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Published on: December 31, 2014
The alternative translated MDMX(p60) isoform regulates MDM2 activity
Anne-Sophie Tournillon1, Ignacio López, Laurence Malbert-Colas
1a Cibles Thérapeutiques, Equipe Labellisée la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1162; Institut de Génétique Moléculaire , Université Paris 7 ; Hôpital St. Louis; Paris , France.
Abstract:
Isoforms derived from alternative splicing, mRNA translation initiation or promoter usage extend the functional repertoire of the p53, p63 and p73 genes family and of their regulators MDM2 and MDMX. Here we show cap-independent translation of an N-terminal truncated isoform of hMDMX, hMDMX(p60), which is initiated at the 7th AUG codon downstream of the initiation site for full length hMDMX(FL) at position +384. hMDMX(p60) lacks the p53 binding motif but retains the RING domain and interacts with hMDM2 and hMDMX(FL). hMDMX(p60) shows higher affinity for hMDM2, as compared to hMDMX(FL). In vitro data reveal a positive cooperative interaction between hMDMX(p60) and hMDM2 and in cellulo data show that low levels of hMDMX(p60) promote degradation of hMDM2 whereas higher levels stabilize hMDM2 and prevent hMDM2-mediated degradation of hMDMX(FL). These results describe a novel alternatively translated hMDMX isoform that exhibits unique regulatory activity toward hMDM2 autoubiquitination. The data illustrate how the N-terminus of hMDMX regulates its C-terminal RING domain and the hMDM2 activity.
Insights
A novel human MDMX (hMDMX) isoform, hMDMX(p60), is generated via cap-independent translation. This isoform uniquely regulates MDM2 activity and protein stability, impacting the p53 family signaling pathway.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Protein Regulation
Background:
- Alternative splicing and translation initiation generate diverse protein isoforms.
- The p53 family, including p53, p63, and p73, plays critical roles in cellular responses.
- MDM2 and MDMX are key negative regulators of p53.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional consequences of alternative translation initiation of the hMDMX gene.
- To characterize a novel N-terminal truncated isoform of hMDMX, termed hMDMX(p60).
- To elucidate the regulatory role of hMDMX(p60) in the MDM2-MDMX interaction and function.
Main Methods:
- Cap-independent translation assays to identify and characterize hMDMX(p60).
- Co-immunoprecipitation to study protein-protein interactions (hMDMX(p60), hMDM2, hMDMX(FL)).
- In vitro binding assays to determine binding affinities.
- Cellular assays (in cellulo) to assess protein stability and degradation pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified hMDMX(p60) generated by cap-independent translation initiating at the 7th AUG codon.
- hMDMX(p60) lacks the p53 binding motif but retains the RING domain and interacts with hMDM2 and hMDMX(FL).
- hMDMX(p60) exhibits higher affinity for hMDM2 than hMDMX(FL), cooperates with hMDM2, and differentially regulates hMDM2 and hMDMX(FL) stability based on its concentration.
Conclusions:
- A novel alternatively translated hMDMX isoform, hMDMX(p60), has been described.
- hMDMX(p60) possesses unique regulatory functions over hMDM2 autoubiquitination and protein stability.
- The N-terminus of hMDMX plays a crucial role in modulating its C-terminal RING domain activity and interaction with hMDM2.
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