Tuning ubiquitin transfer by RING E3 ubiquitin ligases through the linchpin residue.

ABSTRACT: RING family ubiquitin ligases (E3s) employ the RING domain to recruit the E2 thioester ubiquitin (E2∼Ub) intermediate to catalyze the transfer of ubiquitin (Ub) to substrates. A cationic Arg linchpin (LP) residue in the RING domain plays a key role in stabilizing the interface with E2∼Ub, but the identity of the LP residue varies across E3s. Here, we investigate how the LP residue contributes to ubiquitination. Using the model RNF38 system, we demonstrate that substitution of LP^Arg to the other 19 available amino acids modulates ubiquitination, ranging from minor reduction to complete abolition. The identity of the LP residue influences E2∼Ub binding but does not correlate with E3 activity. NMR and X-ray crystallography analyses reveal that RNF38 LP^Arg variants stabil

SUBMITTER: Nakasone MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12326332 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature