The TRC8 E3 ligase ubiquitinates MHC class I molecules before dislocation from the ER

J Cell Biol. 2009 Sep 7;186(5):685-92. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200906110. Epub 2009 Aug 31.

Abstract

The US2 and US11 gene products of human cytomegalovirus promote viral evasion by hijacking the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. US2 and US11 initiate dislocation of newly translocated major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) from the ER to the cytosol for proteasome-mediated degradation, thereby decreasing cell surface MHC I. Despite being instrumental in elucidating the mammalian ERAD pathway, the responsible E3 ligase or ligases remain unknown. Using a functional small interfering RNA library screen, we now identify TRC8 (translocation in renal carcinoma, chromosome 8 gene), an ER-resident E3 ligase previously implicated as a hereditary kidney cancer gene, as required for US2-mediated MHC I ubiquitination. Depletion of TRC8 prevents MHC I ubiquitination and dislocation by US2 and restores cell surface MHC I. TRC8 forms an integral part of a novel multiprotein ER complex that contains MHC I, US2, and signal peptide peptidase. Our data show that the TRC8 E3 ligase is required for MHC I dislocation from the ER and identify a new complex associated with mammalian ERAD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex*
  • Mutation
  • RNA Interference
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism*
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • RNF139 protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • US2 protein, Varicellovirus
  • Ubiquitin
  • Viral Envelope Proteins