Tripartite motif protein 32 facilitates cell growth and migration via degradation of Abl-interactor 2

Fish TRIM32 functions as a critical antiviral molecule against iridovirus and nodavirus

Tripartite motif-containing 32 (TRIM32) has been demonstrated to pay vital roles in cancer, genetic disorders and antiviral immunity. However, the molecular functions of fish TRIM32 still remained largely unknown. Here, a novel TRIM32 gene from orange spotted grouper (EcTRIM32) was cloned and characterized. EcTRIM32 encoded a 685-aa protein which showed 93%, and 60% identity to large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and human (Homo sapiens), respectively. Amino acid alignment showed that EcTRIM32 contained a conserved RING-finger domain, a BBOX domain and NHL domain. In healthy grouper, the transcript of EcTRIM32 was predominantly detected in brain, liver, intestine, spleen and skin. After injection with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) and polyI:C, the relative expression of EcTRIM32 in grouper spleen was differently regulated, suggested that EcTRIM32 was involved in antiviral immune response. In transfected grouper spleen (GS) cells, EcTRIM32 displayed bright fluorescence aggregates or spots in the cytoplasm. Notably, the deletion RING domain altered its precise localization and distributed throughout the cytoplasm in GS cells. In EcTRIM32 overexpressing cells, the replication of SGIV or red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) was significantly inhibited compared to the vector control cells. Moreover, the overexpression of EcTRIM32 positively regulated the interferon immune response, evidenced by the significant increase of the expression level of interferon related signaling molecules, including interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), IRF7, interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), interferon-induced 35-kDa protein (IFP35), MXI, TIR-domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5). Further studies showed that overexpression of EcTRIM32 significantly enhanced the MDA5-mediated interferon immune response, but decreased stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated interferon immune response. Meanwhile, the expression levels of pro-inflammation cytokines, including TNFα, IL-6 and IL-8 were up-regulated by the ectopic expression of EcTRIM32. We speculated that the regulation of IRF7, and pro-inflammation cytokines by EcTRIM32 overexpression might contribute critical roles in SGIV infection. In addition, the deletion of RING domain not only significantly weakened the antiviral roles of EcTRIM32, but also obviously affected the regulatory effects of EcTRIM32 on interferon immune and inflammation response. Together, our results firstly demonstrated that fish TRIM32 acted as an antiviral factor against both DNA and RNA virus infection.

The first molluscan TRIM9 is involved in the negative regulation of NF-κB activity in the Hong Kong oyster, Crassostrea hongkongensis

TRIM proteins are a group of highly conserved proteins participating in a variety of biological processes such as regulation of development, apoptosis, and innate immunity. However, the functions of these proteins in the mollusk are still poorly understood. In the present study, a TRIM9 homolog (named ChTRIM9) was first identified from a transcript-ome library in the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis. The full-length cDNA of ChTRIM9 is 2928 bp and has a predicted Open Reading Frame ORF) encoding 721 amino acids, encoding a putative 80.2 kDa protein. SMART analysis indicated that ChTRIM9 contains the three typical TRIM domains, a RING finger, two B-boxes, and a coiled-coil domain in the N-terminal region, whereas the C-terminal region contains a SPRY domain. qRT-PCR analysis revealed a ubiquitous presence of ChTRIM9, with the highest expression in the gills. Upon bacterial challenge in vivo, the ChTRIM9 transcripts in hemocytes were significantly down-regulated, indicating its involvement in signal transduction in immune response of oysters. Furthermore, ChTRIM9 was found to be localized mainly in the cytoplasm, and its over-expression inhibited the transcriptional activity of the NF-κB gene in HEK293T cells, demonstrating its negative role in regulating NF-κB signaling.

TRIM32 ubiquitin E3 ligase, one enzyme for several pathologies: From muscular dystrophy to tumours

TRIM32 is a member of the TRIpartite Motif family characterised by the presence of an N-terminal three-domain-module that includes a RING domain, which confers E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, one or two B-box domains and a Coiled-Coil region that mediates oligomerisation. Several TRIM32 substrates were identified including muscular proteins and proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and cell motility. As ubiquitination is a versatile post-translational modification that can affect target turnover, sub-cellular localisation or activity, it is likely that diverse substrates may be differentially affected by TRIM32-mediated ubiquitination, reflecting its multi-faceted roles in muscle physiology, cancer and immunity. With particular relevance for muscle physiology, mutations in TRIM32 are associated with autosomal recessive Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2H, a muscle-wasting disease with variable clinical spectrum ranging from almost asymptomatic to wheelchair-bound patients. In this review, we will focus on the ability of TRIM32 to mark specific substrates for proteasomal degradation discussing how the TRIM32-proteasome axis may (i) be important for muscle homeostasis and for the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy; and (ii) define either an oncogenic or tumour suppressive role for TRIM32 in the context of different types of cancer.

The C-Terminal Tail of TRIM56 Dictates Antiviral Restriction of Influenza A and B Viruses by Impeding Viral RNA Synthesis

Accumulating data suggest that tripartite-motif-containing (TRIM) proteins participate in host responses to viral infections, either by acting as direct antiviral restriction factors or through regulating innate immune signaling of the host. Of >70 TRIMs, TRIM56 is a restriction factor of several positive-strand RNA viruses, including three members of the family Flaviviridae(yellow fever virus, dengue virus, and bovine viral diarrhea virus) and a human coronavirus (OC43), and this ability invariably depends upon the E3 ligase activity of TRIM56. However, the impact of TRIM56 on negative-strand RNA viruses remains unclear. Here, we show that TRIM56 puts a check on replication of influenza A and B viruses in cell culture but does not inhibit Sendai virus or human metapneumovirus, two paramyxoviruses. Interestingly, the anti-influenza virus activity was independent of the E3 ligase activity, B-box, or coiled-coil domain. Rather, deletion of a 63-residue-long C-terminal-tail portion of TRIM56 abrogated the antiviral function. Moreover, expression of this short C-terminal segment curtailed the replication of influenza viruses as effectively as that of full-length TRIM56. Mechanistically, TRIM56 was found to specifically impede intracellular influenza virus RNA synthesis. Together, these data reveal a novel antiviral activity of TRIM56 against influenza A and B viruses and provide insights into the mechanism by which TRIM56 restricts these medically important orthomyxoviruses.

IMPORTANCE

Options to treat influenza are limited, and drug-resistant influenza virus strains can emerge through minor genetic changes. Understanding novel virus-host interactions that alter influenza virus fitness may reveal new targets/approaches for therapeutic interventions. We show here that TRIM56, a tripartite-motif protein, is an intrinsic host restriction factor of influenza A and B viruses. Unlike its antiviral actions against positive-strand RNA viruses, the anti-influenza virus activity of TRIM56 was independent of the E3 ligase activity. Rather, expression of a short segment within the very C-terminal tail of TRIM56 inhibited the replication of influenza viruses as effectively as that of full-length TRIM56 by specifically targeting viral RNA synthesis. These data reveal the remarkable multifaceted activity of TRIM56, which has developed multiple domains to inhibit multiple viral families. They also raise the possibility of developing a broad-spectrum, TRIM56-based antiviral approach for addition to influenza prophylaxis and/or control strategies.

