Abstract
BackgroundThe tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are a family of more than 70 members in human. However, only a few of them have been well studied. The TRIM proteins contain the conserved RING, B-box, coiled-coil, and SPRY domains, most of which are involved in protein ubiquitination. TRIM38 is a member of the TRIM protein family, which we studied in more detail here as its functions are largely unknown.ResultsOur study shows that, similar to other TRIM family members, TRIM38 is localized in the cytoplasm. TRIM38 increases ubiquitination of other cellular proteins and catalyzes self-ubiquitination. TRIM38 also promotes K63- and K48-linked ubiquitination of cellular proteins. An intact RING domain is important for the functions of TRIM38. In addition, enterovirus 71 infection induces TRIM38 degradation.ConclusionsOur observations demonstrate that TRIM38 has E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and can be degraded during virus infection. These findings may provide insight into innate immune signaling pathways.
Highlights
The tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are a family of more than 70 members in human
Previous studies have demonstrated that the RING finger domain of many TRIM proteins, including that of TRIM5a, TRIM22, and TRIM25, possesses an E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, which can catalyze ubiquitin to cellular proteins or viral proteins [7,8,9,10]
The results show that these TRIMs all possess a RING-consensus sequence (Figure 1A)
Summary
The tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are a family of more than 70 members in human. The TRIM proteins contain the conserved RING, B-box, coiled-coil, and SPRY domains, most of which are involved in protein ubiquitination. Most members of the TRIM family contain the conserved RING domain, one or two B-box domains and coiledcoil domain (CCD) [6]. Previous studies have demonstrated that the RING finger domain of many TRIM proteins, including that of TRIM5a, TRIM22, and TRIM25, possesses an E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, which can catalyze ubiquitin to cellular proteins or viral proteins [7,8,9,10]. Ubiquitin is a highly conserved protein consisting of 76 amino acids It is involved in multiple cellular processes [14].
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