Spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase 2 is an essential component of the ubiquitin ligase complex that regulates hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha

J Biol Chem. 2007 Aug 10;282(32):23572-80. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M703504200. Epub 2007 Jun 8.

Abstract

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric transcription factor that functions as a master regulator of oxygen homeostasis. The HIF-1alpha subunit is subjected to O(2)-dependent prolyl hydroxylation leading to ubiquitination by the von Hippel-Lindau protein (VHL)-Elongin C ubiquitin-ligase complex and degradation by the 26 S proteasome. In this study, we demonstrate that spermidine/spermine-N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT) 2 plays an essential role in this process. SSAT2 binds to HIF-1alpha, VHL, and Elongin C and promotes ubiquitination of hydroxylated HIF-1alpha by stabilizing the interaction of VHL and Elongin C. Multivalent interactions by SSAT2 provide a mechanism to ensure efficient complex formation, which is necessary for the extremely rapid ubiquitination and degradation of HIF-1alpha that is observed in oxygenated cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetyltransferases / chemistry*
  • Acetyltransferases / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • Elongin
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / chemistry
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / physiology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / chemistry
  • Protein Binding
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein / chemistry

Substances

  • ELOC protein, human
  • Elongin
  • HIF1A protein, human
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • Transcription Factors
  • Acetyltransferases
  • diamine N-acetyltransferase
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex
  • ATP dependent 26S protease
  • VHL protein, human
  • Oxygen