ΔNp73 enhances HIF-1α protein stability through repression of the ECV complex

Oncogene. 2018 Jul;37(27):3729-3739. doi: 10.1038/s41388-018-0195-2. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Abstract

Cellular responses to low oxygen conditions are mainly regulated by the Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Induction of HIF-1α in tumor cells activates the angiogenic switch and allows for metabolic adaptations. HIF-1α protein levels are tightly regulated through ubiquitin-mediated proteosomal degradation; however, high levels of HIF-1α is a common feature in many solid tumors and is thought to enhance cancer cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Here, we report that the oncogenic p73 isoform, ∆Np73, increases HIF-1α protein stability. We found that ∆Np73 represses expression of genes encoding subunits of the ECV complex, in particular Elongin C, Elongin B, Cullin 2, and Rbx1. The ECV complex is an E3 ligase complex responsible for polyubiquitinating HIF-1α. Loss of ∆Np73 increases ubiquitination of HIF-1α, leading to its degradation via the proteosomal pathway, and subsequent decrease of HIF-1α target genes. Taken together, our data demonstrates that high levels of ∆Np73 stabilize HIF-1α protein, allowing for it to accumulate and further potentiating its transcriptional activity and supporting tumor progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Cell Hypoxia / physiology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Cullin Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Elongin / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / metabolism*
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Tumor Protein p73 / genetics*
  • Tumor Protein p73 / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination / genetics

Substances

  • CUL2 protein, human
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cullin Proteins
  • ELOB protein, human
  • ELOC protein, human
  • Elongin
  • HIF1A protein, human
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • RBX1 protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • TP73 protein, human
  • Tumor Protein p73
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases