AMSH, an ESCRT-III associated enzyme, deubiquitinates cargo on MVB/late endosomes

Cell Struct Funct. 2007;31(2):159-72. doi: 10.1247/csf.06023. Epub 2006 Dec 12.

Abstract

The appropriate sorting of vesicular cargo, including cell-surface proteins, is critical for many cellular functions. Ubiquitinated cargo is targeted to endosomes and digested by lysosomal enzymes. We previously identified AMSH, a deubiquitination enzyme (DUB), to be involved in vesicular transport. Here, we purified an AMSH-binding protein, CHMP3, which is an ESCRT-III subunit. ESCRT-III functions on maturing endosomes, indicating AMSH might also play a role in MVB/late endosomes. Expression of an AMSH mutant lacking CHMP3-binding ability resulted in aberrant endosomes with accumulations of ubiquitinated cargo. Nevertheless, CHMP3-binding capability was not essential for AMSH's in vitro DUB activity or its endosomal localization, suggesting that, in vivo, the deubiquitination of endosomal cargo is CHMP3-dependent. Ubiquitinated cargo also accumulated on endosomes when catalytically inactive AMSH was expressed or AMSH was depleted. These results suggest that both the DUB activity of AMSH and its CHMP3-binding ability are required to clear ubiquitinated cargo from endosomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cell Line
  • Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Endosomes / metabolism*
  • Endosomes / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase

Substances

  • CHMP3 protein, human
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • STAMBP protein, human
  • Ubiquitin
  • Endopeptidases
  • Ubiquitin Thiolesterase