Trim-Away ubiquitinates and degrades lysine-less and N-terminally acetylated substrates

TRIM proteins are the largest family of E3 ligases in mammals. They include the intracellular antibody receptor TRIM21, which is responsible for mediating targeted protein degradation during Trim-Away. Despite their importance, the ubiquitination mechanism of TRIM ligases has remained elusive. Here we show that while Trim-Away activation results in ubiquitination of both ligase and substrate, ligase ubiquitination is not required for substrate degradation. N-terminal TRIM21 RING ubiquitination by the E2 Ube2W can be inhibited by N-terminal acetylation, but this doesn't prevent substrate ubiquitination nor degradation. Instead, uncoupling ligase and substrate degradation prevents ligase recycling and extends functional persistence in cells. Further, Trim-Away degrades substrates irrespective of whether they contain lysines or are N-terminally acetylated, which may explain the ability of TRIM21 to counteract fast-evolving pathogens and degrade diverse substrates. TRIM21 mediates intracellular antibody immunity and is exploited for targeted protein degradation using Trim-Away technology. Here, the authors dissect the ubiquitination requirements for Trim-Away, providing an explanation for how TRIM21 can target diverse substrates for degradation.

Automated summary

TRIM proteins are the largest family of E3 ligases in mammals, and the ubiquitination mechanism of TRIM ligases has been unclear. However, this study reveals that ligase ubiquitination is not necessary for substrate degradation during Trim-Away.