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
Abstract:
The ubiquitous mRNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) and its neuronal relatives (HuB, HuC, HuD) participate in the post-transcriptional regulation of many AU-rich element-bearing mRNAs. In addition to its originally described role in controlling mRNA decay, the binding of HuR to target mRNAs can affect many aspects of mRNA processing including splicing, polyadenylation, intracellular trafficking, translation and modulation of mRNA repression by miRNAs. In accordance to the growing list of signalling events which are involved in regulating these different HuR functions, recent data implicate that posttranslational modification, namely protein kinase-triggered phosphorylation of HuR plays a crucial role in connecting extracellular signal inputs to a specific post-transcriptional program by HuR. Notably, in addition to directly targeting HuR functions, posttranslational modifications of HuR have a major impact on the sequestration and binding to various HuR ligand proteins as has been demonstrated e.g. for the 14-3-3 chaperones. However, the detailed mechanisms of how a specific modification of HuR coordinates different aspects in HuR regulation are currently poorly understood. Due to the fact that most of the described HuR activities are closely related to its subcellular localization and the binding to cargo mRNA, this review will focus on these aspects of HuR functions and their control by posttranslational modification, particularly by HuR phosphorylations by different protein kinases.
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.
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