TRIM39 negatively regulates the NFκB-mediated signaling pathway through stabilization of Cactin

NFκB is one of the central regulators of cell survival, immunity, inflammation, carcinogenesis and organogenesis. The activation of NFκB is strictly regulated by several posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation, neddylation and ubiquitination. Several types of ubiquitination play important roles in multi-step regulations of the NFκB pathway. Some of the tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) proteins functioning as E3 ubiquitin ligases are known to regulate various biological processes such as inflammatory signaling pathways. One of the TRIM family proteins, TRIM39, for which the gene has single nucleotide polymorphisms, has been identified as one of the genetic factors in Behcet's disease. However, the role of TRIM39 in inflammatory signaling had not been fully elucidated. In this study, to elucidate the function of TRIM39 in inflammatory signaling, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening using TRIM39 as a bait and identified Cactin, which has been reported to inhibit NFκB- and TLR-mediated transcriptions. We show that TRIM39 stabilizes Cactin protein and that Cactin is upregulated after TNFα stimulation. TRIM39 knockdown also causes activation of the NFκB signal. These findings suggest that TRIM39 negatively regulates the NFκB signal in collaboration with Cactin induced by inflammatory stimulants such as TNFα.

TRIMming p53's anticancer activity

Several TRIM proteins control abundance and activity of p53. Along this route, TRIM proteins have a serious impact on carcinogenesis and prognosis for cancer patients. In the past years, a significant increase has been made in our understanding of how the TRIM protein family controls p53 activity.

Tripartite motif 32 prevents pathological cardiac hypertrophy

This study presents the first evidence that TRIM32 protects against pathological cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing Akt-dependent signalling pathways. Therefore TRIM32 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

TRIM32 (tripartite motif 32) is widely accepted to be an E3 ligase that interacts with and eventually ubiquitylates multiple substrates. TRIM32 mutants have been associated with LGMD-2H (limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2H). However, whether TRIM32 is involved in cardiac hypertrophy induced by biomechanical stresses and neurohumoral mediators remains unclear. We generated mice and isolated NRCMs (neonatal rat cardiomyocytes) that overexpressed or were deficient in TRIM32 to investigate the effect of TRIM32 on AB (aortic banding) or AngII (angiotensin II)-mediated cardiac hypertrophy. Echocardiography and both pathological and molecular analyses were used to determine the extent of cardiac hypertrophy and subsequent fibrosis. Our results showed that overexpression of TRIM32 in the heart significantly alleviated the hypertrophic response induced by pressure overload, whereas TRIM32 deficiency dramatically aggravated pathological cardiac remodelling. Similar results were also found in cultured NRCMs incubated with AngII. Mechanistically, the present study suggests that TRIM32 exerts cardioprotective action by interruption of Akt- but not MAPK (mitogen-dependent protein kinase)-dependent signalling pathways. Additionally, inactivation of Akt by LY294002 offset the exacerbated hypertrophic response induced by AB in TRIM32-deficient mice. In conclusion, the present study indicates that TRIM32 plays a protective role in AB-induced pathological cardiac remodelling by blocking Akt-dependent signalling. Therefore TRIM32 could be a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

TRIM-NHL proteins in development and disease

TRIM-NHL proteins are key regulators of developmental transitions, for example promoting differentiation, while inhibiting cell growth and proliferation, in stem and progenitor cells. Abnormalities in these proteins have been also associated with human diseases, particularly affecting muscular and neuronal functions, making them potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this review is to provide a systematic and comprehensive summary on the most studied TRIM-NHL proteins, highlighting examples where connections were established between structural features, molecular functions and biological outcomes.

(R1441C) LRRK2 induces the degeneration of SN dopaminergic neurons and alters the expression of genes regulating neuronal survival in a transgenic mouse model

Mutation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is the most common genetic cause of both familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) cases. Several mutations in LRRK2 gene were reported in PD patients. R1441 is the second most frequent site of LRRK2 mutation. We generated (R1441C) LRRK2 transgenic mice that displayed motor deficits at the age of 16 months. Compared with wild-type mice, 16-month-old (R1441C) LRRK2 mice exhibited a significant reduction in the number of substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neurons. To elucidate molecular pathogenic pathways involved in (R1441C) LRRK2-induced death of SN dopaminergic neurons, we performed microarray analysis to visualize altered mRNA expressions in the SN of (R1441C) LRRK2 mouse. In the SN of (R1441C) LRRK2 transgenic mouse, the mRNA expression of three genes that promote cell death was upregulated, while the mRNA expression of seven genes that contribute to neurogenesis/neuroprotection was significantly downregulated. Our results suggest that altered expression of these genes involved in regulating neuronal survival may contribute to the pathogenesis of (R1441C) LRRK2-induced PD.

TRIM32 Senses and Restricts Influenza A Virus by Ubiquitination of PB1 Polymerase

Polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1) is the catalytic core of the influenza A virus (IAV) RNA polymerase complex essential for viral transcription and replication. Understanding the intrinsic mechanisms which block PB1 function could stimulate development of new anti-influenza therapeutics. Affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (AP-MS) was used to identify host factors interacting with PB1. Among PB1 interactors, the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM32 interacts with PB1 proteins derived from multiple IAV strains. TRIM32 senses IAV infection by interacting with PB1 and translocates with PB1 to the nucleus following influenza infection. Ectopic TRIM32 expression attenuates IAV infection. Conversely, RNAi depletion and knockout of TRIM32 increase susceptibility of tracheal and lung epithelial cells to IAV infection. Reconstitution of trim32^-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts with TRIM32, but not a catalytically inactive mutant, restores viral restriction. Furthermore, TRIM32 directly ubiquitinates PB1, leading to PB1 protein degradation and subsequent reduction of polymerase activity. Thus, TRIM32 is an intrinsic IAV restriction factor which senses and targets the PB1 polymerase for ubiquitination and protein degradation. TRIM32 represents a model of intrinsic immunity, in which a host protein directly senses and counters viral infection in a species specific fashion by directly limiting viral replication.

Influenza A virus presents a continued threat to global health with considerable economic and social impact. Vaccinations against influenza are not always effective, and many influenza strains have developed resistance to current antiviral drugs. Thus, it is imperative to find new strategies for the prevention and treatment of influenza. Influenza RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is a multifunctional protein essential for both transcription and replication of the viral genome. However, we have little understanding of the mechanisms regulating viral RNA polymerase activity or the innate cellular defenses against this critical viral enzyme. We describe how the E3 ubiquitin ligase, TRIM32, inhibits the activity of the influenza RNA polymerase and defends respiratory epithelial cells against infection with influenza A viruses. TRIM32 directly senses the PB1 subunit of the influenza virus RNA polymerase complex and targets it for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, thereby reducing viral polymerase activity.

The neural stem cell fate determinant TRIM32 regulates complex behavioral traits

In mammals, new neurons are generated throughout the entire lifespan in two restricted areas of the brain, the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone (SVZ)—olfactory bulb (OB) system. In both regions newborn neurons display unique properties that clearly distinguish them from mature neurons. Enhanced excitability and increased synaptic plasticity enables them to add specific properties to information processing by modulating the existing local circuitry of already established mature neurons. Hippocampal neurogenesis has been suggested to play a role in spatial-navigation learning, spatial memory, and spatial pattern separation. Cumulative evidences implicate that adult-born OB neurons contribute to learning processes and odor memory. We recently demonstrated that the cell fate determinant TRIM32 is upregulated in differentiating neuroblasts of the SVZ-OB system in the adult mouse brain. The absence of TRIM32 leads to increased progenitor cell proliferation and less cell death. Both effects accumulate in an overproduction of adult-generated OB neurons. Here, we present novel data from behavioral studies showing that such an enhancement of OB neurogenesis not necessarily leads to increased olfactory performance but in contrast even results in impaired olfactory capabilities. In addition, we show at the cellular level that TRIM32 protein levels increase during differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). At the molecular level, several metabolic intermediates that are connected to glycolysis, glycine, or cysteine metabolism are deregulated in TRIM32 knockout mice brain tissue. These metabolomics pathways are directly or indirectly linked to anxiety or depression like behavior. In summary, our study provides comprehensive data on how the impairment of neurogenesis caused by the loss of the cell fate determinant TRIM32 causes a decrease of olfactory performance as well as a deregulation of metabolomic pathways that are linked to mood disorders.

TRIM32 is a novel negative regulator of p53

To ensure proper function, the tumor suppressor p53 is tightly regulated through different post-translational modifications, particularly ubiquitination. Recently, TRIM32 was identified as a p53-regulated gene and an E3 ubiquitin ligase of p53. Thus, TRIM32 and p53 form a novel auto-regulatory negative feedback loop for p53 regulation in cells.

E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM32 negatively regulates tumor suppressor p53 to promote tumorigenesis

Tumor suppressor p53 has a key role in maintaining genomic stability and preventing tumorigenesis through its regulation of cellular stress responses, including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and senescence. To ensure its proper levels and functions in cells, p53 is tightly regulated mainly through post-translational modifications, such as ubiquitination. Here, we identified E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM32 as a novel p53 target gene and negative regulator to regulate p53-mediated stress responses. In response to stress, such as DNA damage, p53 binds to the p53 responsive element in the promoter of the TRIM32 gene and transcriptionally induces the expression of TRIM32 in cells. In turn, TRIM32 interacts with p53 and promotes p53 degradation through ubiquitination. Thus, TRIM32 negatively regulates p53-mediated apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and senescence in response to stress. TRIM32 is frequently overexpressed in different types of human tumors. TRIM32 overexpression promotes cell oncogenic transformation and tumorigenesis in mice in a largely p53-dependent manner. Taken together, our results demonstrated that as a novel p53 target and a novel negative regulator for p53, TRIM32 has an important role in regulation of p53 and p53-mediated cellular stress responses. Furthermore, our results also revealed that impairing p53 function is a novel mechanism for TRIM32 in tumorigenesis.

The TRIM-FLMN protein TRIM45 directly interacts with RACK1 and negatively regulates PKC-mediated signaling pathway

The receptor for activated C-kinase (RACK1), a scaffolding protein that participates in the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway, has an important role in shuttling active PKCs to its substrate. Indeed, recent studies have revealed that RACK1 has an important role in tumorigenesis and that enhancement of the feed-forward mechanism of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-Jun pathway via RACK1 is associated with constitutive activation of MEK (MAPK-ERK kinase)-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling in human melanoma cells. Taken together, RACK1 additionally has a very important role in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Here, we show that one of the tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) family ubiquitin ligases, TRIM45, is a novel RACK1-interacting protein and downregulates MAPK signal transduction. Importantly, the expression of TRIM45 is induced when growth-promoting extracellular stimuli activate the MAPK signaling pathway, resulting in attenuation of activation of the MAPK pathway. These findings suggest that TRIM45 functions as a member of the negative feedback loop of the MAPK pathway.

Synergistic effects of proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in imatinib-sensitive and -resistant chronic myeloid leukemia models

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib has transformed the treatment and outlook of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); however, the development of drug resistance and the persistence of TKI-resistant stem cells remain obstacles to eradicating the disease. Inhibition of proteasome activity with bortezomib has been shown to effectively induce apoptosis in TKI-resistant cells. In this study, we show that exposure to the next generation proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib is associated with a decrease in ERK signaling and increased expression of Abelson interactor proteins 1 and 2 (ABI-1/2). We also investigate the effect of carfilzomib in models of imatinib-sensitive and -resistant CML and demonstrate a potent reduction in proliferation and induction of apoptosis in a variety of models of imatinib-resistant CML, including primitive CML stem cells. Carfilzomib acts synergistically with the TKIs imatinib and nilotinib, even in imatinib-resistant cell lines. In addition, we found that the presence of immunoproteasome subunits is associated with an increased sensitivity to carfilzomib. The present findings provide a rational basis to examine the potential of carfilzomib in combination with TKIs as a potential therapy for CML, particularly in imatinib-resistant disease.

Trim32 reduces PI3K-Akt-FoxO signaling in muscle atrophy by promoting plakoglobin-PI3K dissociation

By promoting dissociation of the desmosomal component plakoglobin from PI3K, the ubiquitin ligase Trim32 reduces PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling in normal and atrophying muscle, potentially contributing to insulin resistance and catabolic disorders.

Activation of the PI3K–Akt–FoxO pathway induces cell growth, whereas its inhibition reduces cell survival and, in muscle, causes atrophy. Here, we report a novel mechanism that suppresses PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling. Although skeletal muscle lacks desmosomes, it contains multiple desmosomal components, including plakoglobin. In normal muscle plakoglobin binds the insulin receptor and PI3K subunit p85 and promotes PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling. During atrophy, however, its interaction with PI3K–p85 is reduced by the ubiquitin ligase Trim32 (tripartite motif containing protein 32). Inhibition of Trim32 enhanced plakoglobin binding to PI3K–p85 and promoted PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling. Surprisingly, plakoglobin overexpression alone enhanced PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling. Furthermore, Trim32 inhibition in normal muscle increased PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling, enhanced glucose uptake, and induced fiber growth, whereas plakoglobin down-regulation reduced PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling, decreased glucose uptake, and caused atrophy. Thus, by promoting plakoglobin–PI3K dissociation, Trim32 reduces PI3K–Akt–FoxO signaling in normal and atrophying muscle. This mechanism probably contributes to insulin resistance during fasting and catabolic diseases and perhaps to the myopathies and cardiomyopathies seen with Trim32 and plakoglobin mutations.

Interaction with the Bardet-Biedl gene product TRIM32/BBS11 modifies the half-life and localization of Glis2/NPHP7

Although the two ciliopathies Bardet-Biedl syndrome and nephronophthisis share multiple clinical manifestations, the molecular basis for this overlap remains largely unknown. Both BBS11 and NPHP7 are unusual members of their respective gene families. Although BBS11/TRIM32 represents a RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase also involved in hereditary forms of muscular dystrophy, NPHP7/Glis2 is a Gli-like transcriptional repressor that localizes to the nucleus, deviating from the ciliary localization of most other ciliopathy-associated gene products. We found that BBS11/TRIM32 and NPHP7/Glis2 can physically interact with each other, suggesting that both proteins form a functionally relevant protein complex in vivo. This hypothesis was further supported by the genetic interaction and synergist cyst formation in the zebrafish pronephros model. However, contrary to our expectation, the E3 ubiquitin ligase BBS11/TRIM32 was not responsible for the short half-life of NPHP7/Glis2 but instead promoted the accumulation of mixed Lys(48)/Lys(63)-polyubiquitylated NPHP7/Glis2 species. This modification not only prolonged the half-life of NPHP7/Glis2, but also altered the subnuclear localization and the transcriptional activity of NPHP7/Glis2. Thus, physical and functional interactions between NPHP and Bardet-Biedl syndrome gene products, demonstrated for Glis2 and TRIM32, may help to explain the phenotypic similarities between these two syndromes.

TRIM32-dependent transcription in adult neural progenitor cells regulates neuronal differentiation

In the adult mammalian brain, neural stem cells in the subventricular zone continuously generate new neurons for the olfactory bulb. Cell fate commitment in these adult neural stem cells is regulated by cell fate-determining proteins. Here, we show that the cell fate-determinant TRIM32 is upregulated during differentiation of adult neural stem cells into olfactory bulb neurons. We further demonstrate that TRIM32 is necessary for the correct induction of neuronal differentiation in these cells. In the absence of TRIM32, neuroblasts differentiate slower and show gene expression profiles that are characteristic of immature cells. Interestingly, TRIM32 deficiency induces more neural progenitor cell proliferation and less cell death. Both effects accumulate in an overproduction of adult-generated olfactory bulb neurons of TRIM32 knockout mice. These results highlight the function of the cell fate-determinant TRIM32 for a balanced activity of the adult neurogenesis process.

Regulatory feedback loop between TP73 and TRIM32

The p73 transcription factor is one of the members of the p53 family of tumor suppressors with unique biological functions in processes like neurogenesis, embryonic development and differentiation. For this reason, p73 activity is tightly regulated by multiple mechanisms, including transcription and post-translational modifications. Here, we identified a novel regulatory loop between TAp73 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32). TRIM32, a new direct p73 transcriptional target in the context of neural progenitor cells, is differentially regulated by p73. Although TAp73 binds to the TRIM32 promoter and activates its expression, TAp73-induced TRIM32 expression is efficiently repressed by DNp73. TRIM32 in turn physically interacts with TAp73 and promotes its ubiquitination and degradation, impairing p73-dependent transcriptional activity. This mutual regulation between p73 and TRIM32 constitutes a novel feedback loop, which might have important implications in central nervous system development as well as relevance in oncogenesis, and thus emerges as a possible therapeutic target.

14-3-3 proteins sequester a pool of soluble TRIM32 ubiquitin ligase to repress autoubiquitylation and cytoplasmic body formation

Deregulated expression of tripartite motif-containing protein 32 (TRIM32, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase) contributes to various diseases. Here we report, using quantitative proteomics and biochemistry, that 14-3-3 proteins bind to phosphorylated TRIM32 and prevent TRIM32 autoubiquitylation and the formation of TRIM32-containing cytoplasmic bodies, which are potential autoregulatory mechanisms that can reduce the concentration of soluble free TRIM32. The 14-3-3-TRIM32 interaction is dependent on protein-kinase-A-catalyzed phosphorylation of TRIM32 at Ser651. We found that the inhibitory effect of 14-3-3 is, in part, a consequence of disrupting the propensity of TRIM32 to undergo higher-order self-association without affecting its dimerization. Consequently, dimerized TRIM32 bound to 14-3-3 was sequestered in a distinct cytoplasmic pool away from the microtubule network, whereas a TRIM32 mutant that cannot bind 14-3-3 underwent multimerization and was unavailable to facilitate cell growth. Our results reveal a novel connection between ubiquitylation and phosphorylation pathways, which could modulate a variety of cell events by stimulating the formation of the 14-3-3-TRIM32 signaling complex.

Tripartite motif ligases catalyze polyubiquitin chain formation through a cooperative allosteric mechanism

Ligation of polyubiquitin chains to proteins is a fundamental post-translational modification, often resulting in targeted degradation of conjugated proteins. Attachment of polyubiquitin chains requires the activities of an E1 activating enzyme, an E2 carrier protein, and an E3 ligase. The mechanism by which polyubiquitin chains are formed remains largely speculative, especially for RING-based ligases. The tripartite motif (TRIM) superfamily of ligases functions in many cellular processes including innate immunity, cellular localization, development and differentiation, signaling, and cancer progression. The present results show that TRIM ligases catalyze polyubiquitin chain formation in the absence of substrate, the rates of which can be used as a functional readout of enzyme function. Initial rate studies under biochemically defined conditions show that TRIM32 and TRIM25 are specific for the Ubc5 family of E2-conjugating proteins and, along with TRIM5α, exhibit cooperative kinetics with respect to Ubc5 concentration, with submicromolar [S]0.5 and Hill coefficients of 3-5, suggesting they possess multiple binding sites for their cognate E2-ubiquitin thioester. Mutation studies reveal a second, non-canonical binding site encompassing the C-terminal Ubc5α-helix. Polyubiquitin chain formation requires TRIM subunit oligomerization through the conserved coiled-coil domain, but can be partially replaced by fusing the catalytic domain to GST to promote dimerization. Other results suggest that TRIM32 assembles polyubiquitin chains as a Ubc5-linked thioester intermediate. These results represent the first detailed mechanistic study of TRIM ligase activity and provide a functional context for oligomerization observed in the superfamily.

TRIM protein-mediated regulation of inflammatory and innate immune signaling and its association with antiretroviral activity

Members of the tripartite interaction motif (TRIM) family of E3 ligases are emerging as critical regulators of innate immunity. To identify new regulators, we carried out a screen of 43 human TRIM proteins for the ability to activate NF-κB, AP-1, and interferon, hallmarks of many innate immune signaling pathways. We identified 16 TRIM proteins that induced NF-κB and/or AP-1. We found that one of these, TRIM62, functions in the TRIF branch of the TLR4 signaling pathway. Knockdown of TRIM62 in primary macrophages led to a defect in TRIF-mediated late NF-κB, AP-1, and interferon production after lipopolysaccharide challenge. We also discovered a role for TRIM15 in the RIG-I-mediated interferon pathway upstream of MAVS. Knockdown of TRIM15 limited virus/RIG-I ligand-induced interferon production and enhanced vesicular stomatitis virus replication. In addition, most TRIM proteins previously identified to inhibit murine leukemia virus (MLV) demonstrated an ability to induce NF-κB/AP-1. Interfering with the NF-κB and AP-1 signaling induced by the antiretroviral TRIM1 and TRIM62 proteins rescued MLV release. In contrast, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gene expression was increased by TRIM proteins that induce NF-κB. HIV-1 resistance to inflammatory TRIM proteins mapped to the NF-κB sites in the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) U3 and could be transferred to MLV. Thus, our work identifies new TRIM proteins involved in innate immune signaling and reinforces the striking ability of HIV-1 to exploit innate immune signaling for the purpose of viral replication.

Ubiquitylation by Trim32 causes coupled loss of desmin, Z-bands, and thin filaments in muscle atrophy

During muscle atrophy, myofibrillar proteins are degraded in an ordered process in which MuRF1 catalyzes ubiquitylation of thick filament components (Cohen et al. 2009. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200901052). Here, we show that another ubiquitin ligase, Trim32, ubiquitylates thin filament (actin, tropomyosin, troponins) and Z-band (α-actinin) components and promotes their degradation. Down-regulation of Trim32 during fasting reduced fiber atrophy and the rapid loss of thin filaments. Desmin filaments were proposed to maintain the integrity of thin filaments. Accordingly, we find that the rapid destruction of thin filament proteins upon fasting was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of desmin filaments, which promoted desmin ubiquitylation by Trim32 and degradation. Reducing Trim32 levels prevented the loss of both desmin and thin filament proteins. Furthermore, overexpression of an inhibitor of desmin polymerization induced disassembly of desmin filaments and destruction of thin filament components. Thus, during fasting, desmin phosphorylation increases and enhances Trim32-mediated degradation of the desmin cytoskeleton, which appears to facilitate the breakdown of Z-bands and thin filaments.

TRIM32 protein modulates type I interferon induction and cellular antiviral response by targeting MITA/STING protein for K63-linked ubiquitination

Viral infection activates several transcription factors including NF-κB and IRF3, which collaborate to induce type I interferons (IFNs) and innate antiviral response. MITA (also called STING) is a critical adaptor protein that links virus-sensing receptors to IRF3 activation upon infection by both RNA and DNA pathogens. Here we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32) ubiquitinated MITA and dramatically enhanced MITA-mediated induction of IFN-β. Overexpression of TRIM32 potentiated virus-triggered IFNB1 expression and cellular antiviral response. Consistently, knockdown of TRIM32 had opposite effects. TRIM32 interacted with MITA, and was located at the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. TRIM32 targeted MITA for K63-linked ubiquitination at K20/150/224/236 through its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, which promoted the interaction of MITA with TBK1. These findings suggest that TRIM32 is an important regulatory protein for innate immunity against both RNA and DNA viruses by targeting MITA for K63-linked ubiquitination and downstream activation.

TRIM45 negatively regulates NF-κB-mediated transcription and suppresses cell proliferation

The NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in cell survival, immunity, inflammation, carcinogenesis, and organogenesis. Activation of NF-κB is regulated by several posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation, neddylation and ubiquitination. The NF-κB signaling pathway is activated by two distinct signaling mechanisms and is strictly modulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. It has been reported that overexpression of TRIM45, one of the TRIM family ubiquitin ligases, suppresses transcriptional activities of Elk-1 and AP-1, which are targets of the MAPK signaling pathway. In this study, we showed that TRIM45 also negatively regulates TNFα-induced NF-κB-mediated transcription by a luciferase reporter assay and that TRIM45 lacking a RING domain also has an activity to inhibit the NF-κB signal. Moreover, we found that TRIM45 overexpression suppresses cell growth. These findings suggest that TRIM45 acts as a repressor for the NF-κB signal and regulates cell growth.

Satellite cell senescence underlies myopathy in a mouse model of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2H

Mutations in the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif-containing 32 (TRIM32) are responsible for the disease limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2H (LGMD2H). Previously, we generated Trim32 knockout mice (Trim32-/- mice) and showed that they display a myopathic phenotype accompanied by neurogenic features. Here, we used these mice to investigate the muscle-specific defects arising from the absence of TRIM32, which underlie the myopathic phenotype. Using 2 models of induced atrophy, we showed that TRIM32 is dispensable for muscle atrophy. Conversely, TRIM32 was necessary for muscle regrowth after atrophy. Furthermore, TRIM32-deficient primary myoblasts underwent premature senescence and impaired myogenesis due to accumulation of PIAS4, an E3 SUMO ligase and TRIM32 substrate that was previously shown to be associated with senescence. Premature senescence of myoblasts was also observed in vivo in an atrophy/regrowth model. Trim32-/- muscles had substantially fewer activated satellite cells, increased PIAS4 levels, and growth failure compared with wild-type muscles. Moreover, Trim32-/- muscles exhibited features of premature sarcopenia, such as selective type II fast fiber atrophy. These results imply that premature senescence of muscle satellite cells is an underlying pathogenic feature of LGMD2H and reveal what we believe to be a new mechanism of muscular dystrophy associated with reductions in available satellite cells and premature sarcopenia.

Genetic, physiological, and lifestyle predictors of mortality in the general population

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the quality of 162 variables, focusing on the contribution of genetic markers, used solely or in combination with other characteristics, when predicting mortality.

METHODS

In 5974 participants from the Rotterdam Study, followed for a median of 15.1 years, 7 groups of factors including age and gender, genetics, socioeconomics, lifestyle, physiological characteristics, prevalent diseases, and indicators of general health were related to all-cause mortality. Genetic variables were identified from 8 genome-wide association scans (n = 19,033) and literature review.

RESULTS

We observed 3174 deaths during follow-up. The fully adjusted model (C-statistic for 15-year follow-up [C15y] = 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79, 0.81) predicted mortality well [corrected]. Most of the additional information apart from age and sex stemmed from physiological markers, prevalent diseases, and general health. Socioeconomic factors and lifestyle contributed meaningfully to mortality risk prediction with longer prediction horizon. Although specific genetic factors were independently associated with mortality, jointly they contributed little to mortality prediction (C(15y) = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.55, 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality can be predicted reasonably well over a long period. Genetic factors independently predict mortality, but only modestly more than other risk indicators.

TRIM6 interacts with Myc and maintains the pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells

The proto-oncogene product Myc is a master regulator of cell proliferation through its specific binding to the E-box motif in genomic DNA. It has been reported that Myc has an important role in the proliferation and maintenance of the pluripotency of embryonic stem (ES) cells and that the transcriptional activity of Myc is regulated by several post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination. In this study, we showed that tripartite motif containing 6 (TRIM6), one of the TRIM family ubiquitin ligases, was selectively expressed in ES cells and interacted with Myc followed by attenuation of the transcriptional activity of Myc. Knockdown of TRIM6 in ES cells enhanced the transcriptional activity of Myc and repressed expression of NANOG, resulting in the promotion of ES cell differentiation. These findings indicate that TRIM6 regulates the transcriptional activity of Myc during the maintenance of ES cell pluripotency, suggesting that TRIM6 functions as a novel regulator for Myc-mediated transcription in ES cells.

TRIM proteins in development

TRIM proteins play important roles in several patho-physiological processes. Their common activity within the ubiquitylation pathway makes them amenable to a number of diverse biological roles. Many of the TRIM genes are highly and sometimes specifically expressed during embryogenesis, it is therefore not surprising that several of them might be involved in developmental processes. Here, we primarily discuss the developmental implications of two subgroups of TRIM proteins that conserved domain composition and functions from their invertebrate ancestors. The two groups are: the TRIM-NHL proteins implicated in miRNA processing regulation and the TRIM-FN3 proteins involved in ventral midline development.

TRIM32 promotes retinoic acid receptor α-mediated differentiation in human promyelogenous leukemic cell line HL60

Ubiquitination, one of the posttranslational modifications, appears to be involved in the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors including retinoic acid receptor α (RARα). We previously reported that an E3 ubiquitin ligase, TRIM32, interacts with several important proteins including RARα and enhances transcriptional activity of RARα in mouse neuroblastoma cells and embryonal carcinoma cells. Retinoic acid (RA), which acts as a ligand to nuclear receptors including RARα, plays crucial roles in development, differentiation, cell cycles and apoptosis. In this study, we found that TRIM32 enhances RARα-mediated transcriptional activity even in the absence of RA and stabilizes RARα in the human promyelogenous leukemic cell line HL60. Moreover, we found that overexpression of TRIM32 in HL60 cells suppresses cellular proliferation and induces granulocytic differentiation even in the absence of RA. These findings suggest that TRIM32 functions as one of the coactivators for RARα-mediated transcription in acute promyelogenous leukemia (APL) cells, and thus TRIM32 may become a potentially therapeutic target for APL.

TRIM family: Pleiotropy and diversification through homomultimer and heteromultimer formation

The TRIM family is composed of multidomain ubiquitin E3 ligases characterized by the presence of the N-terminal tripartite motif (RING, B-boxes, and coiled coil). TRIM proteins transfer the ubiquitin moiety to specific substrates but are also involved in ubiquitin-like modifications, in particular SUMOylation and ISGylation. The TRIM family members are involved in a plethora of biological and physiological processes and, when altered, are implicated in many pathological conditions. Growing evidence indicates the pleiotropic effect of several TRIM genes, each of which might be connected to very diverse cellular processes. As a way to reconcile a single family member with several functions, we propose that structural features, that is, their ability to homo- and hetero-di(multi)merize, can increase and diversify TRIM ubiquitin E3 ligase capability.

TRIM proteins and cancer

Emerging clinical evidence shows that the deregulation of ubiquitin-mediated degradation of oncogene products or tumour suppressors is likely to be involved in the aetiology of carcinomas and leukaemias. Recent studies have indicated that some members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins (one of the subfamilies of the RING type E3 ubiquitin ligases) function as important regulators for carcinogenesis. This Review focuses on TRIM proteins that are involved in tumour development and progression.

TRIM32 promotes neural differentiation through retinoic acid receptor-mediated transcription

Retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A, plays versatile roles in development, differentiation, cell cycles and regulation of apoptosis by regulating gene transcription through nuclear receptor activation. Ubiquitinylation, which is one of the post-translational modifications, appears to be involved in the transcriptional activity of intranuclear receptors including retinoic acid receptor α (RARα). Mutations in the tripartite motif-containing protein 32 gene (TRIM32; also known as E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase) have been reported to be responsible for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2H in humans, and its encoded protein has been shown to interact with several other important proteins. In this study, we found that TRIM32 interacts with RARα and enhances its transcriptional activity in the presence of RA. We also found that overexpression of TRIM32 in mouse neuroblastoma cells and embryonal carcinoma cells promoted stability of RARα, resulting in enhancement of neural differentiation. These findings suggest that TRIM32 functions as one of the co-activators for RARα-mediated transcription, and thereby TRIM32 is a potential therapeutic target for developmental disorders and RA-dependent leukemias.

The cellular level of TRIM31, an RBCC protein overexpressed in gastric cancer, is regulated by multiple mechanisms including the ubiquitin-proteasome system

TRIM (tripartite motif) family proteins, comprising RING finger, B-box and coiled-coil domains, are involved in various cellular processes including tumour development and antiviral response. One of the family proteins, TRIM31, was originally identified as a gene induced by growth-suppressive retinoid. Our previous study showed that TRIM31 is up-regulated in stomach cancer and that TRIM31 protein possesses the common features of the TRIM protein family, for example, ubiquitin ligase activity and homo-oligomerization tendency. Interestingly, TRIM31 negatively regulates growth of certain cell types despite its overexpression in gastric cancer tissues. We herein demonstrated that upon exogenous expression in 293 cells, TRIM31 is polyubiquitylated, which promotes its degradation in the proteasome pathway. The proteasome-mediated degradation of endogenous TRIM31 was further confirmed in AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, this posttranslational modification governs the intracellular abundance of TRIM31, which is also dependent on inducible transcription as well as alternative splicing. The complicated control of the intracellular TRIM31 protein level may relate to its seemingly contradictory behaviours in the cancer pathology or the urgent response to viral infection.

MicroRNA regulation by RNA-binding proteins and its implications for cancer

Non-protein-coding transcripts have been conserved throughout evolution, indicating that crucial functions exist for these RNAs. For example, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to modulate most cellular processes. The protein classes of RNA-binding proteins include essential regulators of miRNA biogenesis, turnover and activity. RNA-RNA and protein-RNA interactions are essential for post-transcriptional regulation in normal development and may be deregulated in disease. In reviewing emerging concepts of the interplay between miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins, we highlight the implications of these complex layers of regulation in cancer initiation and progression.

