Ubiquitination of hypoxia-inducible factor requires direct binding to the beta-domain of the von Hippel-Lindau protein

Nat Cell Biol. 2000 Jul;2(7):423-7. doi: 10.1038/35017054.

Abstract

von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary cancer syndrome that is characterized by the development of multiple vascular tumors and is caused by inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL). Here we show that pVHL, through its beta-domain, binds directly to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), thereby targeting HIF for ubiquitination in an alpha-domain-dependent manner. This is the first function to be ascribed to the pVHL beta-domain. Furthermore, we provide the first direct evidence that pVHL has a function analogous to that of an F-box protein, namely, to recruit substrates to a ubiquitination machine. These results strengthen the link between overaccumulation of HIF and development of VHL disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Extracts
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Deferoxamine / pharmacology
  • Elongin
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • Ligases*
  • Mutation
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational* / drug effects
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases*
  • Ubiquitins / metabolism*
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein

Substances

  • Cell Extracts
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Elongin
  • HIF1A protein, human
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Ubiquitins
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein
  • Ligases
  • VHL protein, human
  • Deferoxamine
  • Oxygen