Intrinsic disorder drives N-terminal ubiquitination by Ube2w.

Abstract

Ubiquitination of the αN-terminus of protein substrates has been reported sporadically over the past twenty years. However the identity of an enzyme responsible for this unique ubiquitin (Ub) modification has only recently been elucidated. We show the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) Ube2w employs a novel mechanism to facilitate the specific ubiquitination of the α-amino group of its substrates that involves recognition of backbone atoms of intrinsically disordered N-termini. We present the NMR-based solution ensemble of full-length Ube2w that reveals a structural architecture unlike any other E2, in which its C-terminus is partly disordered and flexible to accommodate variable substrate N-termini. Flexibility of the substrate is critical for recognition by Ube2w and point mutations in, or removal of, the flexible C-terminus of Ube2w inhibits substrate binding and modification. Mechanistic insights reported here provide guiding principles for future efforts to define the N-terminal-Ubiquitome in cells.