Sterol-regulated ubiquitination and degradation of Insig-1 creates a convergent mechanism for feedback control of cholesterol synthesis and uptake

Cell Metab. 2006 Jan;3(1):15-24. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2005.11.014.

Abstract

This paper describes a convergent mechanism for the feedback control of cholesterol synthesis and uptake mediated by SREBPs, membrane bound transcription factors. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) bound SREBPs form complexes with Scap, a polytopic ER protein. In sterol-overloaded cells, Scap/SREBP binds to Insig-1, which retains the complex in the ER. Upon sterol deprivation, the Scap/SREBP complex dissociates from Insig-1, which is then ubiquitinated on lysines 156 and 158 and degraded in proteasomes. Scap/SREBP moves to the Golgi, where SREBP is processed to liberate a nuclear fragment that activates genes for cholesterol synthesis and uptake and the gene for Insig-1. Ubiquitination is not necessary for release of Scap/SREBP from Insig-1, but it establishes a requirement for synthesis of new Insig-1 for feedback inhibition. When the new Insig-1 and cholesterol converge on Scap, Scap/SREBP binds to Insig-1, preventing ubiquitination. The Insig-1/Scap/SREBP complex accumulates in the ER, ready for liberation when the cell is again sterol deprived.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cholesterol / biosynthesis*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Feedback, Physiological / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxycholesterols / metabolism
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / deficiency
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lysine / genetics
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / deficiency
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Sterols / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Hydroxycholesterols
  • INSIG1 protein, human
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • SREBP cleavage-activating protein
  • Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins
  • Sterols
  • Ubiquitin
  • 25-hydroxycholesterol
  • Cholesterol
  • Lysine