Ubiquitin and the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), have critical but classically distinct roles in genome stability and responses to environmental toxins. Ubiquitin and SUMO are covalently attached by E3 ligases to target proteins, to regulate the cell's proteome dynamically. Ubiquitin and SUMO pathway dysfunction results in genetic instability and cancer predispositions in humans. We recently discovered the SUMO-targeted E3 ubiquitin ligase family (STUbLs), which ubiquitinate and target sumoylated proteins to the proteasome for degradation. This unanticipated phenomenon requires a revision to the spectrum of SUMO functions. This revised proposal builds upon our discovery and adds new data that directly connects the STUbL mechanism to cancer and genomic stability. We have identified the main mediators of genomic instability in fission yeast STUbL mutants and we will characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms of STUbLs through these targets. Results from fission yeast will provide a framework for studies conducted on the human and mouse STUbL targets. Notably, these targets place the STUbL mechanism of action at the intersection of cell growth/apoptotic pathways, genomic stability and oncogenesis. Our two Specific Aims focus on defining the molecular mechanisms of STUbL function both in vitro and in vivo.
In Aim 1, we will test the hypothesis that STUbLs act as gatekeepers for apoptosis versus DNA repair pathways, by controlling the fates of key SUMO conjugates.
In Aim 2, we will address our overall hypothesis that STUbLs are cellular master keys, controlling genome stability through specific and definable protein interaction interfaces. To attain our Aims we will integrate powerful yeast genetics with cutting-edge structural analyses, MudPIT mass spectrometry, biochemistry and mammalian cell biology. The expected results will provide critical mechanistic insights into the genome stabilizing roles of STUbLs including RNF4, and may suggest therapeutic strategies for RNF4- linked human diseases. Additionally, a detailed understanding of STUbL function should yield general implications for responses to genotoxic stress.

Public Health Relevance

We have discovered a key family of cellular proteins called STUbLs that maintain genetic stability and mediate cancer therapeutic responses. We will uncover how STUbLs likely suppress tumorigenesis, thus expanding our knowledge of cell growth control and guiding therapeutic strategies when control fails.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM081840-03
Application #
8024521
Study Section
Cancer Etiology Study Section (CE)
Program Officer
Janes, Daniel E
Project Start
2009-01-01
Project End
2012-12-31
Budget Start
2011-01-01
Budget End
2011-12-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$372,242
Indirect Cost
Name
Scripps Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
781613492
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
Zilio, Nicola; Boddy, Michael N (2017) Improved Tandem Affinity Purification Tag and Methods for Isolation of Proteins and Protein Complexes from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2017:
Nie, Minghua; Moser, Bettina A; Nakamura, Toru M et al. (2017) SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase activity can either suppress or promote genome instability, depending on the nature of the DNA lesion. PLoS Genet 13:e1006776
Nie, Minghua; Boddy, Michael N (2017) Large-Scale Purification of Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier (SUMO)-Modified Proteins from Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2017:
Nie, Minghua; Arner, Emily; Prudden, John et al. (2016) Functional Crosstalk between the PP2A and SUMO Pathways Revealed by Analysis of STUbL Suppressor, razor 1-1. PLoS Genet 12:e1006165
Nie, Minghua; Boddy, Michael N (2016) Cooperativity of the SUMO and Ubiquitin Pathways in Genome Stability. Biomolecules 6:14
Nie, Minghua; Vashisht, Ajay A; Wohlschlegel, James A et al. (2015) High Confidence Fission Yeast SUMO Conjugates Identified by Tandem Denaturing Affinity Purification. Sci Rep 5:14389
Nie, Minghua; Boddy, Michael N (2015) Pli1(PIAS1) SUMO ligase protected by the nuclear pore-associated SUMO protease Ulp1SENP1/2. J Biol Chem 290:22678-85
Zilio, Nicola; Codlin, Sandra; Vashisht, Ajay A et al. (2014) A novel histone deacetylase complex in the control of transcription and genome stability. Mol Cell Biol 34:3500-14
Groocock, Lynda M; Nie, Minghua; Prudden, John et al. (2014) RNF4 interacts with both SUMO and nucleosomes to promote the DNA damage response. EMBO Rep 15:601-8
Groocock, Lynda M; Prudden, John; Perry, J Jefferson P et al. (2012) The RecQ4 orthologue Hrq1 is critical for DNA interstrand cross-link repair and genome stability in fission yeast. Mol Cell Biol 32:276-87

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