EGF receptor-independent action of TGF-alpha protects Naked2 from AO7-mediated ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Sep 9;105(36):13433-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0806298105. Epub 2008 Aug 29.

Abstract

Naked family members (Drosophila Naked Cuticle and mammalian Naked1 and Naked2) have been identified as inducible antagonists of canonical Wnt signaling. We recently reported that Naked2, but not Naked1, interacts with the cytoplasmic tail of TGF-alpha, thereby coating TGF-alpha-containing exocytic vesicles and directing these vesicles to the basolateral corner of polarized epithelial cells. Here, we show that Naked2 is a short-lived protein with a half-life of 60 min caused by its rapid ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. Overexpression of TGF-alpha stabilizes Naked2 protein in an EGF receptor (EGFR)-independent manner; a physical interaction between the cytoplasmic tail of TGF-alpha and Naked2 is necessary and sufficient for this protection. We have identified a RING finger protein, AO7/RNF25, as a ubiquitin ligase for Naked2, and we have shown that overexpression of TGF-alpha reduces binding of AO7 to Naked2. These results identify an EGFR-independent action of TGF-alpha, in which it protects Naked2 from proteasomal degradation, thus ensuring its delivery to the basolateral surface of polarized epithelial cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Animals
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Time Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • NKD2 protein, human
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha
  • RNF25 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex