Signal-induced ubiquitination of I kappaB Kinase-beta.
Initiation of the genetic programs for inflammation and immunity involves nuclear mobilization of transcription factor NF-kappaB. This signal-dependent process is controlled in part by the beta-catalytic subunit of IkappaB kinase (IKKbeta), which marks IkappaBalpha and other cytoplasmic inhibitors of NF-kappaB for proteolytic destruction. The catalytic activity of IKKbeta is stimulated by pathologic and physiologic inducers of NF-kappaB, such as the Tax oncoprotein and proinflammatory cytokines. We now report evidence that these NF-kappaB inducers target IKKbeta for conjugation to ubiquitin (Ub) in mammalian cells. The apparent molecular size of modified IKKbeta is compatible with monoubiquitination rather than attachment of a multimeric Ub chain. The modification is contingent upon signal-induced phosphorylation of the activation T loop in IKKbeta at Ser-177/Ser-181. The formation of IKKbeta-Ub conjugates is disrupted in cells expressing YopJ, a Ub-like protein protease that interferes with the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. These findings indicate an important mechanistic link between phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and the biologic action of IKKbeta.
D020134:Catalytic Domain; D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D051550:I-kappa B Kinase; D010766:Phosphorylation; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D025801:Ubiquitin / Q000378:metabolism*
D025801:Ubiquitin; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; C496559:CHUK protein, human; D051550:I-kappa B Kinase; C496560:IKBKB protein, human; C496565:IKBKE protein, human