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A structure-based designed small molecule depletes hRpn13Pru and a select group of KEN box proteins
Here, the authors identify a small molecule degrader (XL44) for hRpn13 and solve the XL44-hRpn13 structure. XL44 induces apoptosis in myeloma cells with hRpn13 dependency and also targets KEN box proteins PCLAF and RRM2. Loss of hRpn13 and PCLAF abrogates XL44 restriction of cell viability.
- Xiuxiu Lu
- , Monika Chandravanshi
- & Kylie J. Walters
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Article
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VCF1 is a p97/VCP cofactor promoting recognition of ubiquitylated p97-UFD1-NPL4 substrates
p97/VCP, a nexus of the ubiquitin system, recognizes and unfolds ubiquitylated substrates via multiple cofactors. Here, the authors identify VCF1, a nuclear cofactor promoting p97 recruitment to, and proteasomal degradation of, ubiquitylated targets.
- Ann Schirin Mirsanaye
- , Saskia Hoffmann
- & Niels Mailand
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Structure-guided engineering enables E3 ligase-free and versatile protein ubiquitination via UBE2E1
Ubiquitin E3 ligases are key to accessing ubiquitinated proteins, but only a few substrates have defined E3 ligases. Here, the authors reveal the mechanism of naturally occurring E3-independent ubiquitination and develop an E3-free enzymatic strategy for the versatile generation of ubiquitinated proteins.
- Xiangwei Wu
- , Yunxiang Du
- & Lei Liu
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Ubiquitin ligase RNF20 coordinates sequential adipose thermogenesis with brown and beige fat-specific substrates
Upon cold exposure, two types of thermogenic fat cells, brown and beige adipocytes, are sequentially activated. Here, the authors show that E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF20 coordinates the sequential thermogenic activation through fat depot specific substrates.
- Yong Geun Jeon
- , Hahn Nahmgoong
- & Jae Bum Kim
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Doa10/MARCH6 architecture interconnects E3 ligase activity with lipid-binding transmembrane channel to regulate SQLE
Transmembrane E3 ligases are crucial in cellular homeostasis and metabolic regulation. Here, the authors provide the structural details of the ER-resident E3 ligase MARCH6/Doa10, uncovering its unique circular membrane structure and its role in ubiquitylation processes, essential for protein quality control.
- J. Josephine Botsch
- , Roswitha Junker
- & Bastian Bräuning
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NEMO reshapes the α-Synuclein aggregate interface and acts as an autophagy adapter by co-condensation with p62
Selective autophagy helps to degrade aggregated proteins accumulating in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, the authors show that NEMO, a ubiquitin binding protein previously linked to innate immune signaling, is recruited to misfolded proteins and promotes their autophagic clearance by forming condensates with the autophagy receptor p62.
- Nikolas Furthmann
- , Verian Bader
- & Konstanze F. Winklhofer
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Autophagy of OTUD5 destabilizes GPX4 to confer ferroptosis-dependent kidney injury
Understanding the role of GPX4 in cell ferroptosis at the interface of the inner cortex and medulla is crucial in the context of renal injury. Here, the authors demonstrate that the OTUD5 interaction with GPX4 is key in resisting ischemia/reperfusion-induced ferroptosis in renal cells, offering a new strategy for treating acute kidney injury.
- Li-Kai Chu
- , Xu Cao
- & Jun Liu
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Article
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Ubiquitination-mediated Golgi-to-endosome sorting determines the toxin-antidote duality of fission yeast wtf meiotic drivers
Meiotic drivers of the wtf family kill progeny lacking the driver by producing a toxin and an antidote. Here, authors reveal that ubiquitination-mediated sorting of the antidote prevents it from becoming toxic and enables it to neutralize the toxin.
- Jin-Xin Zheng
- , Tong-Yang Du
- & Li-Lin Du
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Profiling ubiquitin signalling with UBIMAX reveals DNA damage- and SCFβ-Trcp1-dependent ubiquitylation of the actin-organizing protein Dbn1
Using Xenopus egg extracts, the authors developed a mass spectrometry method (UBIMAX) to identify proteins ubiquitylated in response to defined DNA lesions. Highlighting UBIMAX’s versatility, they describe the ubiquitylation of the actin regulator Dbn1 in response to DNA double-strand breaks.
- Camilla S. Colding-Christensen
- , Ellen S. Kakulidis
- & Michael L. Nielsen
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Article
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Remodeling of the ribosomal quality control and integrated stress response by viral ubiquitin deconjugases
Here, the authors show how the vDUB from the large tegument protein from the human herpes virus can reprogram translation in host cells by modulating the activity of the ribosome quality machinery and activating the integrated stress response.
- Jiangnan Liu
- , Noemi Nagy
- & Maria G. Masucci
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Article
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Nuclear cGAS restricts L1 retrotransposition by promoting TRIM41-mediated ORF2p ubiquitination and degradation
Zhen and colleagues show that nuclear cGAS represses L1 retrotransposition to stabilize the genome by enhancing the interaction between ORF2p and the E3 ligase TRIM41 upon DNA damage, which leads to the ubiquitination and degradation of ORF2p.
- Zhengyi Zhen
- , Yu Chen
- & Zhiyong Mao
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Article
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BioE3 identifies specific substrates of ubiquitin E3 ligases
Here, the authors describe BioE3, a biotin-based method to discriminate direct substrates of ubiquitin E3 ligases of interest from mere interactors using proximity proteomics. BioE3 responds to chemical treatments, and works with RING- and HECT-type E3s, as well as ubiquitin-likes (e.g., SUMO).
- Orhi Barroso-Gomila
- , Laura Merino-Cacho
- & James D. Sutherland
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Structure of the DDB1-AMBRA1 E3 ligase receptor complex linked to cell cycle regulation
AMBRA1 functions as a substrate receptor for E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes to promote ubiquitination and degradation of Cyclin D. Here the authors demonstrated the structure of AMRBA1 in complex with DDB1. Disruption of intermolecular interactions caused deregulation of cell cycle and DNA damage repair.
- Ming Liu
- , Yang Wang
- & Goran Stjepanovic
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Article
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The TDRD3-USP9X complex and MIB1 regulate TOP3B homeostasis and prevent deleterious TOP3B cleavage complexes
TDRD3 is a key interaction partner of TOP3B. Here the authors provide molecular mechanisms by which TDRD3 stabilizes TOP3B protein by recruiting the deubiquitylase USP9X. In addition, they show that TDRD3 protects cells from deleterious TOP3B linked DNA and RNA cleavage complexes.
- Sourav Saha
- , Shar-yin Naomi Huang
- & Yves Pommier
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An adaptive stress response that confers cellular resilience to decreased ubiquitination
Hunt et al. identify the protein sets that are modulated by RNAi for each E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme in human cells. By analyzing the UBA1/E2-sensitive proteome, they report an adaptive stress response that preserves peroxisomal protein import in cells with decreased ubiquitination capacity.
- Liam C. Hunt
- , Vishwajeeth Pagala
- & Fabio Demontis
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Functional and structural diversity in deubiquitinases of the Chlamydia-like bacterium Simkania negevensis
Intracellular bacteria use deubiquitinase effectors to avoid being targeted for autophagic clearance. The authors show that the Chlamydia-like bacterium Simkania negevensis encodes an unusually broad range of these enzymes, including members that specifically target linear and K6-linked ubiquitin chains.
- Vanessa Boll
- , Thomas Hermanns
- & Kay Hofmann
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Article
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The E3 ligase Riplet promotes RIG-I signaling independent of RIG-I oligomerization
Riplet conjugates K63-Ub chain to RIG-I in order to induce a robust antiviral response, but the mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, the authors show that Riplet recognizes RIG-I regardless of its RNA-bound status and promotes RIG-I signaling independent of RIG-I oligomerization.
- Wenshuai Wang
- , Benjamin Götte
- & Anna Marie Pyle
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Metabolic regulation of proteome stability via N-terminal acetylation controls male germline stem cell differentiation and reproduction
How cellular metabolism is connected to differentiation remains poorly understood. Here the authors report a regulatory cascade in which circulating citrate regulates sperm production by controlling protein stability via a specific protein post-translational modification.
- Charlotte M. François
- , Thomas Pihl
- & Bruno Hudry
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USP36 stabilizes nucleolar Snail1 to promote ribosome biogenesis and cancer cell survival upon ribotoxic stress
Targeting ribosome biogenesis with the ribosome inhibitor, homoharringtonine (HHT), is effective in leukaemia but not in solid tumours. Here, the authors demonstrate that in solid tumours, activation of JNK signaling following HHT-induced ribosomal stress promotes Snail1 accumulation in the nucleolus which facilitates ribosome biogenesis and resistance to HHT.
- Kewei Qin
- , Shuhan Yu
- & Yong Yi
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Palmitoylation-driven PHF2 ubiquitination remodels lipid metabolism through the SREBP1c axis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Palmitoylation of proteins can have pathophysiological implications. Here, the authors show that palmitoylation enhances the proteasomal degradation of the histone demethylase PHF2, leading to increased lipogenesis and cell proliferation in an SREBP1c dependent manner and further show that PHF2 acts as an E3 ligase of SREBP1c, suppressing the growth of liver cancer cells.
- Do-Won Jeong
- , Jong-Wan Park
- & Yang-Sook Chun
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The USP46 complex deubiquitylates LRP6 to promote Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Wnt receptors are controlled by their ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. The authors show that the USP46 deubiquitylase complex potentiates Wnt signaling in human cells, Xenopus, and zebrafish by inhibiting cell surface LRP6 degradation.
- Victoria H. Ng
- , Zachary Spencer
- & Ethan Lee
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| Open Access
Interferon restores replication fork stability and cell viability in BRCA-defective cells via ISG15
Here the authors show that the basal activation of the interferon/ISG15 pathway is required for the stability of nascent DNA during replication and its upregulation promotes viability, proliferation and acquisition of drug resistance in BRCA1/2 deficient cells.
- Ramona N. Moro
- , Uddipta Biswas
- & Lorenza Penengo
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NLRP6 potentiates PI3K/AKT signalling by promoting autophagic degradation of p85α to drive tumorigenesis
The crosstalk between innate immunity and autophagy plays a critical role in cancer. Here, the authors report that an immune receptor NLRP6 potentiates the PI3K/AKT pathway by selective degradation of p85α. The NLRP6-p85α interaction offers a potential therapeutic target for tumor treatment.
- Feng Zhi
- , Bowen Li
- & Jun Cui
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Article
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Altered ubiquitin signaling induces Alzheimer’s disease-like hallmarks in a three-dimensional human neural cell culture model
Using a 3-D neural platform, the authors show that a ubiquitin variant is sufficient to induce Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in human neurons. Suppressing expression of this variant improved pathology in neurons carrying familial mutations.
- Inbal Maniv
- , Mahasen Sarji
- & Michael H. Glickman
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SENP6 regulates localization and nuclear condensation of DNA damage response proteins by group deSUMOylation
The authors show that the SUMO protease SENP6 plays an essential role in maintaining genome integrity by disassembling SUMO2/3 polymers from DNA damage response proteins, thereby preventing their trapping at sites of DNA damage and in nuclear condensates.
- Laura A. Claessens
- , Matty Verlaan-de Vries
- & Alfred C. O. Vertegaal
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AhR diminishes the efficacy of chemotherapy via suppressing STING dependent type-I interferon in bladder cancer
An effective response to chemotherapy is often associated with the promotion of type-I interferons and anti-tumor immune responses. Here the authors show that tryptophan metabolites induced by chemo-drugs interfere with STING activation and IFN-I production in bladder cancer, reducing the efficacy of chemotherapy.
- Zikun Ma
- , Zhiyong Li
- & Xiaoyu Liang
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FAM3A reshapes VSMC fate specification in abdominal aortic aneurysm by regulating KLF4 ubiquitination
The mechanisms underlying vascular smooth muscle cell reprogramming in abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA) remain unclear. Here they show that FAM3A, a metabolic cytokine, serves as a cell fate-shaping regulator of smooth muscle cells to protect against AAA formation.
- Chuxiang Lei
- , Haoxuan Kan
- & Yuehong Zheng
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Article
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Trim33 masks a non-transcriptional function of E2f4 in replication fork progression
Here the authors show that under replicative stress the E2f4 transcription factor recruits the Recql DNA helicase to facilitate DNA replication. The Trim33 ubiquitin ligase targets E2f4 to limit its interactions with Recql and chromatin.
- Vanessa Rousseau
- , Elias Einig
- & Nikita Popov
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Article
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TRAIP resolves DNA replication-transcription conflicts during the S-phase of unperturbed cells
The TRAIP E3 ubiquitin ligase is essential for genome integrity, mutations lead to primordial dwarfism in patients. Here, the authors show that TRAIP degradation in S-phase, results in cell arrest due to DNA damage caused by replication-transcription conflicts.
- Shaun Scaramuzza
- , Rebecca M. Jones
- & Agnieszka Gambus
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Article
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Auranofin targets UBA1 and enhances UBA1 activity by facilitating ubiquitin trans-thioesterification to E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes
Decreased activity of the E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme UBA1 can contribute to aging and diseases like Alzheimer’s and VEXAS syndrome. Here, the authors found that auranofin, a rheumatoid arthritis drug, can significantly boost UBA1 activity.
- Wenjing Yan
- , Yongwang Zhong
- & Shengyun Fang
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Article
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A HIF independent oxygen-sensitive pathway for controlling cholesterol synthesis
Cholesterol synthesis is highly oxygen consuming but how it is regulated by oxygen levels has not been clear. Here, Dickson et al. identify a HIF-independent, oxygen-sensing pathway for controlling cholesterol synthesis in human cells involving hypoxic-mediated degradation of SREBP2.
- Anna S. Dickson
- , Tekle Pauzaite
- & James A. Nathan
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Cullin-associated and neddylation-dissociated protein 1 (CAND1) alleviates NAFLD by reducing ubiquitinated degradation of ACAA2
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder with high morbidity and mortality, and there is no specific drug to treat it. Here, the authors show that the AR-CAND1-ACAA2 axis regulates the development of NAFLD, and enhancing the function of CAND1 is a promising strategy for the development of a therapeutic agent for NAFLD.
- Xiang Huang
- , Xin Liu
- & Zhenwei Pan
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IL-1β turnover by the UBE2L3 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme and HECT E3 ligases limits inflammation
The turnover of interleukin-1β, a cytokine that plays important roles in both physiologic and pathologic inflammatory processes, is regulated by proteolytic maturation of the pro-form and by ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Here authors identify the specific ubiquitin E3 ligases that form an active complex with UBE2L3, a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, that target pro-IL-1β for proteasomal breakdown.
- Vishwas Mishra
- , Anna Crespo-Puig
- & Avinash R. Shenoy
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Article
| Open Access
Structural insights into RNA bridging between HIV-1 Vif and antiviral factor APOBEC3G
HIV-1 hijacks a host ubiquitin ligase complex using viral infectivity factor Vif to degrade antiviral factor A3G. Here, Kouno et al. report the cryoEM structure of the A3G-Vif complex and A3G ubiquitination in vitro using solubility-enhanced variants.
- Takahide Kouno
- , Satoshi Shibata
- & Matthias Wolf
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Article
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USP25 regulates KEAP1-NRF2 anti-oxidation axis and its inactivation protects acetaminophen-induced liver injury in male mice
The redox status of a cell is regulated through a number of mechanisms, chief among these is the KEAP1-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of NRF2. Here the authors show that KEAP1 itself is ubiquitinated and degraded in a process that is opposed by the ubiquitin-specific protease USP25.
- Changzhou Cai
- , Huailu Ma
- & Jiewei Wang
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Article
| Open Access
Molecular basis for recognition and deubiquitination of 40S ribosomes by Otu2
Otu2-driven deubiquitylation of ribosomal protein eS7 impacts translational efficiency. Here, the authors provide the molecular basis for recognition of monoubiquitinated eS7 on 40S and give mechanistic insights into Otu2’s role in translation reset.
- Ken Ikeuchi
- , Nives Ivic
- & Roland Beckmann
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Article
| Open Access
DNA polymerase POLD1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of bladder cancer by stabilizing MYC
DNA polymerase 1 (POLD1) has an important role in DNA damage repair and is frequently upregulated in cancer. Here, the authors report a non-canonical role of POLD1 wherein it stabilises MYC protein, creating a positive feedback loop with POLD1 expression and driving bladder cancer progression and metastasis.
- Yejinpeng Wang
- , Lingao Ju
- & Xinghuan Wang
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Article
| Open Access
Trim-Away ubiquitinates and degrades lysine-less and N-terminally acetylated substrates
TRIM21 mediates intracellular antibody immunity and is exploited for targeted protein degradation using Trim-Away technology. Here, the authors dissect the ubiquitination requirements for Trim-Away, providing an explanation for how TRIM21 can target diverse substrates for degradation.
- Leo Kiss
- , Tyler Rhinesmith
- & Leo C. James
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Article
| Open Access
DNA replication initiation factor RECQ4 possesses a role in antagonizing DNA replication initiation
RECQ4 mutations contribute to multiple developmental diseases and tumorigenesis. Here the authors describe how a highly oncogenic RECQ4 mutation alters the control of DNA synthesis, leading to abnormal DNA content and cell growth.
- Xiaohua Xu
- , Chou-Wei Chang
- & Yilun Liu
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Article
| Open Access
A covalent BTK ternary complex compatible with targeted protein degradation
Bridging covalent ligand discovery with chimeric degrader design has emerged as a mechanism to target proteins that lack enzymatic activity or are intractable. Here, the authors use biochemical and cellular tools to deconvolute the role of covalent modification in targeted protein degradation using Bruton’s tyrosine kinase.
- James Schiemer
- , Andrew Maxwell
- & Matthew F. Calabrese
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Article
| Open Access
TRIM21 inhibits irradiation-induced mitochondrial DNA release and impairs antitumour immunity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumour models
The molecular mechanisms determining the response to radiotherapy remain incompletely understood. Here, the authors demonstrate that the E3 ubiquitin ligase and intracellular Fc receptor, TRIM21, impairs CD8+ T cell responses in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumour models following ionizing radiation.
- Jun-Yan Li
- , Yin Zhao
- & Na Liu
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Article
| Open Access
Accelerating inhibitor discovery for deubiquitinating enzymes
Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are key signaling enzymes, many of which lack selective inhibitors. Chan et al. pair a DUB-focused covalent library to mass spectrometry activity-based protein profiling, leading to selective hits against 23 endogenous DUBs and a first-in-class VCPIP1 probe with nanomolar potency.
- Wai Cheung Chan
- , Xiaoxi Liu
- & Sara J. Buhrlage
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| Open Access
The unifying catalytic mechanism of the RING-between-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase family
RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases utilise a 2-step catalytic mechanism previously defined for only few of the RBR family members. Here, the authors examine the poorly studied RBRs HOIL-1 and RNF216 to define general principles of RBR catalysis and regulation and identify specific functional differences.
- Xiangyi S. Wang
- , Thomas R. Cotton
- & Bernhard C. Lechtenberg
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| Open Access
A widely distributed family of eukaryotic and bacterial deubiquitinases related to herpesviral large tegument proteins
The authors describe the VTD-deubiquitinases, a new eukaryotic enzyme family that is distantly related to herpesviral large tegument proteins. Structures of two family members with different linkage preferences allow insights into the mechanism and chain-specificity of this unusual deubiquitinase class.
- Ilka Erven
- , Elena Abraham
- & Kay Hofmann
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Article
| Open Access
Selective posttranslational inhibition of CaVβ1-associated voltage-dependent calcium channels with a functionalized nanobody
Auxiliary subunit molecular diversity is an unexploited target for developing ion channel inhibitors. Here, the authors develop a general approach to inhibit ion channels based on the resident auxiliary subunit isoform to elucidate unique functions of distinct ion channel macromolecular complexes.
- Travis J. Morgenstern
- , Neha Nirwan
- & Henry M. Colecraft
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Article
| Open Access
The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 regulates pro-fibrogenic monocyte infiltration and activity in heart fibrosis
Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is a severe disease, characterized by interstitial fibrosis in the left ventricle of the heart. Here authors show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 plays a pathogenic role in heart fibrosis via regulating a distinct monocyte population that initiates the process.
- Huimei Chen
- , Gabriel Chew
- & Enrico Petretto
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Article
| Open Access
The deubiquitinase OTUD1 regulates immunoglobulin production and proteasome inhibitor sensitivity in multiple myeloma
Development of proteasome inhibitor resistance is a common problem in patients with multiple myeloma. Here, the authors show that deubiquitinase OTUD1 protects PRDX4 from degradation resulting in increased load of misfolded immunoglobulins sensitizing myeloma cells for proteasome inhibition.
- Alexander Vdovin
- , Tomas Jelinek
- & Michal Simicek
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Article
| Open Access
Parkin regulates adiposity by coordinating mitophagy with mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipocytes
Parkin plays a role in mitophagy and has been shown to control adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis. Here the authors report that Parkin coordinates mitophagy with Pgc1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in white adipocytes to regulate adiposity.
- Timothy M. Moore
- , Lijing Cheng
- & Zhenqi Zhou
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Article
| Open Access
Cooperative assembly of p97 complexes involved in replication termination
This study describes how p97Ufd1-Npl4 and the UBA-UBX protein Ubxn7 disassemble vertebrate replisomes during replication termination, and it provides novel insights into how p97 complexes assemble with UBA-UBX proteins on ubiquitylated substrates
- Olga V. Kochenova
- , Sirisha Mukkavalli
- & Johannes C. Walter
Systematic HOIP interactome profiling reveals critical roles of linear ubiquitination in tissue homeostasis