Regulation of the mRNA-binding protein HuR by posttranslational modification: spotlight on phosphorylation

Wolfgang Eberhardt1, Anke Doller, Josef Pfeilschifter

  • 1pharmazentrum frankfurt/ ZAFES, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitat, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. w.eberhardt@em.uni-frankfurt.de

Insights

Post-transcriptional regulation by human antigen R (HuR) is modulated by its posttranslational modifications, particularly phosphorylation. These modifications impact HuR

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • RNA Biology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Human antigen R (HuR) and its neuronal homologs regulate mRNAs with AU-rich elements.
  • HuR influences mRNA decay, splicing, polyadenylation, trafficking, translation, and miRNA repression.
  • Posttranslational modifications, especially phosphorylation, are increasingly recognized as key regulators of HuR function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of posttranslational modifications, focusing on phosphorylation, in regulating HuR functions.
  • To explore how HuR modifications impact its subcellular localization and mRNA binding.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which HuR phosphorylation coordinates diverse regulatory aspects.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on HuR posttranslational modifications.
  • Analysis of research on HuR phosphorylation by protein kinases.
  • Examination of HuR interactions with ligand proteins, such as 14-3-3 chaperones.

Main Results:

  • Phosphorylation significantly affects HuR's control over mRNA processing and localization.
  • Posttranslational modifications influence HuR's interaction with other proteins, affecting its activity.
  • Specific phosphorylation events coordinate various HuR functions, though mechanisms remain under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Posttranslational modification, particularly phosphorylation, is critical for HuR-mediated post-transcriptional regulation.
  • Understanding HuR modification mechanisms is essential for deciphering its role in cellular signaling and mRNA dynamics.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate how HuR modifications coordinate its diverse functions and interactions.

Related Concept Videos

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
Phosphorylation01:02

Phosphorylation

The addition or removal of phosphate groups from proteins is the most common chemical modification that regulates cellular processes. These modifications can affect the structure, activity, stability, and localization of proteins within cells as well as their interactions with other proteins.
During phosphorylation, protein kinases transfer the terminal phosphate group of ATP to specific amino acid side chains of substrate proteins. Serine, threonine, and tyrosine are the most commonly...
Phosphorylation01:02

Phosphorylation

The addition or removal of phosphate groups from proteins is the most common chemical modification that regulates cellular processes. These modifications can affect the structure, activity, stability, and localization of proteins within cells as well as their interactions with other proteins.
During phosphorylation, protein kinases transfer the terminal phosphate group of ATP to specific amino acid side chains of substrate proteins. Serine, threonine, and tyrosine are the most commonly...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...