Control of TGFβ signalling by ubiquitination independent function of E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) pathway is a master regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. Deregulation of TGF beta signalling is well established in several human diseases including autoimmune disorders and cancer. Thus, understanding molecular pathways governing TGF beta signalling may help better understand the underlying causes of some of those conditions. Here, we show that a HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12 controls TGF beta signalling in multiple models. Interestingly, TRIP12 control of TGF beta signalling is completely independent of its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Instead, TRIP12 recruits SMURF2 to SMAD4, which is most likely responsible for inhibitory monoubiquitination of SMAD4, since SMAD4 monoubiquitination and its interaction with SMURF2 were dramatically downregulated in TRIP12-/- cells. Additionally, genetic inhibition of TRIP12 in human and murine cells leads to robust activation of TGF beta signalling which was rescued by re-introducing wildtype TRIP12 or a catalytically inactive C1959A mutant. Importantly, TRIP12 control of TGF beta signalling is evolutionary conserved. Indeed, genetic inhibition of Drosophila TRIP12 orthologue, ctrip, in gut leads to a reduced number of intestinal stem cells which was compensated by the increase in differentiated enteroendocrine cells. These effects were completely normalised in Drosophila strain where ctrip was co-inhibited together with Drosophila SMAD4 orthologue, Medea. Similarly, in murine 3D intestinal organoids, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic targeting of Trip12 enhances TGF beta mediated proliferation arrest and cell death. Finally, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic targeting of TRIP12 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells enhances the TGF beta induced migratory capacity of these cells which was rescued to the wildtype level by re-introducing wildtype TRIP12. Our work establishes TRIP12 as an evolutionary conserved modulator of TGF beta signalling in health and disease.

Automated summary

This study reveals that the HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12 controls TGF beta signaling in multiple models, independent of its ubiquitin ligase activity. This finding provides insights into the understanding and treatment of diseases associated with TGF beta signaling dysfunction.