Rapid temporal control of Foxp3 protein degradation by sirtuin-1

PLoS One. 2011 Apr 20;6(4):e19047. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019047.

Abstract

Maintenance of Foxp3 protein expression in regulatory T cells (Treg) is crucial for a balanced immune response. We have previously demonstrated that Foxp3 protein stability can be regulated through acetylation, however the specific mechanisms underlying this observation remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that SIRT1 a member of the lysine deacetylase Sirtuin (SIRT) family, but not the related SIRTs 2-7, co-localize with Foxp3 in the nucleus. Ectopic expression of SIRT1, but not SIRTs 2-7 results in decreased Foxp3 acetylation, while conversely inhibition of endogenous SIRT activity increased Foxp3 acetylation. We show that SIRT1 inhibition decreases Foxp3 poly-ubiquitination, thereby increasing Foxp3 protein levels. Co-transfection of SIRT1 with Foxp3 results in increased Foxp3 proteasomal degradation, while SIRT inhibition increases FOXP3 transcriptional activity in human Treg. Taken together, these data support a central role for SIRT1 in the regulation of Foxp3 protein levels and thereby in regulation of Treg suppressive capacity. Pharmacological modulation of SIRT1 activity in Treg may therefore provide a novel therapeutic strategy for controlling immune responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Line
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrolysis
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Kinetics
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Sirtuin 1 / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • SIRT1 protein, human
  • Sirtuin 1