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Published on: January 21, 2012
NEDDylation controls the target specificity of E2F1 and apoptosis induction
1Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
The transcription factor E2F1 has pivotal roles in both cell proliferation and cell death, and is an important molecular target in cancer. Under proliferative conditions E2F1 induces the expression of genes that promote cell cycle progression, such as E2F2, whereas under proapoptotic conditions E2F1 induces expression of genes such as p73 that lead to apoptosis. The mechanism by which the apoptotic function of E2F1 is activated remains unclear, however. We now show that members of the E2F family are covalently conjugated with the ubiquitin-like modifier NEDD8. Overexpression of SENP8, a NEDD8-specific cysteine protease, resulted in deNEDDylation of E2F1 and promoted its transactivation activity at the p73 gene but not at the E2F2 gene. Knockdown of SENP8, on the other hand, attenuated p73 expression and apoptosis induced by E2F1 or by DNA damage. SENP8 also promoted the interaction between E2F1 and its cofactor Microcephalin 1, which is required for p73 induction. These results suggest that NEDDylation is a molecular trigger that modifies the target specificity of E2F1, and could have important implications for E2F1 regulation of apoptosis.
Insights
Ubiquitin-like modifier NEDD8 regulates the transcription factor E2F1
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Transcription factor E2F1 is crucial for cell proliferation and apoptosis.
- E2F1's role in apoptosis activation is not fully understood.
- E2F1 is a significant molecular target in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of E2F1 apoptotic function activation.
- To investigate the role of NEDDylation in E2F1 activity and target specificity.
- To explore the potential of targeting E2F1 modification for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Investigated covalent conjugation of E2F1 with NEDD8.
- Utilized SENP8 (NEDD8-specific protease) overexpression and knockdown.
- Assessed E2F1 transactivation activity at p73 and E2F2 genes.
- Analyzed E2F1 interaction with Microcephalin 1.
Main Results:
- E2F1 is covalently modified by NEDD8.
- SENP8 overexpression de-NEDDylated E2F1, enhancing p73 gene transactivation.
- SENP8 knockdown reduced p73 expression and E2F1/DNA damage-induced apoptosis.
- SENP8 promoted E2F1 interaction with Microcephalin 1, crucial for p73 induction.
Conclusions:
- NEDDylation acts as a molecular trigger, altering E2F1 target specificity.
- This modification impacts E2F1's regulation of apoptosis.
- Findings suggest implications for E2F1-targeted cancer therapies.
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