Beclin 1 functions as a negative modulator of MLKL oligomerisation by integrating into the necrosome complex

Cell Death Differ. 2020 Nov;27(11):3065-3081. doi: 10.1038/s41418-020-0561-9. Epub 2020 May 26.

Abstract

Necroptosis is a form of regulated cell death caused by formation of the necrosome complex. However, the factors modulating this process and the systemic pathophysiological effects of necroptosis are yet to be understood. Here, we identified that Beclin 1 functions as an anti-necroptosis factor by being recruited into the necrosome complex upon treatment with TNFα, Smac mimetic, and pan-caspase inhibitor and by repressing MLKL oligomerisation, thus preventing the disruption of the plasma membrane. Cells ablated or knocked-out for Beclin 1 become sensitised to necroptosis in an autophagy-independent manner without affecting the necrosome formation itself. Interestingly, the recruitment of Beclin 1 into the necrosome complex is dependent on the activation and phosphorylation of MLKL. Biochemically, the coiled-coil domain (CCD) of Beclin 1 binds to the CCD of MLKL, which restrains the oligomerisation of phosphorylated MLKL. Finally, Beclin 1 depletion was found to promote necroptosis in leukaemia cells and enhance regression of xenografted-tumour upon treatment with Smac mimetics and caspase inhibitors. These results suggest that Beclin 1 functions as a negative regulator in the execution of necroptosis by suppressing MLKL oligomerisation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism
  • Beclin-1 / genetics
  • Beclin-1 / metabolism*
  • Caspase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Female
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Necroptosis / drug effects*
  • Necrosis
  • Oligopeptides / pharmacology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Beclin-1
  • Becn1 protein, mouse
  • Caspase Inhibitors
  • Diablo protein, mouse
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Oligopeptides
  • TNF protein, human
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • MLKL protein, mouse
  • Protein Kinases