RNF152, a novel lysosome localized E3 ligase with pro-apoptotic activities

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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Characterization of MLKL-mediated Plasma Membrane Rupture in Necroptosis
08:55

Characterization of MLKL-mediated Plasma Membrane Rupture in Necroptosis

Published on: August 7, 2018

Songling Zhang1, Wei Wu, Yanfang Wu

  • 1Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Biophysics, Beijing, 100101, China.

Protein & Cell
|January 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

RING finger protein 152 (RNF152) is a novel E3 ligase localized in lysosomes. This protein induces apoptosis, representing the first E3 ligase identified in lysosome-related cell death pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • RING finger protein 152 (RNF152) is a novel protein with limited characterization.
  • E3 ubiquitin ligases play critical roles in protein degradation and cellular signaling.
  • Lysosomes are key organelles involved in cellular waste disposal and signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the function and localization of the novel RING finger protein 152 (RNF152).
  • To investigate the enzymatic activity and cellular localization of RNF152.
  • To determine the role of RNF152 in apoptosis and cellular pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Western blotting and immunoprecipitation to assess polyubiquitination.
  • Immunofluorescence microscopy to determine subcellular localization.
  • Overexpression studies in HeLa cells to evaluate apoptosis induction.

Main Results:

  • RNF152 exhibits canonical RING finger protein characteristics and possesses E3 ligase activity.
  • RNF152 undergoes polyubiquitination, dependent on its RING finger and transmembrane domains.
  • RNF152 is localized to lysosomes and co-localizes with LAMP3, a lysosome marker.
  • Overexpression of RNF152 induces apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Conclusions:

  • RNF152 is a lysosome-localized E3 ligase with pro-apoptotic functions.
  • This study identifies RNF152 as the first E3 ligase implicated in lysosome-related apoptosis.
  • RNF152 represents a potential new target for understanding and manipulating cell death pathways.

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