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Updated: May 13, 2026
Analysis of the Expression and Complexes Assembly of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Proteins in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Published on: May 2, 2025
Nedd8 processing enzymes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jean E O'Donoghue1, Dawadschargal Bech-Otschir, Ida B Larsen
1MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
Background:
Conjugation of the ubiquitin-like modifier Nedd8 to cullins is critical for the function of SCF-type ubiquitin ligases and thus facilitates ubiquitin conjugation and ultimately degradation of SCF substrates, including several cell cycle regulators. Like ubiquitin, Nedd8 is produced as a precursor that must first be processed before it becomes active. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae this is carried out exclusively by the enzyme Yuh1.
Results:
Here we show that in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the Yuh1 orthologue, Uch1, is not the sole Nedd8 processing enzyme. Instead it appears that deubiquitylating enzymes can efficiently process the Nedd8 precursor in vivo.
Conclusions:
Several enzymes contribute to Nedd8 precursor processing including a number of deubiquitylating enzymes.
Insights
In fission yeast, Uch1 is not the only enzyme that processes the Nedd8 precursor. Deubiquitylating enzymes also play a key role in Nedd8 activation, which is crucial for SCF ligase function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The conjugation of ubiquitin-like modifier Nedd8 to cullins is essential for SCF-type ubiquitin ligase activity.
- SCF ligases regulate the degradation of various substrates, including cell cycle regulators.
- Nedd8, like ubiquitin, is synthesized as an inactive precursor requiring processing for activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the enzymes responsible for Nedd8 precursor processing in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- To determine if the Yuh1 orthologue, Uch1, is the sole Nedd8-processing enzyme in S. pombe.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of Nedd8 processing in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- Identification and characterization of enzymes involved in Nedd8 precursor maturation in vivo.
Main Results:
- The Yuh1 orthologue, Uch1, is not the exclusive enzyme for Nedd8 precursor processing in S. pombe.
- Deubiquitylating enzymes were found to efficiently process the Nedd8 precursor in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Nedd8 precursor processing in S. pombe involves multiple enzymes.
- A variety of deubiquitylating enzymes contribute to the activation of Nedd8 in vivo.
