The ubiquitin-protein ligase Itch regulates p73 stability

Rossi, M., De Laurenzi, V., Munarriz, E., Green, D., Liu, Y., Vousden, K., Cesareni, G. and Melino, G. (2005) The ubiquitin-protein ligase Itch regulates p73 stability. EMBO Journal, 24(4), pp. 836-848. (doi: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600444)

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Abstract

p73, a member of the p53 family of transcription factors, is upregulated in response to DNA damage, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Besides indications that this p73 response is post-transcriptional, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms of p73 protein degradation. Ubiquitination and proteasomal-dependent degradation of p53 are regulated by its transcriptional target MDM2. However, unlike p53, p73 binds to, but is not degraded by, MDM2. Here we describe the binding of p73 to Itch, a Hect ubiquitin–protein ligase. Itch selectively binds and ubiquitinates p73 but not p53; this results in the rapid proteasome-dependent degradation of p73. Upon DNA damage Itch itself is downregulated, allowing p73 protein levels to rise and thus interfere with p73 function. In conclusion, we have identified a key mechanism in the control of p73 protein levels both in normal as well as in stress conditions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Vousden, Karen
Authors: Rossi, M., De Laurenzi, V., Munarriz, E., Green, D., Liu, Y., Vousden, K., Cesareni, G., and Melino, G.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:EMBO Journal
ISSN:0261-4189

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