Determinants of nuclear and cytoplasmic ubiquitin-mediated degradation of MyoD

Degradation meets development: Implications in β-cell development and diabetes

Pancreatic development is orchestrated by timely synthesis and degradation of stage-specific transcription factors (TFs). The transition from one stage to another stage is dependent on the precise expression of the developmentally relevant TFs. Persistent expression of particular TF would impede the exit from the progenitor stage to the matured cell type. Intracellular protein degradation-mediated protein turnover contributes to a major extent to the turnover of these TFs and thereby dictates the development of different tissues. Since even subtle changes in the crucial cellular pathways would dramatically impact pancreatic β-cell performance, it is generally acknowledged that the biological activity of these pathways is tightly regulated by protein synthesis and degradation process. Intracellular protein degradation is executed majorly by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and Lysosomal degradation pathway. As more than 90% of the TFs are targeted to proteasomal degradation, this review aims to examine the crucial role of UPS in normal pancreatic β-cell development and how dysfunction of these pathways manifests in metabolic syndromes such as diabetes. Such understanding would facilitate designing a faithful approach to obtain a therapeutic quality of β-cells from stem cells.

Experience-dependent Tip60 nucleocytoplasmic transport is regulated by its NLS/NES sequences for neuroplasticity gene control

Nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) in neurons is critical for enabling proteins to enter the nucleus and regulate plasticity genes in response to environmental cues. Such experience-dependent (ED) neural plasticity is central for establishing memory formation and cognitive function and can influence the severity of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). ED neural plasticity is driven by histone acetylation (HA) mediated epigenetic mechanisms that regulate dynamic activity-dependent gene transcription profiles in response to neuronal stimulation. Yet, how histone acetyltransferases (HATs) respond to extracellular cues in the in vivo brain to drive HA-mediated activity-dependent gene control remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that extracellular stimulation of rat hippocampal neurons in vitro triggers Tip60 HAT nuclear import with concomitant synaptic gene induction. Here, we focus on investigating Tip60 HAT subcellular localization and NCT specifically in neuronal activity-dependent gene control by using the learning and memory mushroom body (MB) region of the Drosophila brain as a powerful in vivo cognitive model system. We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to compare the subcellular localization of Tip60 HAT in the Drosophila brain under normal conditions and in response to stimulation of fly brain neurons in vivo either by genetically inducing potassium channels activation or by exposure to natural positive ED conditions. Furthermore, we found that both inducible and ED condition-mediated neural induction triggered Tip60 nuclear import with concomitant induction of previously identified Tip60 target genes and that Tip60 levels in both the nucleus and cytoplasm were significantly decreased in our well-characterized Drosophila AD model. Mutagenesis of a putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence and nuclear export signal (NES) sequence that we identified in the Drosophila Tip60 protein revealed that both are functionally required for appropriate Tip60 subcellular localization. Our results support a model by which neuronal stimulation triggers Tip60 NCT via its NLS and NES sequences to promote induction of activity-dependent neuroplasticity gene transcription and that this process may be disrupted in AD.

Deubiquitinase USP1 influences the dedifferentiation of mouse pancreatic β-cells

Loss of insulin-secreting β-cells in diabetes may be either due to apoptosis or dedifferentiation of β-cell mass. The ubiquitin-proteasome system comprising E3 ligase and deubiquitinases (DUBs) controls several aspects of β-cell functions. In this study, screening for key DUBs identified USP1 to be specifically involved in dedifferentiation process. Inhibition of USP1 either by genetic intervention or small-molecule inhibitor ML323 restored epithelial phenotype of β-cells, but not with inhibition of other DUBs. In absence of dedifferentiation cues, overexpression of USP1 was sufficient to induce dedifferentiation in β-cells; mechanistic insight showed USP1 to mediate its effect via modulating the expression of inhibitor of differentiation (ID) 2. In an in vivo streptozotocin (STZ)-induced dedifferentiation mouse model system, administering ML323 alleviated hyperglycemic state. Overall, this study identifies USP1 to be involved in dedifferentiation of β-cells and its inhibition may have a therapeutic application of reducing β-cell loss during diabetes.

Cell Surface Proteins for Enrichment and In Vitro Characterization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Myogenic Progenitors

Human myogenic progenitors can be derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) for use in modeling natural and pathological myogenesis, as well as treating muscle diseases. Transgene-free methods of deriving myogenic progenitors from different PSC lines often produce mixed populations that are heterogeneous in myogenic differentiation potential, yet detailed and accurate characterization of human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors remains elusive in the field. The isolation and purification of human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors is thus an important methodological consideration when we investigate the properties and behaviors of these cells in culture. We previously reported a transgene-free, serum-free floating sphere culture method for the derivation of myogenic progenitors from human PSCs. In this study, we first performed comprehensive cell surface protein profiling of the sphere culture cells through the screening of 255 antibodies. Next, we used magnetic activated cell sorting and enriched the cells according to the expression of specific surface markers. The ability of muscle differentiation in the resulting cells was characterized by immunofluorescent labeling and quantification of positively stained cells. Our results revealed that myotube-forming cells resided in the differentiated cultures of CD29+, CD56+, CD271+, and CD15– fractions, while thick and multinucleated myotubes were identified in the differentiated cultures from CD9+ and CD146+ fractions. We found that PAX7 localization to the nucleus correlates with myotube-forming ability in these sorted populations. We also demonstrated that cells in unsorted, CD271+, and CD15– fractions responded differently to cryopreservation and prolonged culture expansion. Lastly, we showed that CD271 expression is essential for terminal differentiation of human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors. Taken together, these cell surface proteins are not only useful markers to identify unique cellular populations in human PSC-derived myogenic progenitors but also functionally important molecules that can provide valuable insight into human myogenesis.

An oscillatory network controlling self-renewal of skeletal muscle stem cells

The balance between proliferation and differentiation of muscle stem cells is tightly controlled, ensuring the maintenance of a cellular pool needed for muscle growth and repair. Muscle stem cells can proliferate, they can generate differentiating cells, or they self-renew to produce new stem cells. Notch signaling plays a crucial role in this process. Recent studies revealed that expression of the Notch effector HES1 oscillates in activated muscle stem cells. The oscillatory expression of HES1 periodically represses transcription from the genes encoding the myogenic transcription factor MYOD and the Notch ligand DLL1, thereby driving MYOD and DLL1 oscillations. This oscillatory network allows muscle progenitor cells and activated muscle stem cells to remain in a proliferative and 'undecided' state, in which they can either differentiate or self-renew. When HES1 is downregulated, MYOD oscillations become unstable and are replaced by sustained expression, which drives the cells into terminal differentiation. During development and regeneration, proliferating stem cells contact each other and the stability of the oscillatory expression depends on regular DLL1 inputs provided by neighboring cells. In such communities of cells that receive and provide Notch signals, the appropriate timing of DLL1 inputs is important, as sustained DLL1 cannot replace oscillatory DLL1. Thus, in cell communities, DLL1 oscillations ensure the appropriate balance between self-renewal and differentiation. In summary, oscillations in myogenic cells are an important example of dynamic gene expression determining cell fate.

MeCP2: The Genetic Driver of Rett Syndrome Epigenetics

Mutations in methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) are the major cause of Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with a notable period of developmental regression following apparently normal initial development. Such MeCP2 alterations often result in changes to DNA binding and chromatin clustering ability, and in the stability of this protein. Among other functions, MeCP2 binds to methylated genomic DNA, which represents an important epigenetic mark with broad physiological implications, including neuronal development. In this review, we will summarize the genetic foundations behind RTT, and the variable degrees of protein stability exhibited by MeCP2 and its mutated versions. Also, past and emerging relationships that MeCP2 has with mRNA splicing, miRNA processing, and other non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) will be explored, and we suggest that these molecules could be missing links in understanding the epigenetic consequences incurred from genetic ablation of this important chromatin modifier. Importantly, although MeCP2 is highly expressed in the brain, where it has been most extensively studied, the role of this protein and its alterations in other tissues cannot be ignored and will also be discussed. Finally, the additional complexity to RTT pathology introduced by structural and functional implications of the two MeCP2 isoforms (MeCP2-E1 and MeCP2-E2) will be described. Epigenetic therapeutics are gaining clinical popularity, yet treatment for Rett syndrome is more complicated than would be anticipated for a purely epigenetic disorder, which should be taken into account in future clinical contexts.

Fbxo9 functions downstream of Sox10 to determine neuron-glial fate choice in the dorsal root ganglia through Neurog2 destabilization

The transcription factor Sox10 is a key regulator in the fate determination of a subpopulation of multipotent trunk neural crest (NC) progenitors toward glial cells instead of sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). However, the mechanism by which Sox10 regulates glial cell fate commitment during lineage segregation remains poorly understood. In our study, we showed that the neurogenic determinant Neurogenin 2 (Neurog2) exhibited transient overlapping expression with Sox10 in avian trunk NC progenitors, which progressively underwent lineage segregation during migration toward the forming DRG. Gain- and loss-of-function studies revealed that the temporary expression of Neurog2 was due to Sox10 regulation of its protein stability. Transcriptional profiling identified Sox10-regulated F-box only protein (Fbxo9), which is an SCF (Skp1-Cul-F-box)-type ubiquitin ligase for Neurog2. Consistently, overexpression of Fbxo9 in NC progenitors down-regulated Neurog2 protein expression through ubiquitination and promoted the glial lineage at the expense of neuronal differentiation, whereas Fbxo9 knockdown resulted in the opposite phenomenon. Mechanistically, we found that Fbxo9 interacted with Neurog2 to promote its destabilization through the F-box motif. Finally, epistasis analysis further demonstrated that Fbxo9 and probably other F-box members mediated the role of Sox10 in destabilizing Neurog2 protein and directing the lineage of NC progenitors toward glial cells rather than sensory neurons. Altogether, these findings unravel a Sox10-Fbxo9 regulatory axis in promoting the glial fate of NC progenitors through Neurog2 destabilization.

Rapamycin-induced autophagy decreases Myf5 and MyoD proteins in C2C12 myoblast cells

Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant that inhibits the mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein kinase and extends lifespan in organisms including mice. Myf5 and MyoD act as muscle-specific transcriptional factors for skeletal muscle differentiation. In this study, we determined whether rapamycin-induced autophagy causes the decrease of Myf5 and MyoD protein in C2C12 myoblast cells. Rapamycin induced a significant increase in the expression of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) II protein in a dose-dependent manner for 12 h. Rapamycin treatment also significantly increased p-ERK, p-Akt, and catalase expressions, and decreased Mn-SOD expression in a dose-dependent manner. Bax expression was significantly high compared to Bcl-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner of rapamycin for 12 h. For further study of rapamycin-induced autophagy in C2C12 myoblast cells, we investigated rapamycin treatment for 24, 36, and 48 h. Cell viability did not change with rapamycin treatment for 24, 36, and 48 h. Rapamycin-induced LC3-II, Beclin-1, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly increased compared to without rapamycin. p-ERK expression increased with rapamycin treatment for 24 and 36 h compared to that without rapamycin, but decreased for 48 h. p-Akt expression decreased with rapamycin treatment for 36 and 48 h compared to that without rapamycin. In the same conditions, rapamycin-induced autophagy significantly reduced the Myf5 and MyoD proteins. Together, these results suggest that rapamycin-induced autophagy results in the decrease of Myf5 and MyoD proteins in C2C12 myoblast cells.

Oscillations of MyoD and Hes1 proteins regulate the maintenance of activated muscle stem cells

Lahmann et al. show that Hes1 controls the balance between proliferation and differentiation of activated muscle stem cells in both developing and regenerating muscle. Hes1 is expressed in an oscillatory manner in activated stem cells, where it drives the oscillatory expression of MyoD.

The balance between proliferation and differentiation of muscle stem cells is tightly controlled, ensuring the maintenance of a cellular pool needed for muscle growth and repair. We demonstrate here that the transcriptional regulator Hes1 controls the balance between proliferation and differentiation of activated muscle stem cells in both developing and regenerating muscle. We observed that Hes1 is expressed in an oscillatory manner in activated stem cells where it drives the oscillatory expression of MyoD. MyoD expression oscillates in activated muscle stem cells from postnatal and adult muscle under various conditions: when the stem cells are dispersed in culture, when they remain associated with single muscle fibers, or when they reside in muscle biopsies. Unstable MyoD oscillations and long periods of sustained MyoD expression are observed in differentiating cells. Ablation of the Hes1 oscillator in stem cells interfered with stable MyoD oscillations and led to prolonged periods of sustained MyoD expression, resulting in increased differentiation propensity. This interfered with the maintenance of activated muscle stem cells, and impaired muscle growth and repair. We conclude that oscillatory MyoD expression allows the cells to remain in an undifferentiated and proliferative state and is required for amplification of the activated stem cell pool.

Nandrolone-induced nuclear accumulation of MyoD protein is mediated by Numb, a Notch inhibitor, in C2C12 myoblasts

Signaling via the androgen receptor (AR) stimulates myogenic progenitor differentiation. In addition, myogenic differentiation factor D (MyoD) and Numb, a Notch inhibitor, play key roles in regulating myogenic differentiation. Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, upregulates both MyoD and Numb expression in myogenic cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MyoD is upregulated by nandrolone are unclear. Moreover, the potential crosstalk between nandrolone, MyoD, and Numb is not well understood. With these considerations in mind, we examined the effects of nandrolone on the expression of MyoD mRNA and protein, and determined the interactions of MyoD and Numb in the presence or absence of nandrolone in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts. Nandrolone increased MyoD mRNA and protein expression and significantly enhanced nuclear translocation of MyoD protein. The later effect of nandrolone was blunted by siRNA against Numb. Immunoprecipitation (IP) studies confirmed that Numb forms complexes with MyoD. Chromatin IP revealed that in the presence of nandrolone, Numb is recruited to a region of the MyH7 promotor containing the E‐box to which MyoD binds. These data indicate that nandrolone‐regulated MyoD activation occurs mainly through a posttranslational mechanism which promotes MyoD nuclear accumulation, and suggest that this effect of nandrolone is, at least in part, mediated by Numb.

Synthetic 10FN3-based mono- and bivalent inhibitors of MDM2/X function

Engineered non-antibody scaffold proteins constitute a rapidly growing technology for diagnostics and modulation/perturbation of protein function. Here, we describe the rapid and systematic development of high-affinity 10FN3 domain inhibitors of the MDM2 and MDMX proteins. These are often overexpressed in cancer and represent attractive drug targets. Using facile in vitro expression and pull-down assay methodology, numerous design iterations addressing insertion site(s) and spacer length were screened for optimal presentation of an MDM2/X dual peptide inhibitor in the 10FN3 scaffold. Lead inhibitors demonstrated robust, on-target cellular inhibition of MDM2/X leading to activation of the p53 tumor suppressor. Significant improvement to target engagement was observed by increasing valency within a single 10FN3 domain, which has not been demonstrated previously. We further established stable reporter cell lines with tunable expression of EGFP-fused 10FN3 domain inhibitors, and showed their intracellular location to be contingent on target engagement. Importantly, competitive inhibition of MDM2/X by small molecules and cell-penetrating peptides led to a readily observable phenotype, indicating significant potential of the developed platform as a robust tool for cell-based drug screening.

Myo/Nog cells are present in the ciliary processes, on the zonule of Zinn and posterior capsule of the lens following cataract surgery

Myo/Nog cells, named for their expression of MyoD and noggin, enter the eye during early stages of embryonic development. Their release of noggin is critical for normal morphogenesis of the lens and retina. Myo/Nog cells are also present in adult eyes. Single nucleated skeletal muscle cells designated as myofibroblasts arise from Myo/Nog cells in cultures of lens tissue. In this report we document the presence of Myo/Nog cells in the lens, ciliary body and on the zonule of Zinn in mice, rabbits and humans. Myo/Nog cells were rare in all three structures. Their prevalence increased in the lens and ciliary body of rabbits 24 h following cataract surgery. Rabbits developed posterior capsule opacification (PCO) within one month of surgery. The number of Myo/Nog cells continued to be elevated in the lens and ciliary body. Myo/Nog cells containing alpha smooth muscle actin and striated muscle myosin were present on the posterior capsule and overlaid deformations in the capsule. Myo/Nog cells also were present on the zonule fibers and external surface of the posterior capsule. These findings suggest that Myo/Nog contribute to PCO and may use the zonule fibers to migrate between the ciliary processes and lens.

The Schizophrenia-Related Protein Dysbindin-1A Is Degraded and Facilitates NF-Kappa B Activity in the Nucleus

Dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1), a gene encoding dysbindin-1, has been identified as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. Functioning with partners in synapses or the cytoplasm, this gene regulates neurite outgrowth and neurotransmitter release. Loss of dysbindin-1 affects schizophrenia pathology. Dysbindin-1 is also found in the nucleus, however, the characteristics of dysbindin in the nucleus are not fully understood. Here, we found that dysbindin-1A is degraded in the nucleus via the ubiquitin-proteasome system and that amino acids 2-41 at the N-terminus are required for this process. By interacting with p65, dysbindin-1A promotes the transcriptional activity of NF-kappa B in the nucleus and positively regulates MMP-9 expression. Taken together, the data obtained in this study demonstrate that dysbindin-1A protein levels are highly regulated in the nucleus and that dysbindin-1A regulates transcription factor NF-kappa B activity to promote the expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α.

Isoform-specific SCF(Fbw7) ubiquitination mediates differential regulation of PGC-1α

The E3 ubiquitin ligase and tumor suppressor SCF(Fbw7) exists as three isoforms that govern the degradation of a host of critical cell regulators, including c-Myc, cyclin E, and PGC-1α. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator with broad effects on cellular energy metabolism. Cellular PGC-1α levels are tightly controlled in a dynamic state by the balance of synthesis and rapid degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Isoform-specific functions of SCF(Fbw7) are yet to be determined. Here, we show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase, SCF(Fbw7), regulates cellular PGC-1α levels via two independent, isoform-specific, mechanisms. The cytoplasmic isoform (SCF(Fbw7β)) reduces cellular PGC-1α levels via accelerated ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. In contrast, the nuclear isoform (SCF(Fbw7α)) increases cellular PGC-1α levels and protein stability via inhibition of ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. When nuclear Fbw7α proteins are redirected to the cytoplasm, cellular PGC-1α protein levels are reduced through accelerated ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. We find that SCF(Fbw7β) catalyzes high molecular weight PGC-1α-ubiquitin conjugation, whereas SCF(Fbw7α) produces low molecular weight PGC-1α-ubiquitin conjugates that are not effective degradation signals. Thus, selective ubiquitination by specific Fbw7 isoforms represents a novel mechanism that tightly regulates cellular PGC-1α levels. Fbw7 isoforms mediate degradation of a host of regulatory proteins. The E3 ubiquitin ligase, Fbw7, mediates PGC-1α levels via selective isoform-specific ubiquitination. Fbw7β reduces cellular PGC-1α via ubiquitin-mediated degradation, whereas Fbw7α increases cellular PGC-1α via ubiquitin-mediated stabilization.

MYOD mediates skeletal myogenic differentiation of human amniotic fluid stem cells and regeneration of muscle injury

Introduction

Human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells have been shown to differentiate into multiple lineages, including myoblasts. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the myogenic differentiation of hAFS cells and their regenerative potential for muscle injury remain to be elucidated.

Methods

In order to induce myogenic differentiation of hAFS cells, lentiviruses for MYOD were constructed and transduced into hAFS cells. Formation of myotube-like cells was analyzed by immunocytochemistry, and expression of molecular markers for myoblasts was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. For in vivo muscle regeneration, MYOD transduced hAFS cells were injected into left tibialis anterior (TA) muscles injured with cardiotoxin, and muscle regeneration was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin, immunocytochemistry and formation of neuro-muscular junction.

Results

MYOD expression in hAFS cells successfully induced differentiation into multinucleated myotube-like cells. Consistently, significant expression of myogenic marker genes, such as MYOG, DES, DMD and MYH, was induced by MYOD. Analysis of pre-myogenic factors showed that expression of PAX3, MEOX1 and EYA2 was significantly increased by MYOD. MYOD was phosphorylated and localized in the nucleus. These results suggest that in hAFS cells, MYOD is phosphorylated and localized in the nucleus, thus inducing expression of myogenic factors, resulting in myogenic differentiation of hAFS cells. To test regenerative potential of MYOD-transduced hAFS cells, we transplanted them into injured muscles of immunodeficient BALB/cSlc-nu mice. The results showed a substantial increase in the volume of TA muscle injected with MYOD-hAFS cells. In addition, TA muscle tissue injected with MYOD-hAFS cells has more numbers of neuro-muscular junctions compared to controls, indicating functional restoration of muscle injury by MYOD-hAFS cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data suggest that transduction of hAFS cells with MYOD lentiviruses induces skeletal myogenic differentiation in vitro and morphological and functional regeneration of injured muscle in vivo.

Melatonin-induced autophagy is associated with degradation of MyoD protein in C2C12 myoblast cells

MyoD is a muscle-specific transcriptional factor that acts as a master switch for skeletal muscle differentiation. This protein regulates myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation and is also a short-lived regulatory protein that is degraded by the ubiquitin system. However, the lysosomal pathway of MyoD protein degradation remains unknown. In this study, we sought to determine whether melatonin (1, 2mm)-induced autophagy causes the degradation of MyoD protein in C2C12 myoblast cells. Melatonin induced a significant increase in expression of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II and Beclin-1 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Melatonin treatment also significantly increased p-ERK, Ras, and p-Akt expressions in a dose-dependent manner. However, Bax expression was high compared with the absence of melatonin treatment, and Bcl-2 expression was high in the 0.1-0.5mm melatonin treatments and low in the 1 and 2mm melatonin treatments. Under the same conditions, cytosolic MyoD protein was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner and completely eliminated by 36hr. This decrease in MyoD protein involved ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal activity with proteasome inhibitor MG132 or autophagy-dependent lysosomal degradation with lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1). In the same condition, phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin, p-mTOR, and p-S6K expression with Baf-A1 or Baf-A1-plus melatonin treatment were significantly decreased compared with the levels after treatment with melatonin only. Together, these results suggest that melatonin (1, 2mm)-induced autophagy results in partial lysosomal degradation of MyoD protein in C2C12 myoblast cells.

cAMP-dependent proteolysis of GATA-6 is linked to JNK-signaling pathway

A JNK inhibitor SP600125 inhibited cAMP-dependent proteolysis of GATA-6 by proteasomes around its IC50. We further examined the effects of SP600125 on the degradation of GATA-6 in detail, since an activator of JNK (anisomycin) is available. Interestingly, anisomycin immediately stimulated the export of nuclear GATA-6 into the cytoplasm, and then the cytoplasmic content of GATA-6 decreased slowly through degradation by proteasomes. Such an effect of anisomycin was inhibited by SP600125, indicating that the observed phenomenon might be linked to the JNK signaling pathway. The inhibitory effect of SP600125 could not be ascribed to the inhibition of PKA, since phosphorylation of CREB occurred in the presence of dbcAMP and SP600125. The nuclear export of GATA-6 was inhibited by leptomycin B, suggesting that CRM1-mediated export could be activated by anisomycin. Furthermore, it seems likely that the JNK activated by anisomycin may stimulate not only the nuclear export of GATA-6 through CRM1 but also the degradation of GATA-6 by cytoplasmic proteasomes. In contrast, A-kinase might activate only the latter process through JNK.

HUWE1 ubiquitinates MyoD and targets it for proteasomal degradation

MyoD is a tissue-specific transcriptional activator that acts as a master switch for muscle development. It activates a broad array of muscle-specific genes, which leads to conversion of proliferating myoblasts into mature myotubes. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in controlling MyoD. Both its N-terminal residue and internal lysines can be targeted by ubiquitin, and both modifications appear to direct it for proteasomal degradation. The protein is short-lived and has a half-life of ∼45min in different cells. It was reported that MyoD can be ubiquitinated by MAFbx/AT-1, but accumulating lines of experimental evidence showed that other ligase(s) may also participate in its targeting. Here we describe the involvement of HUWE1 in the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of MyoD. Furthermore, we show that the ligase can ubiquitinate the protein in its N-terminal residue.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) stabilizes MyoD through direct phosphorylation at tyrosine 156 during myogenic differentiation

Previously, we reported that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) activated in the mid-stage of skeletal muscle differentiation promotes myogenic differentiation. To elucidate the molecular mechanism, we investigated an activity of MEK1 for MyoD. Activated MEK1 associates with MyoD in the nucleus of differentiating myoblasts. In vitro kinase assay using active MEK1, a (32)P-labeled protein band corresponding to GST-MyoD was observed but not to mutant GST-MyoD-Y156F. Tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous MyoD was detected with a specific anti-pMyoD-Y156 antibody; however, this response was blocked by PD184352, a MEK-specific inhibitor. These results indicate that activated MEK1 phosphorylates the MyoD-Y156 residue directly. Interestingly, the protein level of mutant MyoD-Y156F decreased compared with that of wild type but was recovered in the presence of lactacystin, a proteasome inhibitor. The protein level of MyoD-Y156E, which mimics phosphorylation at Tyr-156, was above that of wild type, indicating that the phosphorylation protects MyoD from the ubiquitin proteasome-mediated degradation. In addition, the low protein level of MyoD-Y156F was recovered over that of wild type by an additional mutation at Leu-164, a critical binding residue of MAFbx/AT-1, a Skp, Cullin, F-box (SCF) E3-ubiquitin ligase. The amount of MyoD co-precipitated with MAFbx/AT-1 also was reduced in the presence of active MEK1. Thus, these results suggested that the phosphorylation probably interrupts the binding of MAFbx/AT-1 to MyoD and thereby increases its stability. Collectively, our results suggest that MEK1 activated in differentiating myoblasts stimulates muscle differentiation by phosphorylating MyoD-Y156, which results in MyoD stabilization.

Ubiquitin proteasome-dependent degradation of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1{alpha} via the N-terminal pathway

PGC-1α is a potent, inducible transcriptional coactivator that exerts control on mitochondrial biogenesis and multiple cellular energy metabolic pathways. PGC-1α levels are controlled in a highly dynamic manner reflecting regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Here, we demonstrate that PGC-1α is rapidly degraded in the nucleus (t(½ 0.3 h) via the ubiquitin proteasome system. An N-terminal deletion mutant of 182 residues, PGC182, as well as a lysine-less mutant form, are nuclear and rapidly degraded (t(½) 0.5 h), consistent with degradation via the N terminus-dependent ubiquitin subpathway. Both PGC-1α and PGC182 degradation rates are increased in cells under low serum conditions. However, a naturally occurring N-terminal splice variant of 270 residues, NT-PGC-1α is cytoplasmic and stable (t(½>7 h), providing additional evidence that PGC-1α is degraded in the nucleus. These results strongly suggest that the nuclear N terminus-dependent ubiquitin proteasome pathway governs PGC-1α cellular degradation. In contrast, the cellular localization of NT-PCG-1α results in a longer-half-life and possible distinct temporal and potentially biological actions.

Corticosteroids and muscle wasting: role of transcription factors, nuclear cofactors, and hyperacetylation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to discuss novel insight into mechanisms of glucocorticoid-regulated muscle wasting, in particular the role of transcription factors and nuclear cofactors. In addition, novel strategies that may become useful in the treatment or prevention of glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting are reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies suggest that glucocorticoid-induced upregulation of the transcription factors Forkhead box O 1 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta and downregulation of MyoD and myogenin are involved in glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting. In addition, glucocorticoid-induced hyperacetylation caused by increased expression of the nuclear cofactor p300 and its histone acetyl transferase activity and decreased expression and activity of histone deacetylases plays an important role in glucocorticoid-induced muscle proteolysis and wasting. Other mechanisms may also be involved in glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting, including insulin resistance and store-operated calcium entry. Novel potential strategies to prevent or treat glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting include the use of small molecule histone deacetylase activators, dissociated glucocorticoid receptor agonists, and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitors.

SUMMARY

An increased understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating glucocorticoid-induced muscle wasting will help develop new strategies to prevent and treat this debilitating condition.

The nuclear import of the small GTPase Rac1 is mediated by the direct interaction with karyopherin alpha2

The small GTPase Rac1 is involved in multiple cytosolic functions but recent data point out that Rac1 also translocates to the nucleus to regulate signalling pathways that control gene expression and progression through the cell cycle. Here, we identify the nuclear import receptor karyopherin alpha2 (KPNA2) as a direct interaction partner of Rac1. The C-terminal polybasic region of Rac1 contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS), whereas Rac2 and Rac3 lack a functional NLS and do not bind to KPNA2. The presence of the NLS in Rac1 determines the specificity of the interaction and is a prerequisite for the nuclear import. Although this interaction is independent of the Rac1 GDP/GTP loading, the induction of the translocation requires Rac1 activation. The activation of Rac1 via the cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 and the concurrent inhibition of its proteasomal degradation are crucial for the nuclear accumulation of Rac1. Conversely, the reduction of KPNA2 expression inhibits the nuclear import of Rac1. For the first time, our results show a direct interaction between Rac1 and KPNA2 and argue for a KPNA2-dependent nuclear import of Rac1. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed that nuclear Rac1 coimmunoprecipitates with numerous proteins. In the nucleus, Rac1 may participate in a variety of so far uncharacterized processes.

Molecular events and signalling pathways involved in skeletal muscle disuse-induced atrophy and the impact of countermeasures

Disuse-induced skeletal muscle atrophy occurs following chronic periods of inactivity such as those involving prolonged bed rest, trauma and microgravity environments. Deconditioning of skeletal muscle is mainly characterized by a loss of muscle mass, decreased fibre cross-sectional area, reduced force, increased fatigability, increased insulin resistance and transitions in fibre types. A description of the role of specific transcriptional mechanisms contributing to muscle atrophy by altering gene expression during muscle disuse has recently emerged and focused primarily on short period of inactivity. A better understanding of the transduction pathways involved in activation of proteolytic and apoptotic pathways continues to represent a major objective, together with the study of potential cross-talks in these cellular events. In parallel, evaluation of the impact of countermeasures at the cellular and molecular levels in short- and long-term disuse experimentations or microgravity environments should undoubtedly and synergistically increase our basic knowledge in attempts to identify new physical, pharmacological and nutritional targets to counteract muscle atrophy. These investigations are important as skeletal muscle atrophy remains an important neuromuscular challenge with impact in clinical and social settings affecting a variety of conditions such as those seen in aging, cancer cachexia, muscle pathologies and long-term space exploration.

Ubiquitylation on canonical and non-canonical sites targets the transcription factor neurogenin for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis

Polyubiquitylation targets multiple proteins for degradation by the proteasome. Typically, the first ubiquitin is linked to lysine residues in the substrate for degradation via an isopeptide bond, although rarely ubiquitin linkage to the N-terminal residue has also been observed. We have recently shown that Neurogenin (NGN), a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that plays a central role in regulating neuronal differentiation, is degraded by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. We have taken a biochemical and mutagenesis approach to investigate sites of ubiquitylation of NGN, initially using extracts of eggs from the frog Xenopus laevis as a source of ubiquitylation and degradation components. NGN can be targeted for destruction by ubiquitylation via lysines or the N terminus. However, we see that a modified NGN, where canonical lysine ubiquitylation and N-terminally linked ubiquitylation are prevented, is nevertheless ubiquitylated and degraded by the proteasome. We show that polyubiquitin chains covalently attach to non-canonical cysteine residues in NGN, and these non-canonical linkages alone are capable of targeting NGN protein for destruction. Importantly, canonical and non-canonical ubiquitylation occurs simultaneously in the native protein and may differ in importance for driving degradation in interphase and mitosis. We conclude that native NGN is ubiquitylated on multiple canonical and non-canonical sites by cellular ubiquitin ligases, and all types of linkage can contribute to protein turnover.

The N-terminal domain of MyoD is necessary and sufficient for its nuclear localization-dependent degradation by the ubiquitin system

A growing number of proteins, including the myogenic transcription factor MyoD, are targeted for proteasomal degradation after N-terminal ubiquitination (NTU) where the first ubiquitin moiety is conjugated to the N-terminal residue rather than to an internal lysine. NTU might be essential in targeting both lysine-containing and naturally occurring lysine-less proteins such as p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF); however, the mechanisms that underlie this process are largely unknown. Specifically, the recognition motif(s) in the target substrates and the ubiquitin ligase(s) that catalyze NTU are still obscure. Here we show that the N-terminal domain of MyoD is critical for its degradation and that its destabilizing effect depends on nuclear localization of the protein. Deletion of the first 15 aa of MyoD blocked completely its lysine-independent degradation. Importantly, transfer of the first 30 N-terminal residues of MyoD to GFP destabilized this otherwise stable protein, and, here too, targeting for degradation depended on localization of the protein to the nucleus. Deletion of the N-terminal domain of lysine-less MyoD did not abolish completely ubiquitination of the protein, suggesting that this domain may be required for targeting the protein also in a postubiquitination step. Interestingly, NTU is evolutionarily conserved: in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae lysine-less (LL) MyoD is degraded in a ubiquitin-, N-terminal domain-, and nuclear localization-dependent manner. Taken together, our data suggest that a short N-terminal segment of MyoD is necessary and sufficient to render MyoD susceptible for ubiquitin- and nuclear-dependent degradation.

Myotube formation on micro-patterned glass: intracellular organization and protein distribution in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells

Proliferation and fusion of myoblasts are needed for the generation and repair of multinucleated skeletal muscle fibers in vivo. Studies of myocyte differentiation, cell fusion, and muscle repair are limited by an appropriate in vitro muscle cell culture system. We developed a novel cell culture technique [two-dimensional muscle syncytia (2DMS) technique] that results in formation of myotubes, organized in parallel much like the arrangement in muscle tissue. This technique is based on UV lithography-produced micro-patterned glass on which conventionally cultured C2C12 myoblasts proliferate, align, and fuse to neatly arranged contractile myotubes in parallel arrays. Combining this technique with fluorescent microscopy, we observed alignment of actin filament bundles and a perinuclear distribution of glucose transporter 4 after myotube formation. Newly formed myotubes contained adjacently located MyoD-positive and MyoD-negative nuclei, suggesting fusion of MyoD-positive and MyoD-negative cells. In comparison, the closely related myogenic factor Myf5 did not exhibit this pattern of distribution. Furthermore, cytoplasmic patches of MyoD colocalized with bundles of filamentous actin near myotube nuclei. At later stages of differentiation, all nuclei in the myotubes were MyoD negative. The 2DMS system is thus a useful tool for studies on muscle alignment, differentiation, fusion, and subcellular protein localization.

Glucocorticoids differentially regulate degradation of MyoD and Id1 by N-terminal ubiquitination to promote muscle protein catabolism

Accelerated protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is the principal cause of skeletal muscle wasting associated with common human disease states and pharmacological treatment with glucocorticoids. Although many protein regulatory factors essential for muscle development and regeneration are degraded via the ubiquitin system, little is known about the mechanisms and regulation of this pathway that promote wasting muscle. Here, we demonstrate that, in differentiated myotubes, glucocorticoid, via the glucocorticoid receptor, selectively induces a decrease in protein abundance of MyoD, a master switch for muscle development and regeneration, but not that of its negative regulator Id1. This decrease in MyoD protein results from accelerated degradation after glucocorticoid exposure. Using MyoD and Id1 mutants deficient in either N terminus-dependent or internal lysine-dependent ubiquitination, we further show that these ubiquitination pathways of MyoD degradation are regulated differently from those of Id1 degradation. Specifically, glucocorticoid activates the N-terminal ubiquitination pathway in MyoD degradation in myotubes, without concomitant effects on Id1 degradation. This effect of glucocorticoid on MyoD and Id1 protein degradation is associated with the distinct cellular compartments in which their degradation occurs. Taken together, these results support a key role for the N terminus-dependent ubiquitination pathway in the physiology of muscle protein degradation.

In vivo interactions of MyoD, Id1, and E2A proteins determined by acceptor photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer

MyoD, a skeletal muscle transcription factor, is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. MyoD interacts with ubiquitously expressed E2A or inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins to activate or inhibit transcription, respectively. Furthermore, MyoD has been shown to modulate the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Id1 and E2A proteins, E12 and E47. The molecular mechanisms governing these events are not clear but are hypothesized to occur via heterodimer formation. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a technique for evaluation of protein-protein interactions in vivo. Using acceptor photobleaching FRET and chimeric proteins composed of MyoD, Id1, E12, E47, E12(NLS), or MyoD(NLS) and either cyan fluorescent protein or yellow fluorescent protein, we show that each of the wild-type proteins is capable of homodimerization. In addition, heterodimers form between Id1 and E2A proteins, as well as between MyoD and E2A proteins. The Id1:E2A interaction is stronger than the MyoD:E2A interaction, which is consistent with the notion that inhibition of MyoD action occurs by the sequestration of E2A proteins by Id. The stronger interaction of Id1 with E2A may also explain the decrease in the rate of ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of Id1 that is significantly greater than that of MyoD when E2A proteins are abundant. Thus, these studies extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of MyoD action.

Reciprocal inhibition between Pax7 and muscle regulatory factors modulates myogenic cell fate determination

Postnatal growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle requires a population of resident myogenic precursors named satellite cells. The transcription factor Pax7 is critical for satellite cell biogenesis and survival and has been also implicated in satellite cell self-renewal; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Previously, we showed that Pax7 overexpression in adult primary myoblasts down-regulates MyoD and prevents myogenin induction, inhibiting myogenesis. We show that Pax7 prevents muscle differentiation independently of its transcriptional activity, affecting MyoD function. Conversely, myogenin directly affects Pax7 expression and may be critical for Pax7 down-regulation in differentiating cells. Our results provide evidence for a cross-inhibitory interaction between Pax7 and members of the muscle regulatory factor family. This could represent an additional mechanism for the control of satellite cell fate decisions resulting in proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal, necessary for skeletal muscle maintenance and repair.

Cell-type-specific regulation of degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha: role of subcellular compartmentalization

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) is a transcription factor that mediates adaptive cellular responses to decreased oxygen availability (hypoxia). At normoxia, HIF-1 alpha is targeted by the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In the present study we have observed distinct cell-type-specific differences in the ability of various tested pVHL-interacting subfragments to stabilize HIF-1 alpha and unmask its function at normoxia. These properties correlated with differences in subcellular compartmentalization and degradation of HIF-1 alpha. We observed that the absence or presence of nuclear localization or export signals differently affected the ability of a minimal HIF-1 alpha peptide spanning residues 559 to 573 of mouse HIF-1 alpha to stabilize endogenous HIFalpha and induce HIF-driven reporter gene activity in two different cell types (primary mouse endothelial and HepG2 hepatoma cells). Degradation of HIF-1 alpha occurred mainly in the cytoplasm of HepG2 cells, whereas it occurs with equal efficiency in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of primary endothelial cells. Consistent with these observations, green fluorescent protein-HIF-1 alpha is differently distributed during hypoxia and reoxygenation in hepatoma and endothelial cells. Consequently, we propose that differential compartmentalization of degradation of HIF-1 alpha and the subcellular distribution of HIF-1 alpha may account for cell-type-specific differences in stabilizing HIF-1 alpha protein levels under hypoxic conditions.

Intracellular signaling during skeletal muscle atrophy

A variety of conditions lead to skeletal muscle atrophy including muscle inactivity or disuse, multiple disease states (i.e., cachexia), fasting, and age-associated atrophy (sarcopenia). Given the impact on mobility in the latter conditions, inactivity could contribute in a secondary manner to muscle atrophy. Because different events initiate atrophy in these different conditions, it seems that the regulation of protein loss may be unique in each case. In fact differences exist between the regulation of the various atrophy conditions, especially sarcopenia, as evidenced in part by comparisons of transcriptional profiles as well as by the unique triggering molecules found in each case. By contrast, recent studies have shown that many of the intracellular signaling molecules and target genes are similar, particularly among the atrophies related to inactivity and cachexia. This review focuses on the most recent findings related to intracellular signaling during muscle atrophy. Key findings are discussed that relate to signaling involving muscle ubiquitin ligases, the IGF/PI3K/Akt pathway, FOXO activity, caspase-3 activity, and NF-kappaB signaling, and an attempt is made to construct a unifying picture of how these data can be connected to better understand atrophy. Once more detailed cellular mechanisms of the atrophy process are understood, more specific interventions can be designed for the attenuation of protein loss.

