Sustained signaling by Ras-family GTPases can lead to cancer as well as developmental disorders. Recent findings reveal that H- and K-Ras are monoubiquitinated and that these modified proteins accumulate in the GTP-bound (activated) state in cells. Our preliminary data reveal that monoubiquitinated Ras is refractory to GTPase activating proteins, but is otherwise fully functional. Based on these findings, we propose that monoubiquitination activates Ras directly, in the absence of a sustained hormone stimulus or oncogenic mutation. Here we propose a comprehensive (in vivo and in vitro) analysis of Ras monoubiquitination in yeast.
Aim 1. Functional analysis of monoubiquitinated Ras1. We have shown recently that Ras1, but not Ras2, is monoubiquitinated in yeast. This provides a unique opportunity to compare two functionally similar proteins that are regulated differently. Our hypothesis is that monoubiquitination leads to sustained activation of Ras1. We will identify the structural determinants for selective ubiquitination of Ras1. Using ubiquitination-deficient mutants we will determine how this modification affects Ras signaling in vivo. To establish mechanism, we will determine how monoubiquitination affects the biochemical properties of the protein and its binding partners in vitro.
Aim 2. Dynamic regulation of Ras1 monoubiquitination. Our hypothesis is that Ras1 monoubiquitination is a dynamically regulated event. Our preliminary evidence indicates that Ras1 is monoubiquitinated as part of a stimulus-dependent, phosphorylation-dependent feedback mechanism. Using available gene deletions we will determine which enzymes are necessary for the phosphorylation, monoubiquitination and deubiquitination of Ras1. Using purified proteins we will establish which enzymes are sufficient for each modification in vitro.
Aim 3 Downstream targets of monoubiquitinated-Ras1. The yeast genome encodes 43 ubiquitin-binding domain (UBD) proteins, which in many cases serve as intracellular ubiquitin receptors. Our hypothesis is that select UBD proteins interact directly and specifically with monoubiquitinated Ras1, and thereby alter Ras1 trafficking and signaling functions. Using purified proteins and available gene deletion mutants, we will identify the UBDs that target monoubiquitinated Ras1, but not unmodified Ras1 or Ras2. Our approach integrates powerful genomics and proteomics tools, many of which are available only in yeast, to study a process that has clear relevance to human health and disease. If successful, our experiments will reveal (for the first time) proteins responsible for the initiation, addition, removal, and recognition of ubiquitin bound to Ras. Yeast employ a Ras signaling apparatus analogous to that found in humans. Thus a fuller understanding of how Ras signaling is modulated in yeast could eventually lead to fundamentally new approaches to treat Ras-related disease in humans.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed research will define new ways that cells regulate their response to hormone signals. Detailed analysis of these processes will lay the foundation for understanding the causes and the most effective treatments of human disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM101560-03
Application #
8811137
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Study Section (MCE)
Program Officer
Flicker, Paula F
Project Start
2013-05-01
Project End
2016-02-29
Budget Start
2015-03-01
Budget End
2016-02-29
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599
Isom, Daniel G; Sridharan, Vishwajith; Dohlman, Henrik G (2016) Regulation of Ras Paralog Thermostability by Networks of Buried Ionizable Groups. Biochemistry 55:534-42
Dixit, Gauri; Baker, Rachael; Sacks, Carly M et al. (2014) Guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G?) endocytosis by a cascade of ubiquitin binding domain proteins is required for sustained morphogenesis and proper mating in yeast. J Biol Chem 289:15052-63
Baker, Rachael; Wilkerson, Emily M; Sumita, Kazutaka et al. (2013) Differences in the regulation of K-Ras and H-Ras isoforms by monoubiquitination. J Biol Chem 288:36856-62