YTHDF2 facilitates aggresome formation via UPF1 in an m6A-independent manner

Nat Commun. 2023 Oct 6;14(1):6248. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-42015-w.

Abstract

YTHDF2 has been extensively studied and typified as an RNA-binding protein that specifically recognizes and destabilizes RNAs harboring N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal modification found in eukaryotic RNAs. In this study, we unravel the m6A-independent role of YTHDF2 in the formation of an aggresome, where cytoplasmic protein aggregates are selectively sequestered upon failure of protein homeostasis mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Downregulation of YTHDF2 in HeLa cells reduces the circularity of aggresomes and the rate of movement of misfolded polypeptides, inhibits aggresome formation, and thereby promotes cellular apoptosis. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 is recruited to a misfolded polypeptide-associated complex composed of UPF1, CTIF, eEF1A1, and DCTN1 through its interaction with UPF1. Subsequently, YTHDF2 increases the interaction between the dynein motor protein and the misfolded polypeptide-associated complex, facilitating the diffusion dynamics of the movement of misfolded polypeptides toward aggresomes. Therefore, our data reveal that YTHDF2 is a cellular factor involved in protein quality control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Dyneins / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Organelles / metabolism
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Protein Folding*
  • Proteolysis*
  • RNA Helicases / genetics
  • RNA Helicases / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Dyneins
  • Peptides
  • RNA Helicases
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • UPF1 protein, human
  • YTHDF2 protein, human