E12 and E47 modulate cellular localization and proteasome-mediated degradation of MyoD and Id1

Programs of tissue differentiation are likely controlled by factors regulating gene expression and protein degradation. In muscle, the degradation of the muscle transcription factor MyoD and its inhibitor Id1 occurs via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. E12 and E47, splice products of the E2A gene, interact with MyoD to activate transcription of the muscle program and are also degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (t(1/2) = approximately 6 h). E12 and E47 each contain two regions of basic amino acids, which, when mutated, lead to cytoplasmic accumulation of the proteins. These NLS mutants (E12(NLS), E47(NLS)) are degraded with a half-life similar to the wild-type proteins. In nonmuscle cells, cotransfection of either E12 or E47 with MyoD extended MyoD's half-life from approximately 1 to approximately 4 h. In addition, cotransfection of either E12 or E47 with Id1 led to a marked reduction in Id1's degradation rate from t(1/2) of approximately 1 to approximately 8 h. Furthermore, the cotransfection of NLS deficient mutants of MyoD or Id1 with E12 or E47 resulted in altered intracellular localization of the proteins largely dependent upon the E12 or E47 moiety. Cotransfection of wild-type MyoD or Id1 with NLS deficient mutants of E12 or E47 also led to an altered intracellular localization of MyoD and Id1. These results demonstrate in vivo that E12 and E47 modulate both MyoD and Id1 degradation and may have implications for the physiological regulation of muscle development.

Proteasome mediated degradation of Id-1 is associated with TNFalpha-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells

Overexpression of the helix-loop-helix protein Id-1 has been reported in over 20 types of cancer. While a number of factors have been demonstrated to regulate Id-1 gene transcription, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for its degradation. In this study, we have demonstrated that Id-1 protein stability was regulated by TNFalpha in prostate cancer cells. We found that exposure of prostate cancer cell lines, DU145 and PC-3, to TNFalpha resulted in a rapid and significant downregulation of the Id-1 protein level. The fact that neither the Id-1 promoter activity nor the Id-1 mRNA level was affected by the TNFalpha treatment suggested that the decrease in Id-1 protein was not due to the suppression of gene transcription. In addition, the half-life of the Id-1 protein was decreased in both cell lines in the presence of TNFalpha, and the addition of an ubiquitin/proteasome inhibitor (MG-132) prior to the TNFalpha treatment completely blocked the effect of the TNFalpha-induced Id-1 protein degradation. Furthermore, introduction of a Flag-tag sequence into the N-terminus region of the Id-1 protein, which has been shown to stabilize the protein, was able to protect the Id-1 protein from TNFalpha-induced degradation. These results suggest that TNFalpha downregulated Id-1 through activation of the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation pathway in prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, in both DU145 and PC-3 cells, the decrease of Id-1 protein was associated with the activation of apoptotic pathway, as evidenced by the increased expression of cleaved PARP and caspase 3. In addition, TNFalpha failed to downregulate Id-1 in a sub-line of LNCaP cells that was resistant to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. These results further suggest that the downregulation of Id-1 may facilitate TNFalpha-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Id-1 protein may be regulated by TNFalpha through the ubiquitin/proteasome degradation pathway and the stability of the Id-1 protein appears to correlate with the sensitivity of TNFalpha-induced apoptosis.

Ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation, intracellular localization, and protein synthesis of MyoD and Id1 during muscle differentiation

Mammalian skeletal myogenesis results in the differentiation of myoblasts to mature syncytial myotubes, a process regulated by an intricate genetic network of at least three protein families: muscle regulatory factors, E proteins, and Id proteins. MyoD, a key muscle regulatory factor, and its negative regulator Id1 have both been shown to be degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Using C2C12 cells and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we showed that MyoD and Id1 co-localize within the nucleus in proliferating myoblasts. In mature myotubes, in contrast, they reside in distinctive subcellular compartments, with MyoD within the nucleus and Id1 exclusively in the cytoplasm. Cellular abundance of Id1 was markedly diminished from the very onset of muscle differentiation, whereas MyoD abundance was reduced to a much lesser extent and only at the later stages of differentiation. These reductions in MyoD and Id1 protein levels seem to result from a change in the rate of protein synthesis rather than the rate of degradation. In vivo protein stability studies revealed that the rates of ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated MyoD and Id1 degradation are independent of myogenic differentiation state. Id1 and MyoD were both rapidly degraded, each with a t 1/2 approximately = 1 h in myoblasts and in myotubes. Furthermore, relative protein synthesis rates for MyoD and Id1 were significantly diminished during myoblast to myotube differentiation. These results provide insight as to the interaction between MyoD and Id1 in the process of muscle differentiation and have implications for the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation and protein synthesis in muscle differentiation and metabolism under abnormal and pathological conditions.

Pardon me--no access without ubiquitin

Spatial separation of ubiquitin conjugation pathways contributes to target-specific ubiquitination. Recently, Plafker et al. reported that importin 11-dependent nuclear import of the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcM2 occurs only if the latter is charged with ubiquitin. This interesting finding describes a link between nuclear transport pathways and ubiquitin and reveals a novel mechanism for localizing components of the ubiquitin system within the cell.

Degradation of MyoD Mediated by the SCF (MAFbx) Ubiquitin Ligase

MyoD controls myoblast identity and differentiation and is required for myogenic stem cell function in adult skeletal muscle. MyoD is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway mediated by different E3 ubiquitin ligases not identified as yet. Here we report that MyoD interacts with Atrogin-1/MAFbx (MAFbx), a striated muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase dramatically up-regulated in atrophying muscle. A core LXXLL motif sequence in MyoD is necessary for binding to MAFbx. MAFbx associates with MyoD through an inverted LXXLL motif located in a series of helical leucine-charged residue-rich domains. Mutation in the LXXLL core motif represses ubiquitination and degradation of MyoD induced by MAFbx. Overexpression of MAFbx suppresses MyoD-induced differentiation and inhibits myotube formation. Finally the purified recombinant SCF(MAFbx) complex (SCF, Skp1, Cdc53/Cullin 1, F-box protein) mediated MyoD ubiquitination in vitro in a lysine-dependent pathway. Mutation of the lysine 133 in MyoD prevented its ubiquitination by the recombinant SCF(MAFbx) complex. These observations thus demonstrated that MAFbx functions in ubiquitinating MyoD via a sequence found in transcriptional coactivators. These transcriptional coactivators mediate the binding to liganded nuclear receptors. We also identified a novel protein-protein interaction module not yet identified in F-box proteins. MAFbx may play an important role in the course of muscle differentiation by determining the abundance of MyoD.

Evolutionary conserved N-terminal domain of Nrf2 is essential for the Keap1-mediated degradation of the protein by proteasome

Under homeostatic conditions, Nrf2 activity is constitutively repressed. This process is dependent on Keap1, to which Nrf2 binds through the Neh2 domain. Since the N-terminal subdomain of Neh2 (Neh2-NT) contains evolutionarily conserved motifs, we examined the roles they play in the degradation of Nrf2. In Neh2-NT, we defined a novel motif that is distinct from the previously characterized DIDLID motif and designated it DLG motif. Deletion of Neh2-NT or mutation of the DLG motif largely abolished the Keap1-mediated degradation of Nrf2. These mutations were found to enfeeble the binding affinity of Nrf2 to Keap1. The Neh2-NT subdomain directed DLG-dependent, Keap1-independent, degradation of a reporter protein in the nucleus. By contrast, mutation of DLG did not affect the half-life of native Nrf2 protein in the nucleus under oxidative stress conditions. These results thus demonstrate that DLG motif plays essential roles in the Keap1-mediated proteasomal degradation of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm.

Myogenin Protein Stability Is Decreased by BMP-2 through a Mechanism Implicating Id1

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) induces a switch in differentiation of mesenchymal cells from the myogenic to the osteogenic lineage. Here we describe that in C2C12 cells, BMP-2 decreases myogenin expression induced by des-(1,3) insulin-like growth factor-1 (des-(1,3)IGF-1) or ectopically expressed from a constitutive promoter, even in conditions where myogenin mRNA levels were unaffected. Addition of BMP-2 decreases myogenin protein half-life to 50%, whereas proteasome inhibitors abolish these effects. Forced expression of Id1, either by transient transfection or under the control of an inducible system, causes degradation of myogenin in the absence of BMP-2. In contrast, E47 overexpression blocks the inhibitory effect of BMP-2 on myogenin levels. Finally, expression of E47 in 293 cells stabilizes myogenin, an effect that is dependent on the heterodimerization mediated by their helix-loop-helix. Our findings indicate that induction of Id1 not only blocks transcriptional activity but also induces myogenin degradation by blocking formation of myogenin-E47 protein complexes.

The Rac1 C-terminal polybasic region regulates the nuclear localization and protein degradation of Rac1

We observed evolutionary conservation of canonical nuclear localization signal sequences (K(K/R)X(K/R)) in the C-terminal polybasic regions (PBRs) of some Rac and Rho isoforms. Canonical D-box sequences (RXXL), which target proteins for proteasome-mediated degradation, are also evolutionarily conserved near the PBRs of these small GTPases. We show that the Rac1 PBR (PVKKRKRK) promotes Rac1 nuclear accumulation, whereas the RhoA PBR (RRGKKKSG) keeps RhoA in the cytoplasm. A mutant Rac1 protein named Rac1 (pbrRhoA), in which the RhoA PBR replaces the Rac1 PBR, has greater cytoplasmic localization, enhanced resistance to proteasome-mediated degradation, and higher protein levels than Rac1. Mutating the D-box by substituting alanines at amino acids 174 and 177 significantly increases the protein levels of Rac1 but not Rac1(pbrRhoA). These results suggest that Rac1 (pbrRhoA) is more resistant than Rac1 to proteasome-mediated degradative pathways involving the D-box. The cytoplasmic localization of Rac1(pbrRhoA) provides the most obvious reason for its resistance to proteasome-mediated degradation, because we show that Rac1(pbrRhoA) does not greatly differ from Rac1 in its ability to stimulate membrane ruffling or to interact with SmgGDS and IQGAP1-calmodulin complexes. These findings support the model that nuclear localization signal sequences in the PBR direct Rac1 to the nucleus, where Rac1 participates in signaling pathways that ultimately target it for degradation.

Ubiquitin-Proteasome-mediated degradation of Id1 is modulated by MyoD

Degradation of many short-lived cellular proteins such as the transcription factor MyoD occurs via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. MyoD, similar to many rapidly degraded regulatory factors, interacts with several high affinity binding partners, including members of the Id (inhibitors of DNA binding) family. Following transfection to HeLa cells, Id1 is localized to the nucleus and rapidly (t(1/2) approximately 1 h) degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Mutagenesis of lysine residues within the putative nuclear localization region (amino acids 68-82) directs Id1(NLS) to the cytoplasm yet confers an increased rate of degradation (t(1/2) approximately 0.5 h). Id1 in which all lysine residues were mutagenized to alanine (lysineless Id1) was also rapidly degraded (t(1/2) approximately 0.6 h). Addition of a Myc(6) tag to the N terminus of lysine-less Id1 markedly stabilized Id1 (t(1/2) > 10 h) and suggests degradation via the N terminus-dependent pathway. Co-transfection of MyoD with Id1 or Id1(NLS) increases Id1 or Id1(NLS) within the nucleus and markedly reduces the rate of Id1 or Id1(NLS) degradation. These results thus demonstrate that in vivo MyoD modulates the rate of Id1 degradation and suggest a dynamic interplay of these factors.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibits myogenic differentiation through MyoD protein destabilization

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) has been implicated as a mediator of muscle wasting through nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) -dependent inhibition of myogenic differentiation. The aim of the present study was to identify the regulatory molecule(s) of myogenesis targeted by TNFalpha/NF-kappaB signaling. TNFalpha interfered with cell cycle exit and repressed the accumulation of transcripts encoding muscle-specific genes in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts. Overexpression of a p65 (RelA) mutant lacking the transcriptional activation domain attenuated the TNFalpha-mediated inhibition of muscle-specific gene transcription. The ability of muscle regulatory factor MyoD to induce muscle-specific transcription in 10T1/2 fibroblasts was also disrupted by wild-type p65, demonstrating that NF-kappaB transcriptional activity interferes with the function of MyoD. Inhibition of muscle-specific gene expression by TNFalpha was restored by overexpression of MyoD, whereas endogenous MyoD protein abundance and stability were reduced by TNFalpha through increased proteolysis of MyoD by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Last, the inhibitory effects of TNFalpha on myogenic differentiation were demonstrated in a mouse model of skeletal muscle regeneration, in which TNFalpha caused a delay in myoblast cell cycle exit. These results implicate that TNFalpha inhibits myogenic differentiation through destabilizing MyoD protein in a NF-kappaB-dependent manner, which interferes with skeletal muscle regeneration and may contribute to muscle wasting.

Critical Role for Lysine 133 in the Nuclear Ubiquitin-mediated Degradation of MyoD

The ubiquitin-proteasome system is responsible for the regulation and turnover of the nuclear transcription factor MyoD. The degradation of MyoD can occur via an NH2 terminus-dependent pathway or a lysine-dependent pathway, suggesting that MyoD ubiquitination may be driven by different mechanisms. To understand this process, deletion analysis was used to identify the region of MyoD that is required for rapid proteolysis in the lysine-dependent pathway. Here we report that the basic helix-loop-helix domain is required for ubiquitination and lysine-dependent degradation of MyoD in the nucleus. Site-directed mutagenesis in MyoD revealed that lysine 133 is the major internal lysine of ubiquitination. The half-life of the MyoD K133R mutant protein was longer than that of wild type MyoD, substantiating the implication of lysine 133 in the turnover of MyoD in myoblasts. In addition, the MyoD K133R mutant displayed activity 2-3-fold higher than the wild type in transactivation muscle-specific gene and myogenic conversion of 10T1/2 cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that lysine 133 is targeted for ubiquitination and rapid degradation of MyoD in the lysine-dependent pathway and plays an integral role in compromising MyoD activity in the nucleus.