BRCA1 ubiquitinates its phosphorylation-dependent binding partner CtIP

Genes Dev. 2006 Jul 1;20(13):1721-6. doi: 10.1101/gad.1431006.

Abstract

BRCA1 (Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene 1) possesses an N-terminal Ring domain and tandem C-terminal BRCT motifs. While the Ring domain has E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, the BRCA1 BRCT domains specifically recognize phospho-serine motifs. Here, we demonstrate that BRCA1 Ring domain catalyzes CtIP ubiquitination in a manner that depends on a phosphorylation-mediated interaction between CtIP and BRCA1 BRCT domains. The BRCA1-dependent ubiquitination of CtIP does not target CtIP for degradation. Instead, ubiquitinated CtIP associates with chromatin following DNA damage and participates in G2/M checkpoint control. Thus, we propose that BRCA1 can regulate the functions of its substrates through nonproteasomal pathways that do not involve substrate degradation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • BRCA1 Protein / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Catalysis
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • DNA Damage
  • Endodeoxyribonucleases
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Serine / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*

Substances

  • BRCA1 Protein
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Chromatin
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Serine
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Endodeoxyribonucleases
  • RBBP8 protein, human
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex