SCF FBXW17 E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates FBXL19 stability and cell migration

The Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ligase complex is one of the largest ubiquitin E3 ligase families. FBXL19, a F-box protein in SCF(FBXL19)E3 ligase complex, regulates a variety of cellular responses including cell migration. We have shown that FBXL19 is not stable and its degradation is mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, while the ubiquitin E3 ligase for FBXL19 ubiquitination and degradation has not been identified. In the study, we discovered that a new ubiquitin E3 ligase, SCFFBXW17, ubiquitinates and induces FBXL19 degradation. Exogenous FBXW17 targets FBXL19 for its ubiquitination and degradation. Lysine 114 in FBXL19 is a potential ubiquitin acceptor site. Acetylation of FBXL19 attenuated SCFFBXW17-mediated FBXL19 degradation. SCF(FBXL19)E3 ligase reduced Rac1 levels and cell migration, while the effects were attenuated by exogenous FBXW17. Downregulation of FBXW17 attenuated lysophosphatidic acid-induced lamellipodia formation and Rac1 accumulation at migration leading edge. Taken together with our previous studies, FBXL19 is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system and its site-specific ubiquitination is mediated by SCF(FBXW17)E3 ligase, which promotes cell migration.

Automated summary

This study identified a new ubiquitin E3 ligase, SCFFBXW17, which ubiquitinates and induces FBXL19 degradation. FBXL19 plays a role in cell migration, and its degradation is mediated by SCFFBXW17.