SIAH-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of acetyl-transferases regulate the p53 response and protein acetylation

SIAH3 is frequently epigenetically silenced in cancer and regulates mitochondrial metabolism

Of the seven in absentia homologue (SIAH) family, three members have been identified in the human genome. In contrast to the E3 ubiquitin ligase encoding SIAH1 and SIAH2, little is known on the regulation and function of SIAH3 in tumorigenesis. In this study, we reveal that SIAH3 is frequently epigenetically silenced in different cancer entities, including cutaneous melanoma, lung adenocarcinoma and head and neck cancer. Low SIAH3 levels correlate with an impaired survival of cancer patients. Additionally, induced expression of SIAH3 reduces cell proliferation and induces cell death. Functionally, SIAH3 negatively affects cellular metabolism by shifting cells form aerobic oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. SIAH3 is localized in the mitochondrion and interacts with proteins involved in mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis and translation. We also report that SIAH3 interacts with ubiquitin ligases, including SIAH1 or SIAH2, and is degraded by them. These results suggest that SIAH3 acts as an epigenetically controlled tumor suppressor by regulating cellular metabolism through the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation.

SIAH1 facilitates the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells through promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of RECK

Siah E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (SIAH1) has been reported to participate in the development of several human cancers, including gastric cancer. However, the effect and mechanism of SIAH1 on the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells need be further explored. Here, we first analyzed the clinical value of SIAH1 in gastric cancer, and found that SIAH1 was up-regulated in gastric cancer and associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, silencing of SIAH1 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells through inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), while overexpression of SIAH1 had the opposite effect. Molecularly, we provided the evidence that reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) was a potential substrate of SIAH1. We determined that SIAH1 could destabilize RECK through promoting its ubiquitination and degradation via proteasome pathway. We also found RECK was involved in SIAH1-regulated gastric cancer cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, SIAH1 is up-regulated in gastric cancer, which promotes the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells through regulating RECK-MMP9 pathway.

SIAH1/CTR9 axis promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma

SIAH1 has been reported to participate in several human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of SIAH1 on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has not been reported in HCC cells. Here, we discovered the inhibitory effect of SIAH1 on HCC cell migration and invasion, which was related with regulating EMT. Molecularly, a yeast two-hybrid experiment indicated that Cln Three Requiring 9 (CTR9) was a potential interacting protein of SIAH1, which was further verified by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Furthermore, SIAH1 inhibited the EMT of HCC cells through negatively regulating CTR9. Importantly, CTR9 was ubiquitinated and degraded by SIAH1 via the proteasome pathway in HCC cells. Additionally, it was showed that SIAH1 mainly mediated the K48-linked polyubiquitination on CTR9. Finally, the protein level of CTR9 was found to be inversely correlated with SIAH1 in human HCC tissues. Summed up all together, these findings reveal that SIAH1/CTR9 axis promotes the EMT of HCC cells and is a promising therapeutic target for HCC therapy.

Insights into Regulators of p53 Acetylation

The tumor suppressor p53 is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of dozens of target genes and diverse physiological processes. To precisely regulate the p53 network, p53 undergoes various post-translational modifications and alters the selectivity of target genes. Acetylation plays an essential role in cell fate determination through the activation of p53. Although the acetylation of p53 has been examined, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear and, thus, have attracted the interest of researchers. We herein discuss the role of acetylation in the p53 pathway, with a focus on p53 acetyltransferases and deacetylases. We also review recent findings on the regulators of these enzymes to understand the mode of p53 acetylation from a broader perspective.

Functional roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant epithelial tumor of the prostate gland with a high male cancer incidence. Numerous studies indicate that abnormal function of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is associated with the progression and metastasis of PCa. E3 ubiquitin ligases, key components of UPS, determine the specificity of substrates, and substantial advances of E3 ubiquitin ligases have been reached recently. Herein, we introduce the structures and functions of E3 ubiquitin ligases and summarize the mechanisms of E3 ubiquitin ligases-related PCa signaling pathways. In addition, some progresses in the development of inhibitors targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases are also included.

SIAH ubiquitin E3 ligases as modulators of inflammatory gene expression

The functionally redundant ubiquitin E3 ligases SIAH1 and SIAH2 have been implicated in the regulation of metabolism and the hypoxic response, while their role in other signal-mediated processes such inflammatory gene expression remains to be defined. Here we have downregulated the expression of both SIAH proteins with specific siRNAs and investigated the functional consequences for IL-1α-induced gene expression. The knockdown of SIAH1/2 modulated the expression of approximately one third of IL-1α-regulated genes. These effects were not due to changes in the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and rather employed further processes including those mediated by the coactivator p300. Most of the proteins encoded by SIAH1/2-regulated genes form a regulatory network of proinflammatory factors. Thus SIAH1/2 proteins function as variable rheostats that control the amplitude rather than the principal activation of the inflammatory gene response.

•

SIAH1/2 function as modulators of IL-1α-triggered gene expression.

•

SIAH1/2 do not participate in the activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway.

•

SIAH1/2 control the stability of the coactivator p300.

Regulation of the SIAH2-HIF-1 Axis by Protein Kinases and Its Implication in Cancer Therapy

The cellular response to hypoxia is a key biological process that facilitates adaptation of cells to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). This process is critical for cancer cells to adapt to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment resulting from rapid tumor growth. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor and a master regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia. The activity of HIF-1 is dictated primarily by its alpha subunit (HIF-1α), whose level and/or activity are largely regulated by an oxygen-dependent and ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated process. Prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Von Hippel-Lindau factor (VHL) catalyze hydroxylation and subsequent ubiquitin-dependent degradation of HIF-1α by the proteasome. Seven in Absentia Homolog 2 (SIAH2), a RING finger-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase, stabilizes HIF-1α by targeting PHDs for ubiquitin-mediated degradation by the proteasome. This SIAH2-HIF-1 signaling axis is important for maintaining the level of HIF-1α under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. A number of protein kinases have been shown to phosphorylate SIAH2, thereby regulating its stability, activity, or substrate binding. In this review, we will discuss the regulation of the SIAH2-HIF-1 axis via phosphorylation of SIAH2 by these kinases and the potential implication of this regulation in cancer biology and cancer therapy.

Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer is orchestrated by MRCKβ-mediated Siah2 phosphorylation

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastric carcinogenesis is initiated by a plethora of signaling events in the infected gastric epithelial cells (GECs). The E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog 2 (Siah2) is induced in GECs in response to H. pylori infection. Posttranslational modifications of Siah2 orchestrate its function as well as stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate Siah2 phosphorylation status under the influence of H. pylori infection and its impact in gastric cancer progression.

METHODS

H. pylori-infected various GECs, gastric tissues from H. pylori-infected GC patients and H. felis-infected C57BL/6 mice were evaluated for Siah2 phosphorylation by western blotting or immunofluorescence microscopy. Coimmunoprecipitation assay followed by mass spectrometry were performed to identify the kinases interacting with Siah2. Phosphorylation sites of Siah2 were identified by using various plasmid constructs generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Proteasome inhibitor MG132 was used to investigate proteasome degradation events. The importance of Siah2 phosphorylation on tumorigenicity of infected cells were detected by using phosphorylation-null mutant and wild type Siah2 stably-transfected cells followed by clonogenicity assay, cell proliferation assay, anchorage-independent growth and transwell invasion assay.

RESULTS

Siah2 was phosphorylated in H. pylori-infected GECs as well as in metastatic GC tissues at residues serine⁶ (Ser⁶) and threonine²⁷⁹ (Thr²⁷⁹). Phosphorylation of Siah2 was mediated by MRCKβ, a Ser/Thr protein kinase. MRCKβ was consistently expressed in uninfected GECs and noncancer gastric tissues but its level decreased in infected GECs as well as in metastatic tissues which had enhanced Siah2 expression. Infected murine gastric tissues showed similar results. MRCKβ could phosphorylate Siah2 but itself got ubiquitinated from this interaction leading to the proteasomal degradation of MRCKβ and use of proteasomal inhibitor MG132 could rescue MRCKβ from Siah2-mediated degradation. Ser⁶ and Thr²⁷⁹ phosphorylated-Siah2 was more stable and tumorigenic than its non-phosphorylated counterpart as revealed by the proliferation, invasion, migration abilities and anchorage-independent growth of stable-transfected cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased level of Ser⁶ and Thr²⁷⁹-phosphorylated-Siah2 and downregulated MRCKβ were prominent histological characteristics of Helicobacter-infected gastric epithelium and metastatic human GC. MRCKβ-dependent Siah2 phosphorylation stabilized Siah2 which promoted anchorage-independent survival and proliferative potential of GECs. Phospho-null mutants of Siah2 (S6A and T279A) showed abated tumorigenicity.

Autophagic feedback-mediated degradation of IKKα requires CHK1- and p300/CBP-dependent acetylation of p53

In our previous report, we demonstrated that one of the catalytic subunits of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, IKKα (encoded by CHUK), performs an NF-κB-independent cytoprotective role in human hepatoma cells under the treatment of the anti-tumor therapeutic reagent arsenite. IKKα triggers its own degradation, as a feedback loop, by activating p53-dependent autophagy, and therefore contributes substantially to hepatoma cell apoptosis induced by arsenite. Interestingly, IKKα is unable to interact with p53 directly but plays a critical role in mediating p53 phosphorylation (at Ser15) by promoting CHK1 activation and CHK1-p53 complex formation. In the current study, we found that p53 acetylation (at Lys373 and/or Lys382) was also critical for the induction of autophagy and the autophagic degradation of IKKα during the arsenite response. Furthermore, IKKα was involved in p53 acetylation through interaction with the acetyltransferases for p53, p300 (also known as EP300) and CBP (also known as CREBBP) (collectively p300/CBP), inducing CHK1-dependent p300/CBP activation and promoting p300-p53 or CBP-p53 complex formation. Therefore, taken together with the previous report, we conclude that both IKKα- and CHK1-dependent p53 phosphorylation and acetylation contribute to mediating selective autophagy feedback degradation of IKKα during the arsenite-induced proapoptotic responses.

WNT Signaling in Melanoma

WNT-signaling controls important cellular processes throughout embryonic development and adult life, so any deregulation of this signaling can result in a wide range of pathologies, including cancer. WNT-signaling is classified into two categories: β-catenin-dependent signaling (canonical pathway) and β-catenin-independent signaling (non-canonical pathway), the latter can be further divided into WNT/planar cell polarity (PCP) and calcium pathways. WNT ligands are considered as unique directional growth factors that contribute to both cell proliferation and polarity. Origin of cancer can be diverse and therefore tissue-specific differences can be found in WNT-signaling between cancers, including specific mutations contributing to cancer development. This review focuses on the role of the WNT-signaling pathway in melanoma. The current view on the role of WNT-signaling in cancer immunity as well as a short summary of WNT pathway-related drugs under investigation are also provided.

Loss of HIPK2 Protects Neurons from Mitochondrial Toxins by Regulating Parkin Protein Turnover

Mitochondria are important sources of energy, but they are also the target of cellular stress, toxin exposure, and aging-related injury. Persistent accumulation of damaged mitochondria has been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. One highly conserved mechanism to clear damaged mitochondria involves the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin and PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), which cooperatively initiate the process called mitophagy that identifies and eliminates damaged mitochondria through the autophagosome and lysosome pathways. Parkin is a mostly cytosolic protein, but is rapidly recruited to damaged mitochondria and target them for mitophagy. Moreover, Parkin interactomes also involve signaling pathways and transcriptional machinery critical for survival and cell death. However, the mechanism that regulates Parkin protein level remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the loss of homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) in neurons and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) has a broad protective effect from cell death induced by mitochondrial toxins. The mechanism by which Hipk2-/- neurons and MEFs are more resistant to mitochondrial toxins is in part due to the role of HIPK2 and its kinase activity in promoting Parkin degradation via the proteasome-mediated mechanism. The loss of HIPK2 leads to higher cytosolic Parkin protein levels at basal conditions and upon exposure to mitochondrial toxins, which protects mitochondria from toxin-induced damage. In addition, Hipk2-/- neurons and MEFs show increased expression of PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1), a Parkin downstream target that can provide additional benefits via transcriptional activation of mitochondrial genes. Together, these results reveal a previously unrecognized avenue to target HIPK2 in neuroprotection via the Parkin-mediated pathway.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this study, we provide evidence that homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) and its kinase activity promote Parkin degradation via the proteasome-mediated pathway. The loss of HIPK2 increases cytosolic and mitochondrial Parkin protein levels under basal conditions and upon exposure to mitochondrial toxins, which protect mitochondria from toxin-induced damage. In addition, Hipk2-/- neurons and mouse embryonic fibroblasts also show increased expression of PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1), a Parkin downstream target that can provide additional benefits via transcriptional activation of mitochondrial genes. These results indicate that targeting HIPK2 and its kinase activity can have neuroprotective effects by elevating Parkin protein levels.

Paradoxical Role for Wild-Type p53 in Driving Therapy Resistance in Melanoma

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive disease, despite recent improvements in therapy. Eradicating all melanoma cells even in drug-sensitive tumors is unsuccessful in patients because a subset of cells can transition to a slow-cycling state, rendering them resistant to most targeted therapy. It is still unclear what pathways define these subpopulations and promote this resistant phenotype. In the current study, we show that Wnt5A, a non-canonical Wnt ligand that drives a metastatic, therapy-resistant phenotype, stabilizes the half-life of p53 and uses p53 to initiate a slow-cycling state following stress (DNA damage, targeted therapy, and aging). Inhibiting p53 blocks the slow-cycling phenotype and sensitizes melanoma cells to BRAF/MEK inhibition. In vivo, this can be accomplished with a single dose of p53 inhibitor at the commencement of BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy. These data suggest that taking the paradoxical approach of inhibiting rather than activating wild-type p53 may sensitize previously resistant metastatic melanoma cells to therapy.

Role of HDAC3-miRNA-CAGE Network in Anti-Cancer Drug-Resistance

Histone modification is associated with resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Epigenetic modifications of histones can regulate resistance to anti-cancer drugs. It has been reported that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) regulates responses to anti-cancer drugs, angiogenic potential, and tumorigenic potential of cancer cells in association with cancer-associated genes (CAGE), and in particular, a cancer/testis antigen gene. In this paper, we report the roles of microRNAs that regulate the expression of HDAC3 and CAGE involved in resistance to anti-cancer drugs and associated mechanisms. In this review, roles of HDAC3-miRNAs-CAGE molecular networks in resistance to anti-cancer drugs, and the relevance of HDAC3 as a target for developing anti-cancer drugs are discussed.

Regulation of the ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation of CREB-binding protein modulates histone acetylation and lung inflammation

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) is a histone acetyltransferase that plays a pivotal role in the control of histone modification and the expression of cytokine-encoding genes in inflammatory diseases, including sepsis and lung injury. We found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase subunit FBXL19 targeted CBP for site-specific ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation. The ubiquitylation-dependent degradation of CBP reduced the extent of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-dependent histone acetylation and cytokine release in mouse lung epithelial cells and in a mouse model of sepsis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the deubiquitylating enzyme USP14 (ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14) stabilized CBP by reducing its ubiquitylation. LPS increased the stability of CBP by reducing the association between CBP and FBXL19 and by activating USP14. Inhibition of USP14 reduced CBP protein abundance and attenuated LPS-stimulated histone acetylation and cytokine release. Together, our findings delineate the molecular mechanisms through which CBP stability is regulated by FBXL19 and USP14, which results in the modulation of chromatin remodeling and the expression of cytokine-encoding genes.

miR-335 Targets SIAH2 and Confers Sensitivity to Anti-Cancer Drugs by Increasing the Expression of HDAC3

We previously reported the role of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in response to anti-cancer drugs. The decreased expression of HDAC3 in anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cell line is responsible for the resistance to anti-cancer drugs. In this study, we investigated molecular mechanisms associated with regulation of HDAC3 expression. MG132, an inhibitor of proteasomal degradation, induced the expression of HDAC3 in various anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cell lines. Ubiquitination of HDAC3 was observed in various anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cell lines. HDAC3 showed an interaction with SIAH2, an ubiquitin E3 ligase, that has increased expression in various anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cell lines. miRNA array analysis showed the decreased expression of miR-335 in these cells. Targetscan analysis predicted the binding of miR-335 to the 3'-UTR of SIAH2. miR-335-mediated increased sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs was associated with its effect on HDAC3 and SIAH2 expression. miR-335 exerted apoptotic effects and inhibited ubiquitination of HDAC3 in anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cell lines. miR-335 negatively regulated the invasion, migration, and growth rate of cancer cells. The mouse xenograft model showed that miR-335 negatively regulated the tumorigenic potential of cancer cells. The down-regulation of SIAH2 conferred sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. The results of the study indicated that the miR-335/SIAH2/HDAC3 axis regulates the response to anti-cancer drugs.

CDK2 phosphorylation regulates the protein stability of KLF10 by interfering with binding of the E3 ligase SIAH1

Downregulation of multiple cell cycle-regulatory molecules is a dominant event in TGF-β1-mediated growth inhibition of human carcinoma cells. It is known that KLF10 mimics the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects that TGF-β1 has on epithelial cell growth and the growth of various tumor cells; based on these findings it is considered as a tumor suppressor. KLF10 protein expression is tightly associated with cell cycle-dependent events. However, the regulatory mechanism and its biological meaning have not been identified. In this study, we have demonstrated that KLF10 is a substrate of CDK2/cyclin E and can be phosphorylated. We also have shown that KLF10 efficiently binds to CDK2, while binding much less to CDK4, and displaying no binding to Cdk6. Using mass spectrometry, site direct mutagenesis, in vitro kinase assays and depletion assays, we have established that CDK2 phosphorylates Ser206, which subsequently affects the steady state level of KLF10 in cells. Our studies have also proved that CDK2 up-regulates the protein level of KLF10 through reducing its association with SIAH1, a KLF10 E3-ubiqutin ligase involved in proteasomal degradation. Taken all together, these findings indicate that CDK2-dependent phosphorylation regulates KLF10 stability and that this affects the role of KLF10 in cell.

p53 Acetylation: Regulation and Consequences

Post-translational modifications of p53 are critical in modulating its tumor suppressive functions. Ubiquitylation, for example, plays a major role in dictating p53 stability, subcellular localization and transcriptional vs. non-transcriptional activities. Less is known about p53 acetylation. It has been shown to govern p53 transcriptional activity, selection of growth inhibitory vs. apoptotic gene targets, and biological outcomes in response to diverse cellular insults. Yet recent in vivo evidence from mouse models questions the importance of p53 acetylation (at least at certain sites) as well as canonical p53 functions (cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis) to tumor suppression. This review discusses the cumulative findings regarding p53 acetylation, with a focus on the acetyltransferases that modify p53 and the mechanisms regulating their activity. We also evaluate what is known regarding the influence of other post-translational modifications of p53 on its acetylation, and conclude with the current outlook on how p53 acetylation affects tumor suppression. Due to redundancies in p53 control and growing understanding that individual modifications largely fine-tune p53 activity rather than switch it on or off, many questions still remain about the physiological importance of p53 acetylation to its role in preventing cancer.

Role of HIPK2 in kidney fibrosis

Homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) functions as either a co-repressor or a co-activator of transcriptional regulators. Dysregulation of HIPK2 is associated with cancer and neurological disease. Recently, we found that HIPK2 is also an important driver of kidney fibrosis in the HIV-1 transgenic murine model, Tg26. HIPK2 protein levels are upregulated in the tubular epithelial cells of Tg26 mice as well as in kidney biopsies of patients with HIV-associated nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, and IgA nephropathy. We found that HIPK2 regulates pro-apoptotic, pro-fibrotic, and pro-inflammatory pathways including p53, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-SMAD family member 3 (Smad3), Notch, Wingless and INT-1 (Wnt)/β-catenin, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells in renal tubular epithelial cells. Our data suggest that HIPK2 may be a potential target for antifibrotic therapy. As mice with germline deletion of HIPK2 do not exhibit any phenotypic change under basal conditions, we do not expect significant side effects with specific HIPK2 inhibitors. However, potential effects of HIPK2 on tumor growth should be considered because of its tumor suppressor effects. Therefore, further understanding of structure-function relationships and post-translational modifications of HIPK2 are necessary to develop more specific drugs targeting the pro-fibrotic effects of HIPK2.

HIPK2 modification code for cell death and survival

Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that participates in the regulation of diverse cellular activities as a transcriptional cofactor and signal transducer. HIPK2 senses various signaling cues that in turn phosphorylate downstream substrates to coordinate developmental processes, cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, differentiation, and the DNA damage response. HIPK2 functions are affected by its catalytic activity, stability, and subcellular localization, which in turn are dynamically regulated by diverse post-translational modifications such as polyubiquitination, SUMOylation, phosphorylation, and acetylation. HIPK2 is not modified with small molecules and/or peptides individually or independently, but in a combinatorial manner that is referred to as the “HIPK2 modification code.” HIPK2 integrates various signaling cues and senses different doses of DNA damage and ROS stimuli, which are reflected by unique patterns of HIPK2 modification. Hence, the HIPK2 modification code differentially contributes to cellular homeostasis and determination of cell fate depending on cellular context.

Histone deacetylase 2 controls p53 and is a critical factor in tumorigenesis

Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) regulates biological processes by deacetylation of histones and non-histone proteins. HDAC2 is overexpressed in numerous cancer types, suggesting general cancer-relevant functions of HDAC2. In human tumors the TP53 gene encoding p53 is frequently mutated and wild-type p53 is often disarmed. Molecular pathways inactivating wild-type p53 often remain to be defined and understood. Remarkably, current data link HDAC2 to the regulation of the tumor suppressor p53 by deacetylation and to the maintenance of genomic stability. Here, we summarize recent findings on HDAC2 overexpression in solid and hematopoietic cancers with a focus on mechanisms connecting HDAC2 and p53 in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we present an evidence-based model that integrates molecular pathways and feedback loops by which p53 and further transcription factors govern the expression and the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of HDAC2 and of p53 itself. Understanding the interactions between p53 and HDAC2 might aid in the development of new therapeutic approaches against cancer.

Regulators and effectors of Siah ubiquitin ligases

The Siah ubiquitin ligases are members of the RING finger E3 ligases. The Siah E3s are conserved from fly to mammals. Primarily implicated in cellular stress responses, Siah ligases play a key role in hypoxia, through the regulation of HIF-1α transcription stability and activity. Concomitantly, physiological conditions associated with varying oxygen tension often highlight the importance of Siah, as seen in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Notably, recent studies also point to the role of these ligases in fundamental processes including DNA damage response, cellular organization and polarity. This review summarizes the current understanding of upstream regulators and downstream effectors of Siah.