Research Progress in Function and Regulation of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase SMURF1

Smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor 1(Smurf1)is an important homologous member of E6-AP C-terminus type E3 ubiquitin ligase.Initially,Smurf1 was reportedly involved in the negative regulation of the bone morphogenesis protein(BMP)pathway.After further research,several studies have confirmed that Smurf1 is widely involved in various biological processes,such as bone homeostasis regulation,cell migration,apoptosis,and planar cell polarity.At the same time,recent studies have provided a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of Smurf1’s expression,activity,and substrate selectivity.In our review,a brief summary of recent important biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1 is proposed.

Role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in gastric cancer

E3 ubiquitin ligases have an important role in carcinogenesis and include a large family of proteins that catalyze the ubiquitination of many protein substrates for targeted degradation by the 26S proteasome.So far,E3 ubiquitin ligases have been reported to have a role in a variety of biological processes including cell cycle regulation,cell proliferation,and apoptosis.Recently,several kinds of E3 ubiquitin ligases were demonstrated to be generally highly expressed in gastric cancer(GC) tissues and to contribute to carcinogenesis.In this review,we summarize thecurrent knowledge and information about the clinical significance of E3 ubiquitin ligases in GC.Bortezomib,a proteasome inhibitor,encouraged the evaluation of other components of the ubiquitin proteasome system for pharmaceutical intervention.The clinical value of novel treatment strategies targeting aberrant E3 ubiquitin ligases for GC are discussed in the review.

Role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in lung cancer

E3 ubiquitin ligases are a large family of proteins that catalyze the ubiquitination of many protein substrates for targeted degradation by the 26S proteasome.Therefore,E3 ubiquitin ligases play an essential role in a variety of biological processes including cell cycle regulation,proliferation and apoptosis.E3 ubiquitin ligases are often found overexpressed in human cancers,including lung cancer,and their deregulation has been shown to contribute to cancer development.However,the lack of specific inhibitors in clinical trials is a major issue in targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases with currently only one E3 ubiquitin ligase inhibitor being tested in the clinical setting.In this review,we focus on E3 ubiquitin ligases that have been found deregulated in lung cancer.Furthermore,we discuss the processes in which they are involved and evaluate them as potential anti-cancer targets.By better understanding the mechanisms by which E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate biological processes and their exact role in carcinogenesis,we can improve the development of specific E3 ubiquitin ligase inhibitors and pave the way for novel treatment strategies for cancer patients.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of apple U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase gene MdPUB29 reveals its involvement in salt tolerance

An E3 ubiquitin ligase gene(Genbank accession no.:MD01 G1010900) was cloned from the Royal Gala apple genome(Malus×domestica Borkh.).Sequence analysis showed that the length of the MdPUB29 gene was 1 275 bp,encoding 424 amino acids.Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that the apple E3 ubiquitin ligase exhibited the greatest sequence similarity to Pyrus×bretschneideri.The predicted protein structural domain of MdPUB29 showed that it contained a U-box domain.qRT-PCR analysis showed that Md PUB29 was expressed widely in different tissues of the Royal Gala apple species,and was highly expressed in the root,while the expression of MdPUB29 was significantly inhibited by exogenous NaCl.Immunoblotting assays revealed that MdPUB29 protein abundance in tissue cultures of the Royal Gala apple accumulated under NaC l stress conditions.Three-dimensional protein structure prediction indicated that MdPUB29 was highly homologous with AtPUB29.The growing potential of MdPUB29-expressing apple calli and Arabidopsis were much stronger than that of the control under salt stress conditions,suggesting that MdPUB29 may positively regulate salt tolerance.

Human RING finger protein ZNF645 is a novel testis-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase

A large number of testis-specific genes are involved in the complex process of mammalian spermatogenesis. Identification of these genes and their roles is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis. Here we report on a novel human RING finger protein, ZNF645, which contains a C3HC4 RING finger domain, a C2H2 zinc-finger domain, and a proline-rich region, indicating that it has a structure similar to that of the c-Cbl-like protein Hakai. ZNF645 was exclusively expressed in normal human testicular tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that ZNF645 protein was present in spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids, and Leydig cells. Immunofluorescence staining of mature sperms further showed that the ZNF645 protein was localized over the postacrosomal perinuclear theca region and the entire length of sperm tail. An in vitro ubiquitination assay indicated that the RING finger domain of the ZNF645 protein had E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Therefore, we suggest that ZNF645 might act as an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase and play a role in human sperm production and quality control.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog 1 may be a potential new therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease

In this study, we investigated the effect of an antibody against E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog 1（SIAH-1） in PC12 cells. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium（MPP＋） treatment increased α-synuclein, E1 and SIAH-1 protein levels in PC12 cells, and it reduced cell viability; however, there was no significant change in light chain 3 expression. Treatment with an SIAH-1 antibody decreased m RNA expression levels of α-synuclein, light chain 3 and SIAH-1, but increased E1 m RNA expression. It also increased cell viability. Combined treatment with MPP＋ and rapamycin reduced SIAH-1 and α-synuclein levels. Treatment with SIAH-1 antibody alone diminished α-synuclein immunoreactivity in PC12 cells, and reduced the colocalization of α-synuclein and light chain 3. These findings suggest that the SIAH-1 antibody reduces the monoubiquitination and aggregation of α-synuclein, promoting its degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Consequently, SIAH-1 may be a potential new therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease.

Jianpi Decoction Combined with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Alleviates Cancer Cachexia and Prevents Muscle Atrophy by Directly Inhibiting E3 Ubiquitin Ligase

ObjectiveTo provide comprehensive evidence for the anti-cancer cachexia effect of Jianpi Decoction(JP)and to explore its mechanism of anti-cancer cachexia.MethodsA mouse model of colon cancer(CT26)-induced cancer cachexia(CC)was used to investigate the anti-CC effect of JP combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate(MPA).Thirty-six mice were equally divided into 6 groups:normal control,CC,MPA(100 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1)),MPA+low-dose(20 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1))JP(L-JP),MPA+medium-dose(30 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1))JP(M-JP),and MPA+high-dose(40 mg·kg^(−1)·d^(−1))JP(H-JP)groups.After successful modeling,the mice were administered by gavage for 11 d.The body weight and tumor volume were measured and recorded every 2 d starting on the 8th day after implantation.The liver,heart,spleen,lung,kidney,tumor and gastrocnemius muscle of mice were collected and weighed.The pathological changes of the tumor was observed,and the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle was calculated.The protein expressions of STAT3 and E3 ubiquitinase in the gastrocnemius muscle were measured by Western blot.In addition,an in vitro C2C12 myotube formation model was established to investigate the role of JP in hindering dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy.In vitro experiments were divided into control,model,and JP serum groups.After 2-d administration,microscopic photographs were taken and myotube diameters were calculated.Western blot was performed to measure the protein expressions of STAT3 and E3 ubiquitinase.ResultsJP combined with MPA restored tumor-induced weight loss(P<0.05,vs.CC)and muscle fiber size(P<0.01,vs.CC).Mechanistically,JP reduced the expression of atrophy-related proteins MuRF1 and MAFbx in tumor-induced muscle atrophy in vivo(P<0.05,vs.CC).In addition,JP reduced the expression of atrophy-related proteins MuRF1 and MAFbx and p-STAT3 phosphorylation(P<0.05 or P<0.01 vs.model group)in C2C12 myotubes treated with dexamethasone in vitro.ConclusionsAdministration of JP combined with MPA restores tumor-induced cachexia conditions.In addition,the profound effect of JP combined with MPA on tumor-induced cachexia may be due to its inhibition of muscle proteolysis(E3 ubiquitinase system).

The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in bone homeostasis and related diseases

The ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS)dedicates to degrade intracellular proteins to modulate demic homeostasis and functions of organisms.These enzymatic cascades mark and modifies target proteins diversly through covalently binding ubiquitin molecules.In the UPS,E3 ubiquitin ligases are the crucial constituents by the advantage of recognizing and presenting proteins to proteasomes for proteolysis.As the major regulators of protein homeostasis,E3 ligases are indispensable to proper cell manners in diverse systems,and they are well described in physiological bone growth and bone metabolism.Pathologically,classic bone-related diseases such as metabolic bone diseases,arthritis,bone neoplasms and bone metastasis of the tumor,etc.,were also depicted in a UPS-dependent manner.Therefore,skeletal system is versatilely regulated by UPS and it is worthy to summarize the underlying mechanism.Furthermore,based on the current status of treatment,normal or pathological osteogenesis and tumorigenesis elaborated in this review highlight the clinical significance of UPS research.As a strategy possibly remedies the limitations of UPS treatment,emerging PROTAC was described comprehensively to illustrate its potential in clinical application.Altogether,the purpose of this review aims to provide more evidence for exploiting novel therapeutic strategies based on UPS for bone associated diseases.

Fine mapping of a major QTL qHYF_B06 for peanut yield

High yield is a major objective for peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) breeding worldwide. However, fewer yield-related quantitative trait loci(QTL) have been reported in peanut than in other staple food crops such as rice(Oryza sativa), wheat(Triticum aestivum), and maize(Zea mays). This study aimed to identify stable major-effect QTL associated with pod yield per plant, hundred-pod weight for double-seeded pods,hundred-seed weight, shelling percentage, and pod number per plant, allowing us to predict candidate genes by means of transcriptome and genome sequencing. To this end, we used a population of recombinant inbred lines comprising 192 F9:11families derived from a JH6 × KX01-6 cross to construct a highresolution genetic map(1705.7 c M) consisting of 2273 polymorphic SNPs, with 0.75 c M(on average)between adjacent SNPs. We identified two high-confidence, yield-related QTL, qHYF_A08 and qHYF_B06, explaining 5.78%–31.40% of phenotypic variation and with LOD values of 5.10–24.48, in six environments. qHYF_A08 mainly explained the variation in shelling percentage, whereas qHYF_B06explained variation in hundred-pod weight and hundred-seed weight and accounted for 8.77%–31.40%of the variation in effective pod number per plant, pod number per plant, and shelling percentage. We narrowed down qHYF_B06 to an 890-kb interval using an advanced mapping population.Transcriptome and genome analyses revealed that only Arahy.129FS0 and Arahy.3R9A5K in the candidate mapping interval were differentially expressed between JH6 and KX01-6, with substantial structural variations in their promoter and coding regions. Genotypes of 208 peanut accessions determined using a diagnostic CAPS marker suggested that the two haplotypes of Arahy.3R9A5K were highly associated with hundred-seed weight and hundred-pod weight;this diagnostic CAPs marker could therefore be useful for selecting high-yielding lines during peanut breeding. Overall, our results provide valuable information for cloning alleles with favorable effects on peanut yield.

Cullin-RING Ubiquitin Ligase Family in Plant Abiotic Stress Pathways

The ubiquitin-proteasome system is a key mechanism that plants use to generate adaptive responses in coping with various en- vironmental stresses. Cullin-RING （CRL） complexes represent a predominant group of ubiquitin E3 ligases in this system. In this review, we focus on the CRL E3s that have been implicated in abiotic stress signaling pathways in Arabidopsis. By comparing and analyzing these cases, we hope to gain a better understanding on how CRL complexes work under various settings in an attempt to decipher the clues about the regulatory mechanism of CRL E3s.

Role of SKP1-CUL1-F-Box-Protein (SCF) E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Skin Cancer

Many biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell death depend precisely on the timely synthesis and degradation of key regulatory proteins. While protein synthesis can be regulated at multiple levels, protein degradation is mainly controlled by the ubiquitin-proteasome system （UPS）, which consists of two distinct steps： （1） ubiquitylation of targeted protein by E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme, E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and E3 ubiquitin ligase, and （2） subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome. Among all E3 ubiquitin ligases, the SCF （SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein） E3 ligases are the largest family and are responsible for the turnover of many key regulatory proteins. Aberrant regulation of SCF E3 ligases is associated with various human diseases, such as cancers, including skin cancer. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of all currently published data to define a promoting role of SCF E3 ligases in the development of skin cancer. The future directions in this area of research are also discussed with an ultimate goal to develop small molecule inhibitors of SCF E3 ligases as a novel approach for the treatment of human skin cancer. Furthermore, altered components or substrates of SCF E3 ligases may also be developed as the biomarkers for early diagnosis or predicting prognosis.

Immune regulation by protein ubiquitination: roles of the E3 ligases VHL and Itch

Protein ubiquitination is an important means of posttranslational modification which plays an essential role in the regulation of various aspects of leukocyte development and function. The specificity of ubiquitin tagging to a protein substrate is determined by E3 ubiquitin ligases via defined E3-substrate interactions. In this review, we will focus on two E3 ligases, VHL and Itch, to discuss the latest progress in understanding their roles in the differentiation and function of CD4+ T helper cell subsets, the stability of regulatory T cells, effector function of CD8+ T cells, as well as the development and maturation of innate lymphoid cells. The biological implications of these E3 ubiquitin ligases will be highlighted in the context of normal and dysregulated immune responses including the control of homeostasis, inflammation, auto-immune responses and anti-tumor immunity. Further elucidation of the ubiquitin system in immune cells will help in the design of new therapeutic interventions for human immunological diseases and cancer.

The emerging roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in ovarian cancer chemoresistance

Epithelial cancer of the ovary exhibits the highest mortality rate of all gynecological malignancies in women today,since the disease is often diagnosed in advanced stages.While the treatment of cancer with specific chemical agents or drugs is the favored treatment regimen,chemotherapy resistance greatly impedes successful ovarian cancer chemotherapy.Thus,chemoresistance becomes one of the most critical clinical issues confronted when treating patients with ovarian cancer.Convincing evidence hints that dysregulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases is a key factor in the development and maintenance of ovarian cancer chemoresistance.This review outlines recent advancement in our understanding of the emerging roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in ovarian cancer chemoresistance.We also highlight currently available inhibitors targeting E3 ligase activities and discuss their potential for clinical applications in treating chemoresistant ovarian cancer patients.

The ubiquitin codes in cellular stress responses

Ubiquitination/ubiquitylation,one of the most fundamental post-translational modifications,regulates almost every critical cellular process in eukaryotes.Emerging evidence has shown that essential components of numerous biological processes undergo ubiquitination in mammalian cells upon exposure to diverse stresses,from exogenous factors to cellular reactions,causing a dazzling variety of functional consequences.Various forms of ubiquitin sig-nals generated by ubiquitylation events in specific milieus,known as ubiquitin codes,constitute an intrinsic part of myriad cellular stress responses.These ubiquitination events,leading to proteolytic turnover of the substrates or just switch in functionality,initiate,regulate,or supervise multiple cellular stress-associated responses,supporting adaptation,homeostasis recovery,and survival of the stressed cells.In this review,we attempted to summarize the crucial roles of ubiquitination in response to different environmental and intracellular stresses,while discussing how stresses modulate the ubiquitin system.This review also updates the most recent advances in understanding ubiquitination machinery as well as different stress responses and discusses some important questions that may warrant future investigation.

An alfalfa MYB-like transcriptional factor MsMYBH positively regulates alfalfa seedling drought resistance and undergoes MsWAV3-mediated degradation

Drought is a major threat to alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.)production.The discovery of important alfalfa genes regulating drought response will facilitate breeding for drought-resistant alfalfa cultivars.Here,we report a genome-wide association study of drought resistance in alfalfa.We identified and functionally characterized an MYB-like transcription factor gene(MsMYBH),which increases the drought resistance in alfalfa.Compared with the wild-types,the biomass and forage quality were enhanced in MsMYBH overexpressed plants.Combined RNA-seq,proteomics and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that MsMYBH can directly bind to the promoters of MsMCP1,MsMCP2,MsPRX1A and MsCARCAB to improve their expression.The outcomes of such interactions include better water balance,high photosynthetic efficiency and scavenge excess H_(2)O_(2)in response to drought.Furthermore,an E3 ubiquitin ligase(MsWAV3)was found to induce MsMYBH degradation under long-term drought,via the 26S proteasome pathway.Furthermore,variable-number tandem repeats in MsMYBH promoter were characterized among a collection of germplasms,and the variation is associated with promoter activity.Collectively,our findings shed light on the functions of MsMYBH and provide a pivotal gene that could be leveraged for breeding drought-resistant alfalfa.This discovery also offers new insights into the mechanisms of drought resistance in alfalfa.

RNF31表达下调抑制TNF-α刺激的NF-κB通路的激活

目的利用慢病毒干涉下调内源性RNF31表达,研究NF-κB通路的活化及对细胞凋亡的影响。方法将人RNF31的shRNA片段克隆到慢病毒表达载体p Green Puro中,瞬时转染HEK293T细胞,筛选出有效的干涉片段。将重组表达质粒与包装质粒PMD、SPA共转染293T细胞,在24 h、48 h分2次收集慢病毒上清,用流式细胞术检测病毒滴度。将获得的病毒感染HEK293细胞,提取细胞蛋白,Real-time PCR以及Western Blot检测RNF31干涉效果;报告基因实验检测敲低RNF31对NF-κB转录活性的影响;Real-time PCR检测干涉RNF31对TNF-α诱导的NF-κB下游靶基因的影响;Western Blot检测下调RNF31对IκBα活化的影响;Hochest染色检测下调RNF31对细胞凋亡的影响。结果成功构建RNF31干涉慢病毒p Green Puro-RNF31载体并获得慢病毒颗粒,病毒滴度可达3×107pfu/ml。在HEK293细胞中下调RNF31,抑制TNF-α刺激的NF-κB的转录活性,并抑制NF-κB下游靶基因的表达;下调RNF31抑制TNF-α刺激的IκBα的活化;此外,在TNF-α刺激细胞24 h时,RNF31表达下调使细胞凋亡增多。结论 RNF31表达下调抑制TNF-α刺激的NF-κB通路的激活。

Plant E3 Ligases： Flexible Enzymes in a Sessile World

Since its discovery in the late 1970s, the ubiquitin proteasome pathway appears to be omnipresent in many research fields. Although originally discovered in animals, the pathway has a very central role in plants, which may be correlated to their sessile lifestyle. E3 ligases function as flexible and highly diverse key regulators within the path- way by targeting substrate proteins for ubiquitylation, and often proteolytic degradation via the 26S proteasome. This review provides a concise overview on the most common classes of E3 ligases so far described in plants, and emphasizes recent findings regarding these interesting and flexible enzymes and their diverse functions in plant biology.

Arabidopsis U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase PUB11 negatively regulates drought tolerance by degrading the receptor-like protein kinases LRR1 and KIN7

Both plant receptor-like protein kinases(RLKs)and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis play crucial roles in plant responses to drought stress.However,the mechanism by which E3 ubiquitin ligases modulate RLKs is poorly understood.In this study,we showed that Arabidopsis PLANT U-BOX PROTEIN 11(PUB11),an E3 ubiquitin ligase,negatively regulates abscisic acid(ABA)-mediated drought responses.PUB11 interacts with and ubiquitinates two receptor-like protein kinases,LEUCINE RICH REPEAT PROTEIN 1(LRR1)and KINASE 7(KIN7),and mediates their degradation during plant responses to drought stress in vitro and in vivo.pub11 mutants were more tolerant,whereas Irr1 and kin7 mutants were more sensitive,to drought stress than the wild type.Genetic analyses show that the pub11 Irr1 kin7 triple mutant exhibited similar drought sensitivity as the Irr1 kin7 double mutant,placing PUB11 upstream of the two RLKs.Abscisic acid and drought treatment promoted the accumulation of PUB11,which likely accelerates LRR1 and KIN7 degradation.Together,our results reveal that PUB11 negatively regulates plant responses to drought stress by destabilizing the LRR1 and KIN7 RLKs.

Functional characterization of SAG/RBX2/ROC2/RNF7, an antioxidant protein and an E3 ubiquitin ligase

SAG(Sensitive to Apoptosis Gene),also known as RBX2(RING box protein 2),ROC2(Regulator of Cullins 2),or RNF7(RING Finger Protein 7),was originally cloned in our laboratory as a redox inducible antioxi-dant protein and later characterized as the second member of the RBX/ROC RING component of the SCF(SKP1-CUL-F-box Proteins)E3 ubiquitin ligase.When acting alone,SAG scavenges oxygen radicals by forming inter-and intra-molecular disulfide bonds,whereas by forming a complex with other components of the SCF E3 ligase,SAG promotes ubiquitination and degradation of a number of protein substrates,includ-ing c-JUN,DEPTOR,HIF-1α,IκBα,NF1,NOXA,p27,and procaspase-3,thus regulating various signaling path-ways and biological processes.Specifically,SAG pro-tects cells from apoptosis,confers radioresistance,and plays an essential and non-redundant role in mouse embryogenesis and vasculogenesis.Furthermore,stress-inducible SAG is overexpressed in a number of human cancers and SAG overexpression correlates with poor patient prognosis.Finally,SAG transgenic expression in epidermis causes an early stage inhibi-tion,but later stage promotion,of skin tumorigenesis triggered by DMBA/TPA.Given its major role in pro-moting targeted degradation of tumor suppressive proteins,leading to apoptosis suppression and accel-erated tumorigenesis,SAG E3 ligase appears to be an attractive anticancer target.

ESCRT-I Component VPS23A Is Targeted by E3 Ubiquitin Ligase XBAT35 for Proteasome-Mediated Degradation in Modulating ABA Signaling

A myriad of abiotic stress responses in plants are controlled by abscisic acid(ABA)signaling.ABA receptors can be degraded by both the 26S proteasome pathway and vacuolar degradation pathway after processing via the endosomal sorting complex required for transport(ESCRT)proteins.Despite being essential for ABA signaling,the upstream regulators of ESCRTs remain unknown.Here,we report that the ESCRT-I component VPS23A is an unstable protein that is degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system(UPS).The UEV domain of VPS23A physically interacts with the two PSAP motifs of XBAT35,an E3 ubiquitin ligase,and this interaction results in the deposition of K48 polyubiquitin chains on VPS23A,marking it for degradation by 26S proteasomes.We showed that XBAT35 in plants is a positive regulator of ABA responses that acts via the VPS23A/PYL4 complex,specifically by accelerating VPS23A turnover and thereby increasing accumulation of the ABA receptor PYL4.This work deciphers how an ESCRT component is regulated in plants and deepens our understanding of plant stress responses by illustrating a mechanism whereby crosstalk between the UPS and endosome-vacuole-mediated degradation pathways controls ABA signaling.