Fbxw7α- and GSK3-mediated degradation of p100 is a pro-survival mechanism in multiple myeloma

Abstract

Fbxw7α is a member of the F-box family of proteins, which function as the substrate-targeting subunits of SCF (Skp1/Cul1/F-box protein) ubiquitin ligase complexes. Using differential purifications and mass spectrometry, we identified p100, an inhibitor of NF-κB signalling, as an interactor of Fbxw7α. p100 is constitutively targeted in the nucleus for proteasomal degradation by Fbxw7α, which recognizes a conserved motif phosphorylated by GSK3. Efficient activation of non-canonical NF-κB signalling is dependent on the elimination of nuclear p100 through either degradation by Fbxw7α or exclusion by a newly identified nuclear export signal in the carboxy terminus of p100. Expression of a stable p100 mutant, expression of a constitutively nuclear p100 mutant, Fbxw7α silencing or inhibition of GSK3 in multiple myeloma cells with constitutive non-canonical NF-κB activity results in apoptosis both in cell systems and xenotransplant models. Thus, in multiple myeloma, Fbxw7α and GSK3 function as pro-survival factors through the control of p100 degradation. The SCF ubiquitin ligase subunit Fbxw7 is a tumour suppressor that is mutated in many cancers. Pagano and colleagues now show that in multiple myeloma, Fbxw7α instead functions as a pro-survival factor by activating the NF-κB pathway through the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of p100, an NF-κB pathway inhibitor.

Cite this article

Busino, L., Millman, S., Scotto, L. et al. Fbxw7α- and GSK3-mediated degradation of p100 is a pro-survival mechanism in multiple myeloma. Nat Cell Biol 14, 375–385 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb2463

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