PEST sequences mediate heat shock factor 2 turnover by interacting with the Cul3 subunit of the Cul3-RING ubiquitin ligase

Cell Stress Chaperones. 2010 May;15(3):301-8. doi: 10.1007/s12192-009-0144-7. Epub 2009 Sep 19.

Abstract

Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases promote the polyubiquitination and degradation of many important cellular proteins, which previous studies indicated can be targeted for degradation via interaction with BTB domain-containing subunits of this E3 ligase complex. PEST domains are known to promote the degradation of proteins that contain them. However, the molecular mechanism by which PEST sequences promote degradation of these proteins is not understood. Here we show that the PEST sequences of a short-lived protein called HSF2 interact with Cullin3, a subunit of a Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase, and that this interaction mediates the Cul3-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of HSF2. These results indicate how, at the molecular level, PEST sequences can promote the proteolysis of proteins that contain them. They also expand understanding of the mechanisms by which substrates can be recruited to Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases to include interactions between PEST sequences and Cul3.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cullin Proteins / genetics
  • Cullin Proteins / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Heat-Shock Proteins* / genetics
  • Heat-Shock Proteins* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*

Substances

  • CUL3 protein, human
  • Cullin Proteins
  • Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Isoenzymes
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • HSF2 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases