Ubiquitin-like protein activation

UBR4 deficiency causes male sterility and testis abnormal in Drosophila

Introduction

It has been established that UBR4 encodes E3 ubiquitin ligase, which determines the specificity of substrate binding during protein ubiquitination and has been associated with various functions of the nervous system but not the reproductive system. Herein, we explored the role of UBR4 on fertility with a Drosophila model.

Methods

Different Ubr4 knockdown flies were established using the UAS/GAL4 activating sequence system. Fertility, hatchability, and testis morphology were studied, and bioinformatics analyses were conducted. Our results indicated that UBR4 deficiency could induce male sterility and influent egg hatchability in Drosophila.

Results

We found that Ubr4 deficiency affected the testis during morphological analysis. Proteomics analysis indicated 188 upregulated proteins and 175 downregulated proteins in the testis of Ubr4 knockdown flies. Gene Ontology analysis revealed significant upregulation of CG11598 and Sfp65A, and downregulation of Pelota in Ubr4 knockdown flies. These proteins were involved in the biometabolic or reproductive process in Drosophila. These regulated proteins are important in testis generation and sperm storage promotion. Bioinformatics analysis verified that UBR4 was low expressed in cryptorchidism patients, which further supported the important role of UBR4 in male fertility.

Discussion

Overall, our findings suggest that UBR4 deficiency could promote male infertility and may be involved in the protein modification of UBR4 by upregulating Sfp65A and CG11598, whereas downregulating Pelota protein expression.

Association Between Neddylation and Immune Response

Neddylation is a ubiquitin-like post-translational protein modification. It occurs via the activation of the neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated protein 8 (NEDD8) by three enzymes: activating enzyme, conjugating enzyme, and ligase. NEDD8 was first isolated from the mouse brain in 1992 and was initially considered important for the development and differentiation of the central nervous system. Previously, the downregulation of neddylation was associated with some human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. In recent years, neddylation has also been proven to be pivotal in various processes of the human immune system, including the regulation of inflammation, bacterial infection, viral infection, and T cell function. Additionally, NEDD8 was found to act on proteins that can affect viral transcription, leading to impaired infectivity. Here, we focused on the influence of neddylation on the innate and adaptive immune responses.

ISG15 and ISGylation in Human Diseases

Type I Interferons (IFNs) induce the expression of >500 genes, which are collectively called ISGs (IFN-stimulated genes). One of the earliest ISGs induced by IFNs is ISG15 (Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15). Free ISG15 protein synthesized from the ISG15 gene is post-translationally conjugated to cellular proteins and is also secreted by cells into the extracellular milieu. ISG15 comprises two ubiquitin-like domains (UBL1 and UBL2), each of which bears a striking similarity to ubiquitin, accounting for its earlier name ubiquitin cross-reactive protein (UCRP). Like ubiquitin, ISG15 harbors a characteristic β-grasp fold in both UBL domains. UBL2 domain has a conserved C-terminal Gly-Gly motif through which cellular proteins are appended via an enzymatic cascade similar to ubiquitylation called ISGylation. ISG15 protein is minimally expressed under physiological conditions. However, its IFN-dependent expression is aberrantly elevated or compromised in various human diseases, including multiple types of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders (Ataxia Telangiectasia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), inflammatory diseases (Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease (MSMD), bacteriopathy and viropathy), and in the lumbar spinal cords of veterans exposed to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). ISG15 and ISGylation have both inhibitory and/or stimulatory roles in the etiology and pathogenesis of human diseases. Thus, ISG15 is considered a “double-edged sword” for human diseases in which its expression is elevated. Because of the roles of ISG15 and ISGylation in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis, conferring anti-cancer drug sensitivity to tumor cells, and its elevated expression in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and veterans exposed to TBI, both ISG15 and ISGylation are now considered diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these ailments. In the current review, we shall cover the exciting journey of ISG15, spanning three decades from the bench to the bedside.

Neddylation modification of the U3 snoRNA-binding protein RRP9 by Smurf1 promotes tumorigenesis

Neddylation is a posttranslational modification that attaches ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 to protein targets via Nedd8-specific E1-E2-E3 enzymes and modulates many important biological processes. Nedd8 attaches to a lysine residue of a substrate, not for degradation, but for modulation of substrate activity. We previously identified the HECT-type ubiquitin ligase Smurf1, which controls diverse cellular processes, is activated by Nedd8 through covalent neddylation. Smurf1 functions as a thioester bond-type Nedd8 ligase to catalyze its own neddylation. Numerous ubiquitination substrates of Smurf1 have been identified, but the neddylation substrates of Smurf1 remain unknown. Here, we show that Smurf1 interacts with RRP9, a core component of the U3 snoRNP complex, which is involved in pre-rRNA processing. Our in vivo and in vitro neddylation modification assays show that RRP9 is conjugated with Nedd8. RRP9 neddylation is catalyzed by Smurf1 and removed by the NEDP1 deneddylase. We identified Lys221 as a major neddylation site on RRP9. Deficiency of RRP9 neddylation inhibits pre-rRNA processing and leads to downregulation of ribosomal biogenesis. Consequently, functional studies suggest that ectopic expression of RRP9 promotes tumor cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration, whereas unneddylated RRP9, K221R mutant has no such effect. Furthermore, in human colorectal cancer, elevated expression of RRP9 and Smurf1 correlates with cancer progression. These results reveal that Smurf1 plays a multifaceted role in pre-rRNA processing by catalyzing RRP9 neddylation and shed new light on the oncogenic role of RRP9.

Signaling Pathways Regulated by UBR Box-Containing E3 Ligases

UBR box E3 ligases, also called N-recognins, are integral components of the N-degron pathway. Representative N-recognins include UBR1, UBR2, UBR4, and UBR5, and they bind destabilizing N-terminal residues, termed N-degrons. Understanding the molecular bases of their substrate recognition and the biological impact of the clearance of their substrates on cellular signaling pathways can provide valuable insights into the regulation of these pathways. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the binding mechanism of UBR box N-recognin/N-degron interactions and their roles in signaling pathways linked to G-protein-coupled receptors, apoptosis, mitochondrial quality control, inflammation, and DNA damage. The targeting of these UBR box N-recognins can provide potential therapies to treat diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

E1 Enzymes as Therapeutic Targets in Cancer

Post-translational modifications of cellular substrates with ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs), including ubiquitin, SUMOs, and neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8, play a central role in regulating many aspects of cell biology. The UBL conjugation cascade is initiated by a family of ATP-dependent enzymes termed E1 activating enzymes and executed by the downstream E2-conjugating enzymes and E3 ligases. Despite their druggability and their key position at the apex of the cascade, pharmacologic modulation of E1s with potent and selective drugs has remained elusive until 2009. Among the eight E1 enzymes identified so far, those initiating ubiquitylation (UBA1), SUMOylation (SAE), and neddylation (NAE) are the most characterized and are implicated in various aspects of cancer biology. To date, over 40 inhibitors have been reported to target UBA1, SAE, and NAE, including the NAE inhibitor pevonedistat, evaluated in more than 30 clinical trials. In this Review, we discuss E1 enzymes, the rationale for their therapeutic targeting in cancer, and their different inhibitors, with emphasis on the pharmacologic properties of adenosine sulfamates and their unique mechanism of action, termed substrate-assisted inhibition. Moreover, we highlight other less-characterized E1s-UBA6, UBA7, UBA4, UBA5, and autophagy-related protein 7-and the opportunities for targeting these enzymes in cancer. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The clinical successes of proteasome inhibitors in cancer therapy and the emerging resistance to these agents have prompted the exploration of other signaling nodes in the ubiquitin-proteasome system including E1 enzymes. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the biology of different E1 enzymes, their roles in cancer, and how to translate this knowledge into novel therapeutic strategies with potential implications in cancer treatment.

Neddylation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c is a potential therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty liver treatment

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for progression of steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Although pathological condition of NAFLD, which arises from an excessive accumulation of triglyceride in the liver, is accompanied by elevated sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) level, it is largely unknown which factors are involved in the modification of SREBP1c. In this study, we discovered that neddylation of SREBP1c competes with its ubiquitination and stabilizes SREBP1c protein level, and eventually promotes hepatic steatosis. We also demonstrated that human homolog of mouse double minute 2 (HDM2) acts as an E3 neddylation ligase of SREBP1c. Further, treatment with the neddylation inhibitor, MLN4924, attenuates high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis by reducing the levels of SREBP1c protein and hepatic triglyceride. Our results indicate that the blockade of SREBP1c neddylation could be a novel approach in the defense against NAFLD.

Repurposing old drugs as new inhibitors of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for cancer treatment

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in the degradation of cellular proteins. Targeting protein degradation has been validated as an effective strategy for cancer therapy since 2003. Several components of the UPS have been validated as potential anticancer targets, including 20S proteasomes, 19S proteasome-associated deubiquitinases (DUBs) and ubiquitin ligases (E3s). 20S proteasome inhibitors (such as bortezomib/BTZ and carfilzomib/CFZ) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and some other liquid tumors. Although survival of MM patients has been improved by the introduction of BTZ-based therapies, these clinical 20S proteasome inhibitors have several limitations, including emergence of resistance in MM patients, neuro-toxicities, and little efficacy in solid tumors. One of strategies to improve the current status of cancer treatment is to repurpose old drugs with UPS-inhibitory properties as new anticancer agents. Old drug reposition represents an attractive drug discovery approach compared to the traditional de novo drug discovery process which is time-consuming and costly. In this review, we summarize status of repurposed inhibitors of various UPS components, including 20S proteasomes, 19S-associated DUBs, and ubiquitin ligase E3s. The original and new mechanisms of action, molecular targets, and potential anticancer activities of these repurposed UPS inhibitors are reviewed, and their new uses including combinational therapies for cancer treatment are discussed.

Rational Engineering and Preclinical Evaluation of Neddylation and SUMOylation Site Modified Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors in Murine Models of Hemophilia B and Leber Congenital Amaurosis

Synthetic engineering of viral vectors such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) is crucial to overcome host transduction barriers observed during clinical gene therapy. We reasoned that exploring the role of cellular ubiquitin-like modifiers (UBLs) such as Neddylation or SUMOylation during AAV transduction could be beneficial. Using a combination of in silico biochemical and molecular engineering strategies, we have studied the impact of these UBLs during AAV2 infection and further developed Neddylation or SUMOylation site–modified AAV vectors and validated them in multiple disease models in vitro and in vivo. Hepatic gene transfer of two novel vectors developed, K105Q (SUMOylation-site mutant) and K665Q (Neddylation-site mutant), demonstrated a significantly improved human coagulation factor (F) IX expression (up to two-fold) in a murine model of hemophilia B. Furthermore, subretinal gene transfer of AAV2-K105Q vector expressing RPE65 gene demonstrated visual correction in a murine model of a retinal degenerative disease (rd12 mice). These vectors did not have any adverse immunogenic events in vivo. Taken together, we demonstrate that gene delivery vectors specifically engineered at UBLs can improve the therapeutic outcome during AAV-mediated ocular or hepatic gene therapy.

Dissecting Distinct Roles of NEDDylation E1 Ligase Heterodimer APPBP1 and UBA3 Reveals Potential Evolution Process for Activation of Ubiquitin-related Pathways

Despite the similar enzyme cascade in the Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like peptide(Ubl) conjugation, the involvement of single or heterodimer E1 activating enzyme has been a mystery. Here, by using a quantitative Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) technology, aided with Analysis of Electrostatic Similarities Of Proteins (AESOP) computational framework, we elucidate in detail the functional properties of each subunit of the E1 heterodimer activating-enzyme for NEDD8, UBA3 and APPBP1. In contrast to SUMO activation, which requires both subunits of its E1 heterodimer AOS1-Uba2 for its activation, NEDD8 activation requires only one of two E1 subunits, UBA3. The other subunit, APPBP1, only contributes by accelerating the activation reaction rate. This discovery implies that APPBP1 functions mainly as a scaffold protein to enhance molecular interactions and facilitate catalytic reaction. These findings for the first time reveal critical new mechanisms and a potential evolutionary pathway for Ubl activations. Furthermore, this quantitative FRET approach can be used for other general biochemical pathway analysis in a dynamic mode.

Functions and substrates of NEDDylation during cell cycle in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

NEDDylation, a post-translational modification mediated by the conjugation of the ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 to specific substrates, is an essential biological process that regulates cell cycle progression in eukaryotes. Here, we report the conservation of NEDDylation machinery and NEDDylated proteins in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. We have identified all the components necessary for reversible NEDDylation in the silkworm including Nedd8, E1, E2, E3, and deNEDDylation enzymes. By the approach of RNAi-mediated gene silencing, it was shown that knockdown of BmNedd8 and the conjugating enzymes decreased the global level of NEDDylation, while knockdown of deNEDDylation enzymes increased the prevalence of this modification in cultured silkworm cells. Moreover, the lack of the NEDDylation system caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and resulted in defects in chromosome congression and segregation. Using the wild-type and mutants of BmNedd8, we identified the specific substrates of BmNedd8, which are involved in the regulation for many cellular processes, including ribosome biogenesis, spliceosome structure, spindle formation, metabolism, and RNA biogenesis. This clearly demonstrates that the NEDDylation system is able to control multiple pathways in the silkworm. Altogether, the information on the functions and substrates of the NEDDylation system presented here could provide a basis for future investigations of protein NEDDylation and its regulatory mechanism on cell cycle progression in the silkworm.

Mechanistic insight into protein modification and sulfur mobilization activities of noncanonical E1 and associated ubiquitin-like proteins of Archaea

Here we provide the first detailed biochemical study of a noncanonical E1-like enzyme with broad specificity for cognate ubiquitin-like (Ubl) proteins that mediates Ubl protein modification and sulfur mobilization to form molybdopterin and thiolated tRNA. Isothermal titration calorimetry and in vivo analyses proved useful in discovering that environmental conditions, ATP binding, and Ubl type controlled the mechanism of association of the Ubl protein with its cognate E1-like enzyme (SAMP and UbaA of the archaeon Haloferax volcanii, respectively). Further analysis revealed that ATP hydrolysis triggered the formation of thioester and peptide bonds within the Ubl:E1-like complex. Importantly, the thioester was an apparent precursor to Ubl protein modification but not sulfur mobilization. Comparative modeling to MoeB/ThiF guided the discovery of key residues within the adenylation domain of UbaA that were needed to bind ATP as well as residues that were specifically needed to catalyze the downstream reactions of sulfur mobilization and/or Ubl protein modification. UbaA was also found to be Ubl-automodified at lysine residues required for early (ATP binding) and late (sulfur mobilization) stages of enzyme activity revealing multiple layers of autoregulation. Cysteine residues, distinct from the canonical E1 'active site' cysteine, were found important in UbaA function supporting a model that this noncanonical E1 is structurally flexible in its active site to allow Ubl~adenylate, Ubl~E1-like thioester and cysteine persulfide(s) intermediates to form.

Ubiquitin-like Protein Conjugation: Structures, Chemistry, and Mechanism

Ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubl's) are conjugated to target proteins or lipids to regulate their activity, stability, subcellular localization, or macromolecular interactions. Similar to ubiquitin, conjugation is achieved through a cascade of activities that are catalyzed by E1 activating enzymes, E2 conjugating enzymes, and E3 ligases. In this review, we will summarize structural and mechanistic details of enzymes and protein cofactors that participate in Ubl conjugation cascades. Precisely, we will focus on conjugation machinery in the SUMO, NEDD8, ATG8, ATG12, URM1, UFM1, FAT10, and ISG15 pathways while referring to the ubiquitin pathway to highlight common or contrasting themes. We will also review various strategies used to trap intermediates during Ubl activation and conjugation.

Identification, Quantification, and Site Localization of Protein Posttranslational Modifications via Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are important biochemical processes for regulating various signaling pathways and determining specific cell fate. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics has been developed extensively in the past decade and is becoming the standard approach for systematic characterization of different PTMs on a global scale. In this chapter, we will explain the biological importance of various PTMs, summarize key innovations in PTMs enrichment strategies, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based fractionation approaches, mass spectrometry detection methods, and lastly bioinformatic tools for PTMs related data analysis. With great effort in recent years by the proteomics community, highly efficient enriching methods and comprehensive resources have been developed. This chapter will specifically focus on five major types of PTMs; phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination/sumosylation, acetylation, and methylation.

Multimodal mechanism of action for the Cdc34 acidic loop: a case study for why ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes have loops and tails

Together with ubiquitin ligases (E3), ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2) are charged with the essential task of synthesizing ubiquitin chains onto protein substrates. Some 75% of the known E2s in the human proteome contain unique insertions in their primary sequences, yet it is largely unclear what effect these insertions impart on the ubiquitination reaction. Cdc34 is an important E2 with prominent roles in cell cycle regulation and signal transduction. The amino acid sequence of Cdc34 contains an insertion distal to the active site that is absent in most other E2s, yet this acidic loop (named for its four invariably conserved acidic residues) is critical for Cdc34 function both in vitro and in vivo. Here we have investigated how the acidic loop in human Cdc34 promotes ubiquitination, identifying two key molecular events during which the acidic loop exerts its influence. First, the acidic loop promotes the interaction between Cdc34 and its ubiquitin ligase partner, SCF. Second, two glutamic acid residues located on the distal side of the loop collaborate with an invariably conserved histidine on the proximal side of the loop to suppress the pKa of an ionizing species on ubiquitin or Cdc34 which greatly contributes to Cdc34 catalysis. These results demonstrate that insertions can guide E2s to their physiologically relevant ubiquitin ligases as well as provide essential modalities that promote catalysis.

Poised for success: implementation of sound conditioning strategies to promote endogenous protective responses to stroke in patients

The following perspective represents our summary of questions, ideas, concerns, and recommendations expressed by speakers and discussants at the second Biennial Translational Preconditioning Workshop held in Miami in December 2011.

Structural insights into functional modes of proteins involved in ubiquitin family pathways

The conjugation of ubiquitin and related modifiers to selected proteins represents a general mechanism to alter the function of these protein targets, thereby increasing the complexity of the cellular proteome. Ubiquitylation is catalyzed by a hierarchical enzyme cascade consisting of ubiquitin activating, ubiquitin conjugating, and ubiquitin ligating enzymes, and their combined action results in a diverse topology of ubiquitin-linkages on the modified proteins. Counteracting this machinery are various deubiquitylating enzymes while ubiquitin recognition in all its facets is accomplished by numerous ubiquitin-binding elements. In the following chapter, we attempt to provide an overview on enzymes involved in ubiquitylation as well as the removal of ubiquitin and proteins involved in the recognition and binding of ubiquitin from a structural biologist's perspective.

E1-E2 interactions in ubiquitin and Nedd8 ligation pathways

Initial rates of E1-catalyzed E2 transthiolation have been used as a reporter function to probe the mechanism of 125I-ubiquitin transfer between activation and ligation half-reactions of ubiquitin conjugation. A functional survey of 11 representative human E2 paralogs reveals similar Km for binding to human Uba1 ternary complex (Km(ave)=121±72 nm) and kcat for ubiquitin transfer (kcat(ave)=4.0±1.2 s(-1)), suggesting that they possess a conserved binding site and transition state geometry and that they compete for charging through differences in intracellular concentration. Sequence analysis and mutagenesis localize this binding motif to three basic residues within Helix 1 of the E2 core domain, confirmed by transthiolation kinetics. Partial conservation of the motif among E2 paralogs not recognized by Uba1 suggests that another factor(s) account for the absolute specificity of cognate E2 binding. Truncation of the Uba1 carboxyl-terminal β-grasp domain reduces cognate Ubc2b binding by 31-fold and kcat by 3.5×10(4)-fold, indicating contributions to E2 binding and transition state stabilization. Truncation of the paralogous domain from the Nedd8 activating enzyme has negligible effect on cognate Ubc12 transthiolation but abrogates E2 specificity toward non-cognate carrier proteins. Exchange of the β-grasp domains between ubiquitin and Nedd8 activating enzymes fails to reverse the effect of truncation. Thus, the conserved Helix 1 binding motif and the β-grasp domain direct general E2 binding, whereas the latter additionally serves as a specificity filter to exclude charging of non-cognate E2 paralogs in order to maintain the fidelity of downstream signaling.

Mono-ubiquitination drives nuclear export of the human DCN1-like protein hDCNL1

Conjugation of Nedd8 to a cullin protein, termed neddylation, is an evolutionarily conserved process that functions to activate the cullin-RING family E3 ubiquitin ligases, leading to increased proteasomal degradation of a wide range of substrate proteins. Recent emerging evidence demonstrates that cellular neddylation requires the action of Dcn1, which, in humans, consists of five homologues designated as hDCNL1-5. Here we revealed a previously unknown mechanism that regulates hDCNL1. In cultured mammalian cells ectopically expressed hDCNL1 was mono-ubiquitinated predominantly at K143, K149, and K171. Using a classical chromatographic purification strategy, we identified Nedd4-1 as an E3 ligase that can catalyze mono-ubiquitination of hDCNL1 in a reconstituted ubiquitination system. In addition, the hDCNL1 N-terminal ubiquitin-binding domain is necessary and sufficient to mediate mono-ubiquitination. Finally, fluorescence microscopic and subcellular fractionation analyses revealed a role for mono-ubiquitination in driving nuclear export of hDCNL1. Taken together, these results suggest a mono-ubiquitination-mediated mechanism that governs nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of hDCNL1, thereby regulating hDCNL1-dependent activation of the cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases in selected cellular compartments.

Antiviral signaling through retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors

The innate immune system is essential for the first line of host defense against micropathogens. In virus-infected cells, exposed viral nucleotides are sensed by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), resulting in the induction of type I interferon. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors (RLRs) are a member of PRRs and are known to be crucial molecules in innate immune responses. Upon viral recognition, RLRs recruit their specific adaptor molecules, leading to the activation of antiviral signaling molecules including interferon regulatory factor-3 and nuclear factor-κB. Mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) protein is also known as one of the adaptor molecules responsible for antiviral signaling triggered by RLRs. Recent reports have identified numerous intracellular molecules involved in the antiviral responses mediated by RLRs/MAVS. Several viral proteins interfere with the RLR/MAVS signaling, allowing the virus to evade the host defense. In this review, we comprehensively update RLR-dependent antiviral signaling with special reference to the RLRs/MAVS-mediated responses.

FAT10 : Activated by UBA6 and Functioning in Protein Degradation

The ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 (HLA-F adjacent transcript 10) is the only ubiquitin-like modifier known, which apart from ubiquitin, directly targets proteins to proteasomal degradation. The covalent linkage of ubiquitin or other ubiquitin-like modifiers (ULM) to specific substrates is achieved by adjoining them to target proteins with an enzyme cascade using three enzymes: E1, E2 and E3. The first enzyme activates the ULM, the second enzyme serves a conjugating enzyme and the third enzyme ligates the ULM to its target. More recently, the first enzyme in the FAT10 conjugation machinery was characterized. It turned out that the novel E1 activating enzyme UBA6, which serves as a second E1 for ubiquitin in higher eukaryotes, additionally has the ability to activate FAT10. In this chapter the activation of FAT10 and ubiquitin by UBA6 as well as the role of FAT10 in protein degradation will be discussed.

Natural history of the E1-like superfamily: implication for adenylation, sulfur transfer, and ubiquitin conjugation

The E1-like superfamily is central to ubiquitin (Ub) conjugation, biosynthesis of cysteine, thiamine, and MoCo, and several secondary metabolites. Yet, its functional diversity and evolutionary history is not well understood. We develop a natural classification of this superfamily and use it to decipher the major adaptive trends occurring in the evolution of the E1-like superfamily. Within the Rossmann fold, E1-like proteins are closest to NAD(P)/FAD-dependent dehydrogenases and S-AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases. Hence, their phosphotransfer activity is an independent catalytic "invention" with respect to such activities seen in other Rossmannoid folds. Sequence and structure analysis reveals a striking diversity of residues and structures involved in adenylation, sulfotransfer, and substrate binding between different E1-like families, allowing us to predict previously uncharacterized functional adaptations. E1-like proteins are fused to several previously undetected domains, such as a predicted sulfur transfer domain containing a novel superfamily of the TATA-binding protein fold, different types of catalytic domains, a novel winged helix-turn-helix domain and potential adaptor domains related to Ub conjugation. On the basis of these fusions, we develop a generalized model for the linking of E1 catalyzed adenylation/thiolation with further downstream reactions. This is likely to involve a dynamic interplay between the E1 active sites and diverse fused C-terminal domains. We also predict participation of E1-like domains in previously uncharacterized bacterial secondary metabolism pathways, new cysteine biosynthesis systems, such as those associated with archaeal O-phosphoseryl tRNA, metal-sulfur cluster assembly (e.g., in nitrogen fixation) and Ub-conjugation. Evolutionary reconstructions suggest that the last universal common ancestor contained a single E1-like domain possessing both phosphotransfer and thiolating activities and participating in multiple sulfotransfer reactions. The E1-like superfamily subsequently expanded to include 26 families clustering into three major radiations. These are broadly involved in Ub activation, cofactor and cysteine biosynthesis, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In light of this, we present evidence that in eukaryotes other E1-like enzymes such as Urm1 were independently recruited for Ubl conjugation, probably functioning without conventional E2-like enzymes.

Origin and function of ubiquitin-like proteins

Eukaryotic proteins can be modified through attachment to various small molecules and proteins. One such modification is conjugation to ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs), which controls an enormous range of physiological processes. Bound UBLs mainly regulate the interactions of proteins with other macromolecules, for example binding to the proteasome or recruitment to chromatin. The various UBL systems use related enzymes to attach specific UBLs to proteins (or other molecules), and most of these attachments are transient. There is increasing evidence suggesting that such UBL-protein modification evolved from prokaryotic sulphurtransferase systems or related enzymes. Moreover, proteins similar to UBL-conjugating enzymes and UBL-deconjugating enzymes seem to have already been widespread at the time of the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, suggesting that UBL-protein conjugation did not first evolve in eukaryotes.

Ubiquitin-like protein activation by E1 enzymes: the apex for downstream signalling pathways

Attachment of ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins (known as UBLs) to their targets through multienzyme cascades is a central mechanism to modulate protein functions. This process is initiated by a family of mechanistically and structurally related E1 (or activating) enzymes. These activate UBLs through carboxy-terminal adenylation and thiol transfer, and coordinate the use of UBLs in specific downstream pathways by charging cognate E2 (or conjugating) enzymes, which then interact with the downstream ubiquitylation machinery to coordinate the modification of the target. A broad understanding of how E1 enzymes activate UBLs and how they selectively coordinate UBLs with downstream function has come from enzymatic, structural and genetic studies.

Function and regulation of protein neddylation. 'Protein modifications: beyond the usual suspects' review series

Neddylation is the post-translational protein modification that is most closely related to ubiquitination. However, ubiquitination is known to regulate a myriad of processes in eukaryotic cells, whereas only a limited number of neddylation substrates have been described to date. Here, we review the principles of protein neddylation and highlight the mechanisms that ensure the specificity of neddylation over ubiquitination. As numerous neddylation substrates probably remain to be discovered, we propose some criteria that could be used as guidelines for the characterization of neddylated proteins.

Structural dissection of a gating mechanism preventing misactivation of ubiquitin by NEDD8's E1

Post-translational covalent modification by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) is a major eukaryotic mechanism for regulating protein function. In general, each UBL has its own E1 that serves as the entry point for a cascade. The E1 first binds the UBL and catalyzes adenylation of the UBL's C-terminus, prior to promoting UBL transfer to a downstream E2. Ubiquitin's Arg 72, which corresponds to Ala72 in the UBL NEDD8, is a key E1 selectivity determinant: swapping ubiquitin and NEDD8 residue 72 identity was shown previously to swap their E1 specificity. Correspondingly, Arg190 in the UBA3 subunit of NEDD8's heterodimeric E1 (the APPBP1-UBA3 complex), which corresponds to a Gln in ubiquitin's E1 UBA1, is a key UBL selectivity determinant. Here, we dissect this specificity with biochemical and X-ray crystallographic analysis of APPBP1-UBA3-NEDD8 complexes in which NEDD8's residue 72 and UBA3's residue 190 are substituted with different combinations of Ala, Arg, or Gln. APPBP1-UBA3's preference for NEDD8's Ala72 appears to be indirect, due to proper positioning of UBA3's Arg190. By contrast, our data are consistent with direct positive interactions between ubiquitin's Arg72 and an E1's Gln. However, APPBP1-UBA3's failure to interact with a UBL having Arg72 is not due to a lack of this favorable interaction, but rather arises from UBA3's Arg190 acting as a negative gate. Thus, parallel residues from different UBL pathways can utilize distinct mechanisms to dictate interaction selectivity, and specificity can be amplified by barriers that prevent binding to components of different conjugation cascades.

Structural insights into E1-catalyzed ubiquitin activation and transfer to conjugating enzymes

Ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are conjugated to their targets by specific cascades involving three classes of enzymes, E1, E2, and E3. Each E1 adenylates the C terminus of its cognate Ubl, forms a E1 approximately Ubl thioester intermediate, and ultimately generates a thioester-linked E2 approximately Ubl product. We have determined the crystal structure of yeast Uba1, revealing a modular architecture with individual domains primarily mediating these specific activities. The negatively charged C-terminal ubiquitin-fold domain (UFD) is primed for binding of E2s and recognizes their positively charged first alpha helix via electrostatic interactions. In addition, a mobile loop from the domain harboring the E1 catalytic cysteine contributes to E2 binding. Significant, experimentally observed motions in the UFD around a hinge in the linker connecting this domain to the rest of the enzyme suggest a conformation-dependent mechanism for the transthioesterification function of Uba1; however, this mechanism clearly differs from that of other E1 enzymes.

Virus infection triggers SUMOylation of IRF3 and IRF7, leading to the negative regulation of type I interferon gene expression

Viral infection activates Toll-like receptor and RIG-I (retinoic acid-inducible gene I) signaling pathways, leading to phosphorylation of IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3) and IRF7 and stimulation of type I interferon (IFN) transcription, a process important for innate immunity. We show that upon vesicular stomatitis virus infection, IRF3 and IRF7 are modified not only by phosphorylation but by the small ubiquitin-related modifiers SUMO1, SUMO2, and SUMO3. SUMOylation of IRF3 and IRF7 was dependent on the activation of Toll-like receptor and RIG-I pathways but not on the IFN-stimulated pathway. However, SUMOylation of IRF3 and IRF7 was not dependent on their phosphorylation, and vice versa. We identified Lys(152) of IRF3 and Lys(406) of IRF7 to be their sole small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) conjugation site. IRF3 and IRF7 mutants defective in SUMOylation led to higher levels of IFN mRNA induction after viral infection, relative to the wild type IRFs, indicating a negative role for SUMOylation in IFN transcription. Together, SUMO modification is an integral part of IRF3 and IRF7 activity that contributes to postactivation attenuation of IFN production.

Deciphering the ubiquitin-mediated pathway in apicomplexan parasites: a potential strategy to interfere with parasite virulence

Background

Reversible modification of proteins through the attachment of ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like modifiers is an essential post-translational regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes. The conjugation of ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins has been demonstrated to play roles in growth, adaptation and homeostasis in all eukaryotes, with perturbation of ubiquitin-mediated systems associated with the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here we describe the use of an HMM search of functional Pfam domains found in the key components of the ubiquitin-mediated pathway necessary to activate and reversibly modify target proteins in eight apicomplexan parasitic protozoa for which complete or late-stage genome projects exist. In parallel, the same search was conducted on five model organisms, single-celled and metazoans, to generate data to validate both the search parameters employed and aid paralog classification in Apicomplexa. For each of the 13 species investigated, a set of proteins predicted to be involved in the ubiquitylation pathway has been identified and demonstrates increasing component members of the ubiquitylation pathway correlating with organism and genome complexity. Sequence homology and domain architecture analyses facilitated prediction of apicomplexan-specific protein function, particularly those involved in regulating cell division during these parasite's complex life cycles.

Conclusions/Significance

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of proteins predicted to be involved in the apicomplexan ubiquitin-mediated pathway. Given the importance of such pathway in a wide variety of cellular processes, our data is a key step in elucidating the biological networks that, in part, direct the pathogenicity of these parasites resulting in a massive impact on global health. Moreover, apicomplexan-specific adaptations of the ubiquitylation pathway may represent new therapeutic targets for much needed drugs against apicomplexan parasites.

Activating the ubiquitin family: UBA6 challenges the field

Since its discovery in 1981, ubiquitin-activating enzyme 1 was thought to be the only E1-type enzyme responsible for ubiquitin activation. Recently, a relatively uncharacterized E1 enzyme, designated ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 6, was also shown to activate ubiquitin. Ubiquitin-activating enzyme 1 and ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 6 are both essential proteins, and each uses a different spectrum of ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzymes. Ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 6 activates not only ubiquitin, but also the ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 (human leukocyte antigen F-associated transcript 10), which, similarly to ubiquitin, serves as a signal for proteasomal degradation. This new layer of regulation in ubiquitin activation markedly increases the versatility of the ubiquitin conjugation system.

UbcH8 regulates ubiquitin and ISG15 conjugation to RIG-I

The RNA helicase retinoic inducible gene I (RIG-I) recognizes viral double-stranded RNA and initiates signaling cascades that lead to activation of the protein kinases IKKalphabeta, TBK1 and IKKepsilon, and to subsequent activation of the transcription factors NF-kappaB and IRF3. We recently reported that RIG-I was ubiquitinated by RNF125, an ubiquitin E3 ligase, leading to proteasomal degradation. RIG-I is also reported to be ISGylated by an unidentified ISG15 (IFN-stimulated gene, 15kDa) E3 ligase. UbcH8, an ubiquitin E2 conjugating enzyme, was shown to be involved in RIG-I ISGylation. Here, we found that UbcH8 suppressed RIG-I ubiquitination by RNF125, and this suppression was relieved by ectopic expression of ISG15. Alternately, ISG15 conjugation to RIG-I was suppressed by RNF125. By analyzing this regulatory circuit, we found that UbcH8 and ISG15 are functional regulators of RNF125 E3 ligase activity, which regulates the level of ubiquitin and ISG15 conjugation of RIG-I.

Structural mechanisms underlying posttranslational modification by ubiquitin-like proteins

Covalent attachment of ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) is a predominant mechanism for regulating protein function in eukaryotes. Several structurally related Ubls, such as ubiquitin, SUMO, NEDD8, and ISG15, modify a vast number of proteins, altering their functions in a variety of ways. Ubl modifications can affect the target's half-life, subcellular localization, enzymatic activity, or ability to interact with protein or DNA partners. Generally, these diverse Ubls are covalently attached via their C termini to their targets by parallel, but specific, cascades involving three classes of enzymes known as E1, E2, and E3. Structures are now available for many protein complexes in E1-E2-E3 cascades, revealing a series of modular building blocks and providing mechanistic insights into their functions.

Dual E1 activation systems for ubiquitin differentially regulate E2 enzyme charging

Modification of proteins with ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) by means of an E1-E2-E3 cascade controls many signalling networks. Ubiquitin conjugation involves adenylation and thioesterification of the carboxy-terminal carboxylate of ubiquitin by the E1-activating enzyme Ube1 (Uba1 in yeast), followed by ubiquitin transfer to an E2-conjugating enzyme through a transthiolation reaction. Charged E2s function with E3s to ubiquitinate substrates. It is currently thought that Ube1/Uba1 is the sole E1 for charging of E2s with ubiquitin in animals and fungi. Here we identify a divergent E1 in vertebrates and sea urchin, Uba6, which specifically activates ubiquitin but not other UBLs in vitro and in vivo. Human Uba6 and Ube1 have distinct preferences for E2 charging in vitro, and their specificity depends in part on their C-terminal ubiquitin-fold domains, which recruit E2s. In tissue culture cells, Uba6 is required for charging a previously uncharacterized Uba6-specific E2 (Use1), whereas Ube1 is required for charging the cell-cycle E2s Cdc34A and Cdc34B. Our data reveal unexpected complexity in the pathways that control the conjugation of ubiquitin, in which dual E1s orchestrate the charging of distinct cohorts of E2s.

Functional anthology of intrinsic disorder. 1. Biological processes and functions of proteins with long disordered regions

Identifying relationships between function, amino acid sequence, and protein structure represents a major challenge. In this study, we propose a bioinformatics approach that identifies functional keywords in the Swiss-Prot database that correlate with intrinsic disorder. A statistical evaluation is employed to rank the significance of these correlations. Protein sequence data redundancy and the relationship between protein length and protein structure were taken into consideration to ensure the quality of the statistical inferences. Over 200,000 proteins from the Swiss-Prot database were analyzed using this approach. The predictions of intrinsic disorder were carried out using PONDR VL3E predictor of long disordered regions that achieves an accuracy of above 86%. Overall, out of the 710 Swiss-Prot functional keywords that were each associated with at least 20 proteins, 238 were found to be strongly positively correlated with predicted long intrinsically disordered regions, whereas 302 were strongly negatively correlated with such regions. The remaining 170 keywords were ambiguous without strong positive or negative correlation with the disorder predictions. These functions cover a large variety of biological activities and imply that disordered regions are characterized by a wide functional repertoire. Our results agree well with literature findings, as we were able to find at least one illustrative example of functional disorder or order shown experimentally for the vast majority of keywords showing the strongest positive or negative correlation with intrinsic disorder. This work opens a series of three papers, which enriches the current view of protein structure-function relationships, especially with regards to functionalities of intrinsically disordered proteins, and provides researchers with a novel tool that could be used to improve the understanding of the relationships between protein structure and function. The first paper of the series describes our statistical approach, outlines the major findings, and provides illustrative examples of biological processes and functions positively and negatively correlated with intrinsic disorder.

Functional anthology of intrinsic disorder. 3. Ligands, post-translational modifications, and diseases associated with intrinsically disordered proteins

Currently, the understanding of the relationships between function, amino acid sequence, and protein structure continues to represent one of the major challenges of the modern protein science. As many as 50% of eukaryotic proteins are likely to contain functionally important long disordered regions. Many proteins are wholly disordered but still possess numerous biologically important functions. However, the number of experimentally confirmed disordered proteins with known biological functions is substantially smaller than their actual number in nature. Therefore, there is a crucial need for novel bionformatics approaches that allow projection of the current knowledge from a few experimentally verified examples to much larger groups of known and potential proteins. The elaboration of a bioinformatics tool for the analysis of functional diversity of intrinsically disordered proteins and application of this data mining tool to >200 000 proteins from the Swiss-Prot database, each annotated with at least one of the 875 functional keywords, was described in the first paper of this series (Xie, H.; Vucetic, S.; Iakoucheva, L. M.; Oldfield, C. J.; Dunker, A. K.; Obradovic, Z.; Uversky, V.N. Functional anthology of intrinsic disorder. 1. Biological processes and functions of proteins with long disordered regions. J. Proteome Res. 2007, 5, 1882-1898). Using this tool, we have found that out of the 710 Swiss-Prot functional keywords associated with at least 20 proteins, 262 were strongly positively correlated with long intrinsically disordered regions, and 302 were strongly negatively correlated. Illustrative examples of functional disorder or order were found for the vast majority of keywords showing strongest positive or negative correlation with intrinsic disorder, respectively. Some 80 Swiss-Prot keywords associated with disorder- and order-driven biological processes and protein functions were described in the first paper (see above). The second paper of the series was devoted to the presentation of 87 Swiss-Prot keywords attributed to the cellular components, domains, technical terms, developmental processes, and coding sequence diversities possessing strong positive and negative correlation with long disordered regions (Vucetic, S.; Xie, H.; Iakoucheva, L. M.; Oldfield, C. J.; Dunker, A. K.; Obradovic, Z.; Uversky, V. N. Functional anthology of intrinsic disorder. 2. Cellular components, domains, technical terms, developmental processes, and coding sequence diversities correlated with long disordered regions. J. Proteome Res. 2007, 5, 1899-1916). Protein structure and functionality can be modulated by various post-translational modifications or/and as a result of binding of specific ligands. Numerous human diseases are associated with protein misfolding/misassembly/misfunctioning. This work concludes the series of papers dedicated to the functional anthology of intrinsic disorder and describes approximately 80 Swiss-Prot functional keywords that are related to ligands, post-translational modifications, and diseases possessing strong positive or negative correlation with the predicted long disordered regions in proteins.

Doxorubicin down-regulates Kruppel-associated box domain-associated protein 1 sumoylation that relieves its transcription repression on p21WAF1/CIP1 in breast cancer MCF-7 cells

The role of post-translational modification, such as sumoylation, in modulating the efficacy of doxorubicin (Dox) treatment remains unclear. Transcriptional cofactor KRAB domain-associated protein 1 (KAP1) has been shown to complex with the KRAB zinc finger protein, ZBRK1, to repress the transcription of target genes. Through a combination of proteomic screening and site-directed mutagenesis approaches, we have identified lysines 554, 779, and 804 as the major sumoylation sites in KAP1. We then present evidence that Dox-mediated induction of cell cycle regulator p21 expression is differentially regulated by KAP1 sumoylation status. Moreover, the KAP1 sumoylation level was transiently decreased upon Dox exposure, and transfection with the KAP1 sumoylation mimetic, SUMO-1-KAP1, desensitizes breast cancer MCF-7 cells to Dox-elicited cell death. The sumoylation-dependent stimulation of KAP1 function is achieved by enhancing the methylation of H3-K9 and attenuating the acetylation of H3-K9 and H3-K14 at the p21 core promoter. We also show that occupancy of ZBRK1 response elements located at the p21 promoter by ZBRK1.KAP1 is independent of KAP1 sumoylation. Hence, sumoylation of KAP1 represses p21 transcription via a chromatin-silencing process without affecting interaction between KAP1.ZBRK1 and DNA, thus providing a novel mechanistic basis for the understanding of Dox-induced de-repression of p21 transcription. Taken together, our results suggest that Dox-induced decrease in KAP1 sumoylation is essential for Dox to induce p21 expression and subsequent cell growth inhibition in MCF-7 cells.

"How do cardiomyocytes die?" apoptosis and autophagic cell death in cardiac myocytes

BACKGROUND

Cell death constitutes one of the key events in biology. Historically, apoptosis and necrosis have been considered to represent the 2 fundamental forms of cell death. Apoptosis is a tightly regulated, energy-dependent process in which cell death follows a programmed set of events. Necrosis refers to the sum of degenerative changes that follow any type of cell death.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The role of apoptosis in development of ischemic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, and end-stage heart failure has been well documented. Recent evidence suggests the potential role of a third mechanism of cell death, autophagy, in loss of cardiac myocytes. Autophagic cell death has been recently documented in myocardial cells from hypertrophied, failing, and hibernating myocardium.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we will list the basic mechanisms of apoptosis and autophagic cell death and examine the recent developments in apoptosis and autophagic cell death as it pertains to cardiovascular disease.

Role of ubiquitin-like proteins in transcriptional regulation

Conjugation of ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) to components of the transcriptional machinery represents an important mechanism to allow switching between different activity states. While ubiquitin modification of transcription factors is associated with transcriptional activation, SUMO modification of transcription factors is most often associated with transcriptional repression. Recent experiments indicate that another Ubl, NEDD8, can also influence transcription. One of the characteristics of Ubl modification is that the biological consequences of conjugation do not appear proportionate to the small fraction of substrate that is modified. The low steady state levels of Ubl-modified substrates can be attributed to a highly dynamic situation in which proteins are conjugated to a particular Ubl only for the modification to be removed by Ubl-specific proteases. It therefore appears that an unmodified protein with a history of Ubl modification may have different properties from a protein that never has been modified. Here the diverse effects of Ubl modification are discussed and models proposed to explain Ubl actions.

HERC5 is an IFN-induced HECT-type E3 protein ligase that mediates type I IFN-induced ISGylation of protein targets

Type I IFNs induce the expression of IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and its conjugation to cellular targets. ISGylation is a multistep process involving IFN-inducible Ube1L, UbcH8, and a yet-to-be identified E3 ligase. Here we report the identification of an IFN-induced HECT-type E3 protein ligase, HERC5/Ceb1, which mediates ISGylation. We also defined a number of proteins modified by ISG15 after IFN triggering or HERC5 overexpression. A reduction in endogenous HERC5 by small interfering RNA inhibition blocks the IFN-induced ISG15 conjugation. Conversely, HERC5 coexpression with Ube1L and UbcH8 induces the ISG15 conjugation in vivo independent of IFN stimulation. A targeted substitution of Cys-994 to Ala in the HECT domain of HERC5 completely abrogates its E3 protein ligase activity. Therefore, this study demonstrates that HERC5/Ceb1 is involved in the conjugation of ISG15 to cellular proteins.

A general approach for investigating enzymatic pathways and substrates for ubiquitin-like modifiers

Ubiquitin-like modifiers (UBLs) contain ubiquitin homology domains and can covalently modify target proteins in a manner similar to ubiquitylation. In this study, we revealed a general proteomic approach to elucidate the enzymatic pathways and identify target proteins for three UBLs: SUMO-2, SUMO-3, and NEDD8. Expression plasmids containing the cDNAs of Myc/6xHis doubly-tagged processed or non-conjugatable forms of these UBLs were constructed. The constructed vectors were then used to transfect HEK 293 Tet-On cells, and stable cell lines expressing these UBLs and their mutants were established. The epitope-tagged proteins were purified by immunoprecipitation under native conditions or by affinity chromatography on nickel resin under denaturing conditions. Purified proteins were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Most of the E1-like activating enzymes, E2-like conjugating enzymes and the majorities of the known target as well as some previously unreported proteins for SUMO-2, SUMO-3, and NEDD8 pathways were identified.

The Prp19 U-box crystal structure suggests a common dimeric architecture for a class of oligomeric E3 ubiquitin ligases

Prp19 is an essential splicing factor and a member of the U-box family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Prp19 forms a tetramer via a central coiled-coil domain. Here, we show the U-box domain of Prp19 exists as a dimer within the context of the Prp19 tetramer. A high-resolution structure of the homodimeric state of the Prp19 U-box was determined by X-ray crystallography. Mutation of the U-box dimer interface abrogates U-box dimer formation and is lethal in vivo. The structure of the U-box dimer enables construction of a complete model of Prp19 providing insights into how the tetrameric protein functions as an E3 ligase. Finally, comparison of the Prp19 U-box homodimer with the heterodimeric complex of BRCA1/BARD1 RING-finger domains uncovers a common architecture for a family of oligomeric U-box and RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligases, which has mechanistic implications for E3 ligase-mediated polyubiquitination and E4 polyubiquitin ligases.

Instant decisions: transcription-independent control of death-receptor-mediated apoptosis

Transcription-independent modulation of signaling mediated by death receptors (DRs) has emerged as an important determinant of cell survival during both development and cellular homeostasis. Frequently, a given DR signal must be redirected rapidly either to inhibit or to potentiate the apoptotic response. This process requires immediate, protein-synthesis-independent modifications of the regulatory molecules involved. Numerous mechanisms have been shown to regulate DR responses without engaging the apoptosis-directing transcription machinery. These mechanisms involve key posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination and proteolytic degradation, all of which affect the activities of proteins at different levels in the DR signaling pathways. Changes in the organization of regulatory molecules and in their interactions with other factors also affect the DR signaling pathways. The balance between these modulatory signals rapidly decides the fate of a cell.

Crystal Structure of the Interferon-induced Ubiquitin-like Protein ISG15

The biological effects of the ISG15 protein arise in part from its conjugation to cellular targets as a primary response to interferon-alpha/beta induction and other markers of viral or parasitic infection. Recombinant full-length ISG15 has been produced for the first time in high yield by mutating Cys78 to stabilize the protein and by cloning in a C-terminal arginine cap to protect the C terminus against proteolytic inactivation. The cap is subsequently removed with carboxypeptidase B to yield mature biologically active ISG15 capable of stoichiometric ATP-dependent thiolester formation with its human UbE1L activating enzyme. The three-dimensional structure of recombinant ISG15C78S was determined at 2.4-A resolution. The ISG15 structure comprises two beta-grasp folds having main chain root mean square deviation (r.m.s.d.) values from ubiquitin of 1.7 A (N-terminal) and 1.0 A (C-terminal). The beta-grasp domains pack across two conserved 3(10) helices to bury 627 A2 that accounts for 7% of the total solvent-accessible surface area. The distribution of ISG15 surface charge forms a ridge of negative charge extending nearly the full-length of the molecule. Additionally, the N-terminal domain contains an apolar region comprising almost half its solvent accessible surface. The C-terminal domain of ISG15 was superimposed on the structure of Nedd8 (r.m.s.d. = 0.84 A) bound to its AppBp1-Uba3 activating enzyme to model ISG15 binding to UbE1L. The docking model predicts several key side-chain interactions that presumably define the specificity between the ubiquitin and ISG15 ligation pathways to maintain functional integrity of their signaling.

Crystal Structure of a Fragment of Mouse Ubiquitin-activating Enzyme

Protein ubiquitination requires the sequential activity of three enzymes: a ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1), a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2), and a ubiquitin-ligase (E3). The ubiquitin-transfer machinery is hierarchically organized; for every ubiquitin-activating enzyme, there are several ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, and most ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes can in turn interact with multiple ubiquitin ligases. Despite the central role of ubiquitin-activating enzyme in this cascade, a crystal structure of a ubiquitin-activating enzyme is not available. The enzyme is thought to consist of an adenylation domain, a catalytic cysteine domain, a four-helix bundle, and possibly, a ubiquitin-like domain. Its adenylation domain can be modeled because it is clearly homologous to the structurally known adenylation domains of the activating enzymes for the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) and for the protein encoded by the neuronal precursor cell-expressed, developmentally down-regulated gene 8 (NEDD8). Low sequence similarity and vastly different domain lengths make modeling difficult for the catalytic cysteine domain that results from the juxtaposition of two catalytic cysteine half-domains. Here, we present a biochemical and crystallographic characterization of the two half-domains and the crystal structure of the larger, second catalytic cysteine half-domain of mouse ubiquitin-activating enzyme. We show that the domain is organized around a conserved folding motif that is also present in the NEDD8- and SUMO-activating enzymes, and we propose a tentative model for full-length ubiquitin-activating enzyme.

Structural basis of NEDD8 ubiquitin discrimination by the deNEDDylating enzyme NEDP1

NEDD8 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated gene 8)-specific protease NEDP1 processes preNEDD8 to its mature form and deconjugates NEDD8 from substrates such as p53 and cullins. Although NEDD8 and ubiquitin are highly related in sequence and structure, their attachment to a protein leads to different biological effects. It is therefore critical that NEDP1 discriminates between NEDD8 and ubiquitin, and this requires remarkable precision in molecular recognition. To determine the basis of this specificity, we have determined the crystal structure of NEDP1 in isolation and in a transition state complex with NEDD8. This reveals that NEDP1 is a cysteine protease of the Ulp family. Binding of NEDD8 induces a dramatic conformational change in a flexible loop that swings over the C-terminus of NEDD8 locking it into an extended beta-structure optimal for catalysis. Structural, mutational and biochemical studies have identified key residues involved in molecular recognition. A single-residue difference in the C-terminus of NEDD8 and ubiquitin contributes significantly to the ability of NEDP1 to discriminate between them. In vivo analysis indicates that NEDP1 mutants perturb deNEDDylation of the tumour suppressor p53.