RLE-1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, regulates C. elegans aging by catalyzing DAF-16 polyubiquitination

Dev Cell. 2007 Feb;12(2):235-46. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2006.12.002.

Abstract

The forkhead transcription factor, DAF-16, a downstream target of the insulin/IGF-I signaling pathway in C. elegans, is indispensable both for lifespan regulation and stress resistance. The molecular mechanisms involved in regulating DAF-16 transcriptional activation remain undefined. Here, we have identified an E3 ubiquitin ligase, RLE-1 (regulation of longevity by E3), which regulates aging in C. elegans. Disruption of RLE-1 expression in C. elegans increases lifespan; this extension of lifespan is due to elevated DAF-16 protein but not to changes of daf-16 mRNA levels. We have also found that RLE-1 catalyzes DAF-16 ubiquitination, leading to degradation by the proteasome. Elimination of RLE-1 expression in C. elegans causes increased transcriptional activation and sustained nuclear localization of DAF-16. Overexpression of DAF-16 in rle-1 mutants increases worm lifespan, while disruption of DAF-16 expression in rle-1 mutants reverses their longevity. Thus, RLE-1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase of DAF-16 that regulates C. elegans aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / enzymology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism*
  • Catalysis
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Heat-Shock Response
  • Hyperthermia, Induced
  • Larva
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Phenotype
  • Polyubiquitin / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Thermodynamics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transcriptional Activation / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factors
  • daf-16 protein, C elegans
  • Polyubiquitin
  • RLE-1 protein, C elegans
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases