Structural basis of FANCD2 deubiquitination by USP1-UAF1

Ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) acts together with the cofactor UAF1 during DNA repair processes to specifically remove monoubiquitin signals. One substrate of the USP1-UAF1 complex is the monoubiquitinated FANCI-FANCD2 heterodimer, which is involved in the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks via the Fanconi anemia pathway. Here we determine structures of human USP1-UAF1 with and without ubiquitin and bound to monoubiquitinated FANCI-FANCD2. The crystal structures of USP1-UAF1 reveal plasticity in USP1 and key differences to USP12-UAF1 and USP46-UAF1, two related proteases. A cryo-EM reconstruction of USP1-UAF1 in complex with monoubiquitinated FANCI-FANCD2 highlights a highly orchestrated deubiquitination process, with USP1-UAF1 driving conformational changes in the substrate. An extensive interface between UAF1 and FANCI, confirmed by mutagenesis and biochemical assays, provides a molecular explanation for the requirement of both proteins, despite neither being directly involved in catalysis. Overall, our data provide molecular details of USP1-UAF1 regulation and substrate recognition.