Avidity-Based Method for the Efficient Generation of Monoubiquitinated Recombinant Proteins

J Am Chem Soc. 2023 Apr 12;145(14):7748-7752. doi: 10.1021/jacs.3c01943. Epub 2023 Apr 3.

Abstract

Monoubiquitination of proteins governs diverse physiological processes, and its dysregulation is implicated in multiple pathologies. The difficulty of preparing sufficient material often complicates the biophysical studies of monoubiquitinated recombinant proteins. Here we describe a robust avidity-based method that overcomes this problem. As a proof-of-concept, we produced milligram quantities of two monoubiquitinated targets, Parkinson's protein α-synuclein and ESCRT-protein ALIX, using NEDD4-family E3 ligases. Monoubiquitination hotspots were identified by quantitative chemical proteomics. Using FRAP and dye-binding assays, we uncovered strikingly opposite effects of monoubiquitination on the phase separation and fibrillization properties of these two amyloidogenic proteins, reflecting differences in their intermolecular interactions, thereby providing unique insights into the impact of monoubiquitination on protein aggregation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Nedd4 Ubiquitin Protein Ligases
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Ubiquitination*

Substances

  • Nedd4 Ubiquitin Protein Ligases
  • Recombinant Proteins