A structure-based designed small molecule depletes hRpn13Pru and a select group of KEN box proteins

Nat Commun. 2024 Mar 20;15(1):2485. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46644-7.

Abstract

Proteasome subunit hRpn13 is partially proteolyzed in certain cancer cell types to generate hRpn13Pru by degradation of its UCHL5/Uch37-binding DEUBAD domain and retention of an intact proteasome- and ubiquitin-binding Pru domain. By using structure-guided virtual screening, we identify an hRpn13 binder (XL44) and solve its structure ligated to hRpn13 Pru by integrated X-ray crystallography and NMR to reveal its targeting mechanism. Surprisingly, hRpn13Pru is depleted in myeloma cells following treatment with XL44. TMT-MS experiments reveal a select group of off-targets, including PCNA clamp-associated factor PCLAF and ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), that are similarly depleted by XL44 treatment. XL44 induces hRpn13-dependent apoptosis and also restricts cell viability by a PCLAF-dependent mechanism. A KEN box, but not ubiquitination, is required for XL44-induced depletion of PCLAF. Here, we show that XL44 induces ubiquitin-dependent loss of hRpn13Pru and ubiquitin-independent loss of select KEN box containing proteins.

MeSH terms

  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins* / metabolism
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex* / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors
  • Ubiquitin / metabolism

Substances

  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Ubiquitin
  • Transcription Factors