The common missense mutation D489N in TRIM32 causing limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2H leads to loss of the mutated protein in knock-in mice resulting in a Trim32-null phenotype

Mutations in tripartite motif protein 32 (TRIM32) are responsible for several hereditary disorders that include limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2H (LGMD2H), sarcotubular myopathy (STM) and Bardet Biedl syndrome. Most LGMD2H mutations in TRIM32 are clustered in the NHL β-propeller domain at the C-terminus and are predicted to interfere with homodimerization. To get insight into TRIM32's role in the pathogenesis of LGMD2H and to create an accurate model of disease, we have generated a knock-in mouse (T32KI) carrying the c.1465G > A (p.D489N) mutation in murine Trim32 corresponding to the human LGMD2H/STM pathogenic mutation c.1459G > A (p.D487N). Our data indicate that T32KI mice have both a myopathic and a neurogenic phenotype, very similar to the one described in the Trim32-null mice that we created previously. Analysis of Trim32 gene expression in T32KI mice revealed normal mRNA levels, but a severe reduction in mutant TRIM32 (D489N) at the protein level. Our results suggest that the D489N pathogenic mutation destabilizes the protein, leading to its degradation, and results in the same mild myopathic and neurogenic phenotype as that found in Trim32-null mice. Thus, one potential mechanism of LGMD2H might be destabilization of mutated TRIM32 protein leading to a null phenotype.

TRIM32 protein sensitizes cells to tumor necrosis factor (TNFα)-induced apoptosis via its RING domain-dependent E3 ligase activity against X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)

TRIM32, which belongs to the tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family, has the RING finger, B-box, and coiled-coil domain structures common to this protein family, along with an additional NHL domain at the C terminus. TRIM32 reportedly functions as an E3 ligase for actin, a protein inhibitor of activated STAT y (PIASy), dysbindin, and c-Myc, and it has been associated with diseases such as muscular dystrophy and epithelial carcinogenesis. Here, we identify a new substrate of TRIM32 and propose a mechanism through which TRIM32 might regulate apoptosis. Our overexpression and knockdown experiments demonstrate that TRIM32 sensitizes cells to TNFα-induced apoptosis. The RING domain is necessary for this pro-apoptotic function of TRM32 as well as being responsible for its E3 ligase activity. TRIM32 colocalizes and directly interacts with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), a well known cancer therapeutic target, through its coiled-coil and NHL domains. TRIM32 overexpression enhances XIAP ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome-mediated degradation, whereas TRIM32 knockdown has the opposite effect, indicating that XIAP is a substrate of TRIM32. In vitro reconstitution assay reveals that XIAP is directly ubiquitinated by TRIM32. Our novel results collectively suggest that TRIM32 sensitizes TNFα-induced apoptosis by antagonizing XIAP, an anti-apoptotic downstream effector of TNFα signaling. This function may be associated with TRIM32-mediated tumor suppressive mechanism.

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of neuroblastic tumors reveals clinically relevant epigenetic events and large-scale epigenomic alterations localized to telomeric regions

The downregulation of specific genes through DNA hypermethylation is a major hallmark of cancer, although the extent and genomic distribution of hypermethylation occurring within cancer genomes is poorly understood. We report on the first genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation alterations in different neuroblastic tumor subtypes and cell lines, revealing higher order organization and clinically relevant alterations of the epigenome. The methylation status of 33,485 discrete loci representing all annotated CpG islands and RefSeq gene promoters was assessed in primary neuroblastic tumors and cell lines. A comparison of genes that were hypermethylated exclusively in the clinically favorable ganglioneuroma/ganglioneuroblastoma tumors revealed that nine genes were associated with poor clinical outcome when overexpressed in the unfavorable neuroblastoma (NB) tumors. Moreover, an integrated DNA methylation and copy number analysis identified 80 genes that were recurrently concomitantly deleted and hypermethylated in NB, with 37 reactivated by 5-aza-deoxycytidine. Lower expression of four of these genes was correlated with poor clinical outcome, further implicating their inactivation in aggressive disease pathogenesis. Analysis of genome-wide hypermethylation patterns revealed 70 recurrent large-scale blocks of contiguously hypermethylated promoters/CpG islands, up to 590 kb in length, with a distribution bias toward telomeric regions. Genome-wide hypermethylation events in neuroblastic tumors are extensive and frequently occur in large-scale blocks with a significant bias toward telomeric regions, indicating that some methylation alterations have occurred in a coordinated manner. Our results indicate that methylation contributes toward the clinicopathological features of neuroblastic tumors, revealing numerous genes associated with poor patient survival in NB.

Functional interactions between ubiquitin E2 enzymes and TRIM proteins

The TRIM (tripartite motif) family of proteins is characterized by the presence of the tripartite motif module, composed of a RING domain, one or two B-box domains and a coiled-coil region. TRIM proteins are involved in many cellular processes and represent the largest subfamily of RING-containing putative ubiquitin E3 ligases. Whereas their role as E3 ubiquitin ligases has been presumed, and in several cases established, little is known about their specific interactions with the ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzymes or UBE2s. In the present paper, we report a thorough screening of interactions between the TRIM and UBE2 families. We found a general preference of the TRIM proteins for the D and E classes of UBE2 enzymes, but we also revealed very specific interactions between TRIM9 and UBE2G2, and TRIM32 and UBE2V1/2. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the TRIM E3 activity is only manifest with the UBE2 with which they interact. For most specific interactions, we could also observe subcellular co-localization of the TRIM involved and its cognate UBE2 enzyme, suggesting that the specific selection of TRIM-UBE2 pairs has physiological relevance. Our findings represent the basis for future studies on the specific reactions catalysed by the TRIM E3 ligases to determine the fate of their targets.

Detection and characterization of the in vitro e3 ligase activity of the human MID1 protein

Human MID1 (midline-1) is a microtubule-associated protein that is postulated to target the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A for degradation. It binds alpha4 that then recruits the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A. As a member of the TRIM (tripartite motif) family, MID1 has three consecutive zinc-binding domains-RING (really interesting new gene), Bbox1, and Bbox2-that have similar ββα-folds. Here, we describe the in vitro characterization of these domains individually and in tandem. We observed that the RING domain exhibited greater ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligase activity compared to the Bbox domains. The amount of autopolyubiquitinated products with RING-Bbox1 and RING-Bbox1-Bbox2 domains in tandem was significantly greater than those of the individual domains. However, no polyubiquitinated products were observed for the Bbox1-Bbox domains in tandem. Using mutants of Ub, we observed that these MID1 domain constructs facilitate Ub chain elongation via Lys63 of Ub. In addition, we observed that the high-molecular-weight protein products were primarily due to polyubiquitination at one site (Lys154) on the Bbox1 domain of the RING-Bbox1 and RING-Bbox1-Bbox2 constructs. We observed that MID1 E3 domains could interact with multiple E2-conjugating enzymes. Lastly, a 45-amino-acid peptide derived from the C-terminus of alpha4 that binds tightly to Bbox1 was observed to be monoubiquitinated in the assay and appears to down-regulate the amount of polyubiquitinated products formed. These studies shed light on MID1 E3 ligase activity and show how its three zinc-binding domains can contribute to MID1's overall function.

TRIM40 promotes neddylation of IKKγ and is downregulated in gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal neoplasia seems to be a common consequence of chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal epithelium. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) is an important transcription factor for carcinogenesis in chronic inflammatory diseases and plays a key role in promoting inflammation-associated carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract. Activation of NF-κB is regulated by several posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and neddylation. In this study, we showed that tripartite motif (TRIM) 40 is highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and that TRIM40 physically binds to Nedd8, which is conjugated to target proteins by neddylation. We also found that TRIM40 promotes the neddylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB kinase subunit gamma, which is a crucial regulator for NF-κB activation, and consequently causes inhibition of NF-κB activity, whereas a dominant-negative mutant of TRIM40 lacking the RING domain does not inhibit NF-κB activity. Knockdown of TRIM40 in the small intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 caused NF-κB activation followed by increased cell growth. In addition, we found that TRIM40 is highly expressed in normal gastrointestinal epithelia but that TRIM40 is downregulated in gastrointestinal carcinomas and chronic inflammatory lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. These findings suggest that TRIM40 inhibits NF-κB activity via neddylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB kinase subunit gamma and that TRIM40 prevents inflammation-associated carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2H and the role of TRIM32

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 2H is a slowly progressive condition characterized by proximal weakness, atrophy, and mildly to moderately raised levels of creatine kinase. Facial weakness, scapular winging, hypertrophied calves, and Achilles tendon contractions are not uncommon and the age of onset ranges between the first and fourth decade. LGMD2H was originally described in the Hutterite population that resides in central Canada and the Dakotas of the USA. LGMD2H was mapped to a specific mutation in the TRIM32 gene and it has subsequently been shown that the same mutation also results in the "sarcotubular myopathy" syndrome, which was described histopathologically. TRIM32 appears to be an E3 ubiquitin ligase, containing the tripartite motif common to this family of proteins (RING finger, B-box, coiled-coil). A few substrates have been identified, including actin and dysbindin. Recent studies have identified additional mutations in the C-terminal region of TRIM32 that result in a dystrophic myopathy. Although TRIM32 appears to be expressed ubiquitously, it is still not clear why certain mutations of TRIM32 would result in a phenotype relatively restricted to skeletal muscle. A mutation in the B-box region of TRIM32 has also been shown to result in a more pleiotropic disorder, Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS11). This disorder is associated with obesity, retinopathy, diabetes, polydactyly, renal abnormalities, learning disability, and hypogenitalism. It is likely that C-terminal mutations in TRIM32 affect the ability of muscle proteins to be degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Protein microarray signature of autoantibody biomarkers for the early detection of breast cancer

Cancer patients spontaneously generate autoantibodies (AAb) to tumor-derived proteins. To detect AAb, we have probed novel high-density custom protein microarrays (NAPPA) expressing 4988 candidate tumor antigens with sera from patients with early stage breast cancer (IBC), and bound IgG was measured. We used a three-phase serial screening approach. First, a prescreen was performed to eliminate uninformative antigens. Sera from stage I-III IBC (n = 53) and healthy women (n = 53) were screened for AAb to all 4988 protein antigens. Antigens were selected if the 95th percentile of signal of cases and controls were significantly different (p < 0.05) and if the number of cases with signals above the 95th percentile of controls was significant (p < 0.05). These 761 antigens were screened using an independent set of IBC sera (n = 51) and sera from women with benign breast disease (BBD) (n = 39). From these, 119 antigens had a partial area under the ROC curve (p < 0.05), with sensitivities ranging from 9-40% at >91% specificity. Twenty-eight of these antigens were confirmed using an independent serum cohort (n = 51 cases/38 controls, p < 0.05). Using all 28 AAb, a classifier was identified with a sensitivity of 80.8% and a specificity of 61.6% (AUC = 0.756). These are potential biomarkers for the early detection of breast cancer.

TRIM8 modulates STAT3 activity through negative regulation of PIAS3

TRIM8 is a member of the protein family defined by the presence of a common domain structure composed of a tripartite motif: a RING-finger, one or two B-box domains and a coiled-coil motif. Here, we show that TRIM8 interacts with protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3), which inhibits IL-6-dependent activation of STAT3. Ectopic expression of TRIM8 cancels the negative effect of PIAS3 on STAT3, either by degradation of PIAS3 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway or exclusion of PIAS3 from the nucleus. Furthermore, expression of TRIM8 in NIH3T3 cells enhances Src-dependent tumorigenesis. These findings indicate that TRIM8 enhances the STAT3-dependent signal pathway by inhibiting the function of PIAS3.

Roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in cell adhesion and migration

Recent studies have demonstrated that a number of E3 ubiquitin ligases, including Cbl, Smurf1, Smurf2, HDM2, BCA2, SCF(beta-TRCP) and XRNF185, play important roles in cell adhesion and migration. Cbl negatively regulates cell adhesion via alpha integrin and Rap1 and inhibits actin polymerization by ubiquitinating mDab1 and WAVE2. Smurf1 regulates cell migration through ubiquitination of RhoA, talin head domain and hPEM2, while Smurf2 ubiquitinates Smurf1, TGFbeta type I receptor and RaplB to modulate cell migration and adhesion. HDM2 negatively regulates cell migration by targeting NFAT (a transcription factor) for ubiquitination and degradation, while SCF(beta-TRCP) ubiquitinates Snail (a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin) to inhibit cell migration. TRIM32 promotes cell migration through ubiquitination of Abl interactor 2 (Abi2), a tumor suppressor. RNF5 and XRNF185 modulate cell migration by ubiquitinating paxillin. Thus, these E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate cell adhesion and (or) migration through ubiquitination of their specific substrates.

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBE2Q2 suppresses cell proliferation and is down-regulated in recurrent head and neck cancer

The ubiquitin-proteasome system has a crucial role in maintaining and regulating cellular homeostasis including carcinogenesis. UBE2Q2, also designated Ubci, is one of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2), and it has been reported that mRNA of UBE2Q2 is highly expressed in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly hypopharyngeal carcinoma. However, the involvement of UBE2Q2 in carcinogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Most cases of head and neck carcinoma are treated with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II; CDDP) or docetaxel, which are the most effective chemotherapeutic agents against squamous cell carcinomas. Nevertheless, some head and neck cancers develop resistance to these drugs, although the causes and mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found high expression levels of UBE2Q2 in human head and neck carcinoma cell lines and cancer tissues by using an anti-UBE2Q2 antibody at the protein level. We also found that the expression level of UBE2Q2 is decreased in cell lines and cancer tissues that have resistance to CDDP or docetaxel and in cancer tissues treated with CDDP or docetaxel. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of UBE2Q2 affects cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth. These findings suggest that UBE2Q2 is a novel oncosuppressor that inhibits tumor growth and is related to the resistance to anticarcinoma agents and that UBE2Q2 likely functions as a novel diagnostic tool and a potentially therapeutic target for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.