The human EKC/KEOPS complex is recruited to Cullin2 ubiquitin ligases by the human tumour antigen PRAME

PLoS One. 2012;7(8):e42822. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042822. Epub 2012 Aug 13.

Abstract

The human tumour antigen PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma) is frequently overexpressed during oncogenesis, and high PRAME levels are associated with poor clinical outcome in a variety of cancers. However, the molecular pathways in which PRAME is implicated are not well understood. We recently characterized PRAME as a BC-box subunit of a Cullin2-based E3 ubiquitin ligase. In this study, we mined the PRAME interactome to a deeper level and identified specific interactions with OSGEP and LAGE3, which are human orthologues of the ancient EKC/KEOPS complex. By characterizing biochemically the human EKC complex and its interactions with PRAME, we show that PRAME recruits a Cul2 ubiquitin ligase to EKC. Moreover, EKC subunits associate with PRAME target sites on chromatin. Our data reveal a novel link between the oncoprotein PRAME and the conserved EKC complex and support a role for both complexes in the same pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Cullin Proteins / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Transport
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • CUL2 protein, human
  • Cullin Proteins
  • KEOPS complex, S cerevisiae
  • PRAME protein, human
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins