Structural analysis of the anaphase-promoting complex reveals multiple active sites and insights into polyubiquitylation

Mol Cell. 2005 Dec 22;20(6):855-66. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2005.11.003.

Abstract

The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase composed of approximately 13 distinct subunits required for progression through meiosis, mitosis, and the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Despite its central role in these processes, information concerning its composition and structure is limited. Here, we determined the structure of yeast APC/C by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Docking of tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-containing subunits indicates that they likely form a scaffold-like outer shell, mediating assembly of the complex and providing potential binding sites for regulators and substrates. Quantitative determination of subunit stoichiometry indicates multiple copies of specific subunits, consistent with a total APC/C mass of approximately 1.7 MDa. Moreover, yeast APC/C forms both monomeric and dimeric species. Dimeric APC/C is a more active E3 ligase than the monomer, with greatly enhanced processivity. Our data suggest that multimerisation and/or the presence of multiple active sites facilitates the APC/C's ability to elongate polyubiquitin chains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome
  • Binding Sites
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Dimerization
  • Models, Molecular
  • Polyubiquitin / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary*
  • Protein Subunits / chemistry*
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / chemistry
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes / chemistry*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes / metabolism

Substances

  • Protein Subunits
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Polyubiquitin
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes
  • Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome