N4BP1 functions as a dimerization-dependent linear ubiquitin reader which regulates TNF signalling.

Signalling through TNFR1 modulates proinflammatory gene transcription and programmed cell death, and its impairment causes autoimmune diseases and cancer. NEDD4-binding protein 1 (N4BP1) is a critical suppressor of proinflammatory cytokine production that acts as a regulator of innate immune signalling and inflammation. However, our current understanding about the molecular properties that enable N4BP1 to exert its suppressive potential remain limited. Here, we show that N4BP1 is a novel linear ubiquitin reader that negatively regulates NFκB signalling by its unique dimerization-dependent ubiquitin-binding module that we named LUBIN. Dimeric N4BP1 strategically positions two non-selective ubiquitin-binding domains to ensure preferential recognition of linear ubiquitin. Under proinflammatory conditions, N4BP1 is recruited to the nascent TNFR1 signalling complex, where it regulates duration of proinflammatory signalling in LUBIN-dependent manner. N4BP1 deficiency accelerates TNFα-induced cell death by increasing complex II assembly. Under proapoptotic conditions, caspase-8 mediates proteolytic processing of N4BP1, resulting in rapid degradation of N4BP1 by the 26 S proteasome, and acceleration of apoptosis. In summary, our findings demonstrate that N4BP1 dimerization creates a novel type of ubiquitin reader that selectively recognises linear ubiquitin which enables the timely and coordinated regulation of TNFR1-mediated inflammation and cell death.

DDA1, a novel factor in transcription-coupled repair, modulates CRL4CSA dynamics at DNA damage-stalled RNA polymerase II.

Transcription-blocking DNA lesions are specifically targeted by transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER), which removes a broad spectrum of DNA lesions to preserve transcriptional output and thereby cellular homeostasis to counteract aging. TC-NER is initiated by the stalling of RNA polymerase II at DNA lesions, which triggers the assembly of the TC-NER-specific proteins CSA, CSB and UVSSA. CSA, a WD40-repeat containing protein, is the substrate receptor subunit of a cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase complex composed of DDB1, CUL4A/B and RBX1 (CRL4CSA). Although ubiquitination of several TC-NER proteins by CRL4CSA has been reported, it is still unknown how this complex is regulated. To unravel the dynamic molecular interactions and the regulation of this complex, we applied a single-step protein-complex isolation coupled to mass spectrometry analysis and identified DDA1 as a CSA interacting protein. Cryo-EM analysis showed that DDA1 is an integral component of the CRL4CSA complex. Functional analysis revealed that DDA1 coordinates ubiquitination dynamics during TC-NER and is required for efficient turnover and progression of this process.

Live cell transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair dynamics revisited.

Transcription-blocking lesions are specifically targeted by transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER), which prevents DNA damage-induced cellular toxicity and maintains proper transcriptional processes. TC-NER is initiated by the stalling of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), which triggers the assembly of TC-NER-specific proteins, namely CSB, CSA and UVSSA, which collectively control and drive TC-NER progression. Previous research has revealed molecular functions for these proteins, however, exact mechanisms governing the initiation and regulation of TC-NER, particularly at low UV doses have remained elusive, partly due to technical constraints. In this study, we employ knock-in cell lines designed to target the endogenous CSB gene locus with mClover, a GFP variant. Through live cell imaging, we uncover the intricate molecular dynamics of CSB in response to physiologically relevant UV doses. We showed that the DNA damage-induced association of CSB with chromatin is tightly regulated by the CSA-containing ubiquitin-ligase CRL complex (CRL4CSA). Combining the CSB-mClover knock-in cell line with SILAC-based GFP-mediated complex isolation and mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, revealed novel putative CSB interactors as well as discernible variations in complex composition during distinct stages of TC-NER progression. Our work not only provides molecular insight into TC-NER, but also illustrates the versatility of endogenously tagging fluorescent and affinity tags.

Quantification of absolute transcription factor binding affinities in the native chromatin context using BANC-seq.

Transcription factor binding across the genome is regulated by DNA sequence and chromatin features. However, it is not yet possible to quantify the impact of chromatin context on transcription factor binding affinities. Here, we report a method called binding affinities to native chromatin by sequencing (BANC-seq) to determine absolute apparent binding affinities of transcription factors to native DNA across the genome. In BANC-seq, a concentration range of a tagged transcription factor is added to isolated nuclei. Concentration-dependent binding is then measured per sample to quantify apparent binding affinities across the genome. BANC-seq adds a quantitative dimension to transcription factor biology, which enables stratification of genomic targets based on transcription factor concentration and prediction of transcription factor binding sites under non-physiological conditions, such as disease-associated overexpression of (onco)genes. Notably, whereas consensus DNA binding motifs for transcription factors are important to establish high-affinity binding sites, these motifs are not always strictly required to generate nanomolar-affinity interactions in the genome.

Reading ADP-ribosylation signaling using chemical biology and interaction proteomics.

ADP-ribose (ADPr) readers are essential components of ADP-ribosylation signaling, which regulates genome maintenance and immunity. The identification and discrimination between monoADPr (MAR) and polyADPr (PAR) readers is difficult because of a lack of suitable affinity-enrichment reagents. We synthesized well-defined ADPr probes and used these for affinity purifications combined with relative and absolute quantitative mass spectrometry to generate proteome-wide MAR and PAR interactomes, including determination of apparent binding affinities. Among the main findings, MAR and PAR readers regulate various common and distinct processes, such as the DNA-damage response, cellular metabolism, RNA trafficking, and transcription. We monitored the dynamics of PAR interactions upon induction of oxidative DNA damage and uncovered the mechanistic connections between ubiquitin signaling and ADP-ribosylation. Taken together, chemical biology enables exploration of MAR and PAR readers using interaction proteomics. Furthermore, the generated MAR and PAR interaction maps significantly expand our current understanding of ADPr signaling.

Resolving the Complexity of Ubiquitin Networks.

Ubiquitination regulates nearly all cellular processes by coordinated activity of ubiquitin writers (E1, E2, and E3 enzymes), erasers (deubiquitinating enzymes) and readers (proteins that recognize ubiquitinated proteins by their ubiquitin-binding domains). By differentially modifying cellular proteome and by recognizing these ubiquitin modifications, ubiquitination machinery tightly regulates execution of specific cellular events in space and time. Dynamic and complex ubiquitin architecture, ranging from monoubiquitination, multiple monoubiquitination, eight different modes of homotypic and numerous types of heterogeneous polyubiquitin linkages, enables highly dynamic and complex regulation of cellular processes. We discuss available tools and approaches to study ubiquitin networks, including methods for the identification and quantification of ubiquitin-modified substrates, as well as approaches to quantify the length, abundance, linkage type and architecture of different ubiquitin chains. Furthermore, we also summarize the available approaches for the discovery of novel ubiquitin readers and ubiquitin-binding domains, as well as approaches to monitor and visualize activity of ubiquitin conjugation and deconjugation machineries. We also discuss benefits, drawbacks and limitations of available techniques, as well as what is still needed for detailed spatiotemporal dissection of cellular ubiquitination networks.

Internally tagged ubiquitin: a tool to identify linear polyubiquitin-modified proteins by mass spectrometry.

Ubiquitination controls a plethora of cellular processes. Modifications by linear polyubiquitin have so far been linked with acquired and innate immunity, lymphocyte development and genotoxic stress response. Until now, a single E3 ligase complex (LUBAC), one specific deubiquitinase (OTULIN) and a very few linear polyubiquitinated substrates have been identified. Current methods for studying lysine-based polyubiquitination are not suitable for the detection of linear polyubiquitin-modified proteins. Here, we present an approach to discovering linear polyubiquitin-modified substrates by combining a lysine-less internally tagged ubiquitin (INT-Ub.7KR) with SILAC-based mass spectrometry. We applied our approach in TNFα-stimulated T-REx HEK293T cells and validated several newly identified linear polyubiquitin targets. We demonstrated that linear polyubiquitination of the novel LUBAC substrate TRAF6 is essential for NFκB signaling.

Binding of SGTA to Rpn13 selectively modulates protein quality control.

Rpn13 is an intrinsic ubiquitin receptor of the 26S proteasome regulatory subunit that facilitates substrate capture prior to degradation. Here we show that the C-terminal region of Rpn13 binds to the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of SGTA, a cytosolic factor implicated in the quality control of mislocalised membrane proteins (MLPs). The overexpression of SGTA results in a substantial increase in steady-state MLP levels, consistent with an effect on proteasomal degradation. However, this effect is strongly dependent upon the interaction of SGTA with the proteasomal component Rpn13. Hence, overexpression of the SGTA-binding region of Rpn13 or point mutations within the SGTA TPR domain both inhibit SGTA binding to the proteasome and substantially reduce MLP levels. These findings suggest that SGTA can regulate the access of MLPs to the proteolytic core of the proteasome, implying that a protein quality control cycle that involves SGTA and the BAG6 complex can operate at the 19S regulatory particle. We speculate that the binding of SGTA to Rpn13 enables specific polypeptides to escape proteasomal degradation and/or selectively modulates substrate degradation.