Role of the SCF/Fbxo15 ubiquitin ligase in stem cells and cancer biology

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The ubiquitin-proteasome system is a major regulator of cellular processes in which speed, specificity, and timing are critical (e.g., cell cycle progression, gene transcription, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and signal transduction). Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of key substrates is mediated by multiple machines encompassing two functions: ubiquitin-tagging (i.e. ubiquitin conjugating enzymes and ubiquitin ligases) and protein degradation (i.e. the proteasome). Ubiquitin ligases, which contribute to transfer ubiquitin to proteins destined for degradation, are often composed of several subunits (e.g., the SCF ubiquitin ligase complexes) that impart a high degree of precision to the process. In humans, there are 69 SCF ligases, each characterized by invariable, structural elements (Skp1, Cul1, and Rbx1) and a variable F- box protein subunit that provides specificity by directly recruiting the substrate to the core of the ligase. Notably, only 9 of the 69 human SCF ligases (containing the F-box proteins 2TrCP1, 2TrCP2, Fbxw7, Skp2, Fbxl3, Fbxl5, Fbxo1, Fbxo4, and Fbxo6) have well-established/accepted substrates and functions. The remaining 60 F-box proteins are considered "orphans," and their substrates still await discovery. Fbxo15 is an orphan F-box protein that our preliminary data and published findings suggest to be involved in the control of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Our laboratory has successfully utilized two techniques for unbiased identification of F-box protein substrates. Using traditional tandem affinity purifications, we have identified novel SCF substrates, but we also developed a novel immunoaffinity/enzymatic assay that enriches for ubiquitylated substrates based on the ability of SCF complexes to ubiquitylate co-purified substrates in vitro. Based on our previous success in identifying and characterizing F-box protein substrates, we propose the following two aims. We will identify biologically significant substrates of human Fbxo15 (Specific Aim 1) and validate the Fbxo15-dependent regulation of these substrates (Specific Aim 2).