USP7 counteracts SCFbetaTrCP- but not APCCdh1-mediated proteolysis of Claspin

J Cell Biol. 2009 Jan 12;184(1):13-9. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200807137. Epub 2009 Jan 5.

Abstract

Claspin is an adaptor protein that facilitates the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR)-mediated phosphorylation and activation of Chk1, a key effector kinase in the DNA damage response. Efficient termination of Chk1 signaling in mitosis and during checkpoint recovery requires SCF(betaTrCP)-dependent destruction of Claspin. Here, we identify the deubiquitylating enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) as a novel regulator of Claspin stability. Claspin and USP7 interact in vivo, and USP7 is required to maintain steady-state levels of Claspin. Furthermore, USP7-mediated deubiquitylation markedly prolongs the half-life of Claspin, which in turn increases the magnitude and duration of Chk1 phosphorylation in response to genotoxic stress. Finally, we find that in addition to the M phase-specific, SCF(betaTrCP)-mediated degradation, Claspin is destabilized by the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) and thus remains unstable in G1. Importantly, we demonstrate that USP7 specifically opposes the SCF(betaTrCP)- but not APC(Cdh1)-mediated degradation of Claspin. Thus, Claspin turnover is controlled by multiple ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation activities, which together provide a flexible means to regulate the ATR-Chk1 pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome
  • Cell Line
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1
  • DNA Damage
  • G1 Phase
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases / metabolism
  • SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases / physiology*
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / physiology*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes / physiology*
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7
  • Ubiquitination / physiology

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • CLSPN protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes
  • Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome
  • SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases
  • Protein Kinases
  • CHEK1 protein, human
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1
  • USP7 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 7