Ubiquitination-coupled liquid phase separation regulates the accumulation of the TRIM family of ubiquitin ligases into cytoplasmic bodies.

ABSTRACT: Many members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family of ubiquitin ligases localize in spherical, membrane-free structures collectively referred to as cytoplasmic bodies (CBs) in a concentration-dependent manner. These CBs may function as aggresome precursors or storage compartments that segregate potentially harmful excess TRIM molecules from the cytosolic milieu. However, the manner in which TRIM proteins accumulate into CBs is unclear. In the present study, using TRIM32, TRIM5α and TRIM63 as examples, we demonstrated that CBs are in a liquid droplet state, resulting from liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). This finding is based on criteria that defines phase-separated structures, such as recovery after photobleaching, sensitivity to hexanediol, and the ability to undergo fusion. CB drop

SUBMITTER: Tozawa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9355226 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature