The ATAC complex represses the transcriptional program of the autophagy-lysosome pathway via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity

Cell Rep. 2024 Dec 24;43(12):115033. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.115033. Epub 2024 Dec 5.

Abstract

The Ada two A-containing (ATAC) complex, containing histone acetyltransferases general control non-derepressible 5 (GCN5) or p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), has gained recognition as a prominent transcriptional coactivator. Recent revelations unveiled E3 ligase activity present in both GCN5 and PCAF; however, how the dual enzymatic activities of the ATAC complex orchestrate distinct transcriptional programs and signaling networks remains largely elusive. Our study unveils the function of the ATAC complex as a negative regulator of the autophagy-lysosome pathway's transcriptional program by modulating the stability of transcription factors TFE3 and TFEB. The ATAC complex primarily impacts TFE3/TFEB destabilization through its E3 ligase activity rather than its acetyltransferase function. GCN5/PCAF-mediated ubiquitination prompts the proteasome-dependent degradation of TFE3 and TFEB. Furthermore, inactivation of the ATAC complex amplifies TFE3/TFEB-mediated autophagy-lysosome functions, thereby promoting cell survival during nutrient deprivation. In summary, our findings establish the "ATAC complex-TFE3/TFEB-autophagy-lysosome" axis as an intrinsic regulatory pathway for resisting starvation-induced cell death.

Keywords: ATAC complex; CP: Molecular biology; TFE3/TFEB stability; acetylation; autophagy-lysosome pathway; ubiquitination.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autophagy*
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases* / metabolism
  • Ubiquitination
  • p300-CBP Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • TFEB protein, human
  • p300-CBP Transcription Factors
  • TFE3 protein, human
  • p300-CBP-associated factor