Phosphorylation and ubiquitination of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 in response to DNA binding

J Biol Chem. 2006 Sep 1;281(35):25278-86. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M604983200. Epub 2006 Jul 6.

Abstract

Members of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) family of transcription factors control cholesterol and lipid metabolism and play critical roles during adipocyte differentiation. The transcription factor SREBP1 is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system following phosphorylation of Thr426 and Ser430 in its phosphodegron. We now demonstrate that the glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta-dependent phosphorylation of these residues in SREBP1 is enhanced in response to specific DNA binding. DNA binding enhances the direct interaction between the C-terminal domain of SREBP1 and GSK-3beta. Accordingly, we demonstrate that GSK-3beta is recruited to the promoters of SREBP target genes in vivo. As a result of the phosphorylation of Thr426 and Ser430, the ubiquitin ligase Fbw7 is recruited to SREBP molecules associated with target promoters. Using a reconstituted ubiquitination system, we demonstrate that Fbw7-mediated ubiquitination of SREBP1 is dependent on its DNA binding activity. Thus, DNA binding could provide a mechanistic link between the phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of active transcription factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Phosphorylation
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 / chemistry*
  • Ubiquitin / chemistry*

Substances

  • SREBF1 protein, human
  • Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1
  • Ubiquitin
  • DNA
  • GSK3B protein, human
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex