 subjects with major depression, 58 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and 70 with alcohol dependence without co-morbid psychiatric illness. We observed a significant excess of the T allele in subjects with major depression, as compared with controls (49% vs. 38%; P = 0.003) and a non-significant excess of the T allele in schizophrenia (44%; P = 0.29). The allele frequency for subjects with alcohol dependence did not differ from controls.

Alleles↗

Severe combined immunodeficiency and microcephaly in siblings with hypomorphic mutations in DNA ligase IV.

DNA double-strand breaks (dsb) during V(D)J recombination of T and B lymphocyte receptor genes are resolved by the non-homologous DNA end joining pathway (NHEJ) including at least six factors: Ku70, Ku80, DNA-PK(cs), Artemis, Xrcc4, and DNA ligase IV (Lig4). Artemis and Lig4 are the only known V(D)J/NHEJ factors found deficient in human genetic disorders. Null mutations of the Artemis gene result in a complete absence of T and B lymphocytes and increased cellular sensitivity to ionizing radiations, causing radiosensitive-SCID. Mutations of Lig4 are exclusively hypomorphic and have only been described in six patients, four exhibiting mild immunodeficiency associated with microcephaly and developmental delay, while two patient had leukemia. Here we report a SCID associated with microcephaly caused by compound heterozygous hypomorphic mutations in Lig4. Residual activity of Lig4 in these patients is underscored by a normal pattern of TCR-alpha and -beta junctions in the T cells of the patients and a moderate impairment of V(D)J recombination as tested in vitro. These observations contrast with the severity of the clinical immunodeficiency, suggesting that Lig4 may have additional critical roles in lymphocyte survival beyond V(D)J recombination.

Base Sequence↗

Subcellular relocalization of a long-chain fatty acid CoA ligase by a suppressor mutation alleviates a respiration deficiency in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have isolated an extragenic suppressor, FAM1-1, which is able to restore respiratory growth to a deletion of the CEM1 gene (mitochondrial beta-keto-acyl synthase). The sequence of the suppressor strongly suggests that it encodes a long-chain fatty acid CoA ligase (fatty-acyl-CoA synthetase). We have also cloned and sequenced the wild-type FAM1 gene, which is devoid of suppressor activity. The comparison of the two sequences shows that the suppressor mutation is an A-->T transversion, which creates a new initiation codon and adds 18 amino acids to the N-terminus of the protein. This extension has all the characteristics of a mitochondrial targeting sequence, whilst the N-terminus of the wild-type protein has none of these characteristics. In vitro mitochondrial import experiments show that the N-terminal half of the suppressor protein, but not of the wild-type, is transported into mitochondria. Thus, we hypothesize that the suppressor acts by changing the subcellular localization of the protein and relocating at least some of the enzyme from the cytosol to the mitochondria. These results support the hypothesis that some form of fatty acid synthesis, specific for the mitochondria, is essential for the function of the organelle.

3-Oxoacyl-(Acyl-Carrier-Protein) Synthase↗

Regulation of the voltage gated K+ channel Kv1.3 by the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 and the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1.

The stimulation of cell proliferation by insulin like growth factor IGF-1 has previously been shown to depend on activation of voltage gated K(+) channels. The signaling involved in activation of voltage gated K(+) channel Kv1.3 includes the phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3) protein kinase, 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase PDK1 and the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase SGK1. However, nothing is known about mechanisms mediating the stimulation of Kv1.3 by SGK1. Most recently, SGK1 has been shown to phosphorylate and thus inactivate the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2. The present study has been performed to explore whether the regulation of Kv1.3 involves Nedd4-2. To this end Kv1.3 has been expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without coexpression of Nedd4-2 and/or constitutively active (S422D)SGK1. In oocytes expressing Kv1.3 but not in water injected oocytes, depolarization from a holding potential of -80 mV to +20 mV triggers rapidly inactivating currents typical for Kv1.3. Coexpression of Nedd4-2 decreases, coexpression of (S422D)SGK1 enhances the currents significantly. The effects of either Nedd4-2 or of SGK1 are abrogated by destruction of the respective catalytic subunits ((C938S)Nedd4-2 or (K127N)SGK1). Further experiments revealed that wild type SGK1 and SGK3 and to a lesser extent SGK2 are similarly effective in stimulating Kv1.3 in both, presence and absence of Nedd4-2. It is concluded that Kv1.3 is downregulated by Nedd4-2 and stimulates by SGK1, SGK2, and SGK3. The data thus disclose a novel mechanism of Kv1.3 channel regulation.

Animals↗

Analysis of a 42.5 kb DNA sequence of chromosome X reveals three tRNA genes and 14 new open reading frames including a gene most probably belonging to the family of ubiquitin-protein ligases.

We have sequenced a 42,500 bp stretch located on chromosome X of Saccharomyces cerevisiae between the genes MET3 and CDC8. This stretch contains 24 open reading frames (ORFs) of at least 100 amino acids. Ten of these correspond to previously published sequences, whereas of the 14 remaining ORFs, only one, GTD892, has significant similarity to proteins from yeast or other organisms. It may belong to the family of ubiquitin-protein ligases and be involved in the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway. In addition, three tRNA genes were recognized, two of which had not been hitherto localized.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In vivo and in vitro recruitment of an IkappaBalpha-ubiquitin ligase to IkappaBalpha phosphorylated by IKK, leading to ubiquitination.

Activation of the transcriptional factor NF-kappaB is triggered by signal-dependent degradation of its inhibitor protein IkappaB through the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome pathway. We found here that a phosphorylated IkappaBalpha immunoprecipitated (IP-pIkappaBalpha) from the crude extract of HeLa cells which had been treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) caused a dramatic ubiquitination of itself, termed autoubiquitination, when incubated with ATP, Ub, and E1-activating and E2-conjugating enzymes. IP-pIkappaBalpha also catalyzed ubiquitination of an in vitro synthesized 35S-IkappaBalpha previously phosphorylated by IkappaB-kinase (IKK) which is referred to as transubiquitination. No appreciable activity of auto- and transubiquitination was observed in an unphosphorylated IP-IkappaBalpha. Moreover, the putative IkappaBalpha-Ub ligase (IkappaBalpha-E3) present in HeLa cell cytosol associated in vitro with an IKK-phosphorylated recombinant IkappaBalpha, a process independent of NF-kappaB binding to IkappaBalpha or TNFalpha stimulation. Replacement of the two Ser residues at positions 32 and 36 corresponding to IKK phosphorylation sites by Ala resulted in almost complete prevention of binding of an IkappaBalpha-E3 to IkappaBalpha. These results indicate that phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha is necessary and sufficient for recruitment of this IkappaBalpha-E3 to associate with IkappaBalpha.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The gene expression of ubiquitin ligase E3alpha is upregulated in skeletal muscle during sepsis in rats-potential role of glucocorticoids.

Muscle protein breakdown during sepsis is associated with upregulated expression and activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway. Previous studies suggest that ubiquitination of proteins in skeletal muscle is regulated by the ubiquitin ligase E3alpha together with the 14 kDa ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2(14k). The E3alpha gene was cloned only recently. The influence of sepsis on the gene expression of E3alpha in skeletal muscle has not been reported. In the present study, induction of sepsis in rats by cecal ligation and puncture resulted in increased mRNA levels for E3alpha in white, fast-twitch but not in red slow-twitch muscle. Treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486 (10 mg/kg) prevented the sepsis-induced increase in E3alpha and E2(14k) mRNA levels. The present study is the first report of increased E3alpha expression in skeletal muscle during sepsis. The results lend further support to the concept that glucocorticoid-mediated upregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway is involved in sepsis-induced muscle cachexia. Increased expression of both E3alpha and E2(14k) suggests that muscle proteins are degraded in the N-end rule pathway during sepsis.

Animals↗

Drosophila von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor complex possesses E3 ubiquitin ligase activity.

Mutations of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene predispose individuals to a variety of human tumors, including renal cell carcinoma, hemangioblastoma of the central nervous system, and pheochromocytoma. Here we report on the identification and characterization of the Drosophila homolog of VHL. The predicted amino acid sequence of Drosophila VHL protein shows 29% identity and 44% similarity to that of human VHL protein. Biochemical studies have shown that Drosophila VHL protein binds to Elongins B and C directly, and via this Elongin BC complex, associates with Cul-2 and Rbx1. Like human VHL, Drosophila VHL complex containing Cul-2, Rbx1, Elongins B and C, exhibits E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. In addition, we provide evidence that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha is the ubiquitination target of both human and Drosophila VHL complexes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A novel centrosomal ring-finger protein, dorfin, mediates ubiquitin ligase activity.

We cloned a novel gene, Dorfin (double ring-finger protein), from human spinal cord. The Dorfin mRNA transcript was 4.4 kb and expressed ubiquitously in many organs as well as in the central nervous system, including the spinal cord. Dorfin encoded 838 amino acid protein Dorfin, which contains two RING-finger motifs and an IBR (in between RING-fingers) motif at its N-terminus. Dorfin is a short-lived protein. Treatment with MG132, a potent proteasome inhibitor, resulted in the accumulation of ubiquitinated Dorfin and Dorfin-associated cellular proteins in cultured cells. Dorfin bound specifically with human ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes UbcH7 and UbcH8 through the RING-finger/IBR domain. Partial deletion of the RING-finger/IBR domain eliminated these interaction and ubiquitination activities. These results strongly suggest that Dorfin is a new member of RING-finger type ubiquitin ligase. Dorfin is localized in the centrosome and probably functions in the microtubule organizing centers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Occurrence of a putative SCF ubiquitin ligase complex in Drosophila.

Many proteins are targeted to proteasome degradation by a family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, termed SCF complexes, that link substrate proteins to an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. SCFs are composed of three core proteins-Skp1, Cdc53/Cull, Rbx1/Hrt1-and a substrate specific F-box protein. We have identified in Drosophila melanogaster the closest homologues to the human components of the SCF(betaTrCP) complex and the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH5. We show that putative Drosophila SCF core subunits dSkpA and dRbx1 both interact directly with dCu11 and the F-box protein Slmb. We also describe the direct interaction of the UbcH5 related protein UbcD1 with dCul1 and Slmb. In addition, a functional complementation test performed on a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hrt1p-deficient mutant showed that Drosophila Rbx1 is able to restore the yeast cells viability. Our results suggest that dRbx1, dSkpA, dCullin1, and Slimb proteins are components of a Drosophila SCF complex that functions in combination with the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UbcD1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