The steady-state repertoire of human SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes does not require ongoing Nedd8 conjugation

Mol Cell Proteomics. 2011 May;10(5):M110.006460. doi: 10.1074/mcp.M110.006460. Epub 2010 Dec 17.

Abstract

The human genome encodes 69 different F-box proteins (FBPs), each of which can potentially assemble with Skp1-Cul1-RING to serve as the substrate specificity subunit of an SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. SCF activity is switched on by conjugation of the ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 to Cul1. Cycles of Nedd8 conjugation and deconjugation acting in conjunction with the Cul1-sequestering factor Cand1 are thought to control dynamic cycles of SCF assembly and disassembly, which would enable a dynamic equilibrium between the Cul1-RING catalytic core of SCF and the cellular repertoire of FBPs. To test this hypothesis, we determined the cellular composition of SCF complexes and evaluated the impact of Nedd8 conjugation on this steady-state. At least 42 FBPs assembled with Cul1 in HEK 293 cells, and the levels of Cul1-bound FBPs varied by over two orders of magnitude. Unexpectedly, quantitative mass spectrometry revealed that blockade of Nedd8 conjugation led to a modest increase, rather than a decrease, in the overall level of most SCF complexes. We suggest that multiple mechanisms including FBP dissociation and turnover cooperate to maintain the cellular pool of SCF ubiquitin ligases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cullin Proteins / metabolism
  • Cyclopentanes / pharmacology
  • F-Box Proteins / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Isotope Labeling
  • NEDD8 Protein
  • Protein Binding
  • Proteome / metabolism*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism*
  • SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Ubiquitins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Ubiquitins / metabolism*

Substances

  • CAND1 protein, human
  • Cullin 1
  • Cullin Proteins
  • Cyclopentanes
  • F-Box Proteins
  • NEDD8 Protein
  • NEDD8 protein, human
  • Proteome
  • Pyrimidines
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Ubiquitins
  • SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases
  • pevonedistat