OTUD4 enhances TGFβ signalling through regulation of the TGFβ receptor complex

Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 24;10(1):15725. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-72791-0.

Abstract

Systematic control of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) pathway is essential to keep the amplitude and the intensity of downstream signalling at appropriate levels. Ubiquitination plays a crucial role in the general regulation of this pathway. Here we identify the deubiquitinating enzyme OTUD4 as a transcriptional target of the TGFβ pathway that functions through a positive feedback loop to enhance overall TGFβ activity. Interestingly we demonstrate that OTUD4 functions through both catalytically dependent and independent mechanisms to regulate TGFβ activity. Specifically, we find that OTUD4 enhances TGFβ signalling by promoting the membrane presence of TGFβ receptor I. Furthermore, we demonstrate that OTUD4 inactivates the TGFβ negative regulator SMURF2 suggesting that OTUD4 regulates multiple nodes of the TGFβ pathway to enhance TGFβ activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • SMURF2 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • OTUD4 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases