K63-linked ubiquitination regulates RIPK1 kinase activity to prevent cell death during embryogenesis and inflammation

Nat Commun. 2019 Sep 13;10(1):4157. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-12033-8.

Abstract

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is a critical regulator of cell death through its kinase activity. However, how its kinase activity is regulated remains poorly understood. Here, we generate Ripk1K376R/K376R knock-in mice in which the Lys(K)63-linked ubiquitination of RIPK1 is impaired. The knock-in mice display an early embryonic lethality due to massive cell death that is resulted from reduced TAK1-mediated suppression on RIPK1 kinase activity and forming more TNFR1 complex II in Ripk1K376R/K376R cells in response to TNFα. Although TNFR1 deficiency delays the lethality, concomitant deletion of RIPK3 and Caspase8 fully prevents embryonic lethality of Ripk1K376R/K376R mice. Notably, Ripk1K376R/- mice are viable but develop severe systemic inflammation that is mainly driven by RIPK3-dependent signaling pathway, indicating that K63-linked ubiquitination on Lys376 residue of RIPK1 also contributes to inflammation process. Together, our study reveals the mechanism by which K63-linked ubiquitination on K376 regulates RIPK1 kinase activity to control cell death programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Death / genetics
  • Cell Death / physiology*
  • Embryonic Development / genetics
  • Embryonic Development / physiology*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Molecular Biology / methods
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination / genetics
  • Ubiquitination / physiology*

Substances

  • RIPK1 protein, human
  • Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases