Changes in Treg gene expression upon deletion of Usp22 and Usp21
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ABSTRACT: Usp22 and Usp21 are important for Foxp3 stability. We used RNA sequencing to determine the broad changes upon Usp22 and Usp21 deletionWe then performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq and compared to each other
Project description:Regulatory T (Treg) cells harbor immune suppressive capacity and are crucial for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Treg cells are considered to be heterogenic, where compromised FOXP3 expression results in the generation of exTreg cells. Here we report that the E3 deubiquitinase USP21 prevents the depletion of FOXP3 protein and restricts tissue-resident exTreg cell generation. Mice lacking USP21 in Treg cells display immune disorders characterized by spontaneous T cell activation and excessive T helper type 1 (Th1) skewing. USP21 stabilizes FOXP3 protein by mediating its deubiquitination and therefore helps to maintain the expression of Treg signature genes. Moreover, at inflamed loci, tissue-resident USP21-deficient Treg cells display a Th1-like effector phenotype. Therefore, we demonstrate how USP21 controls the identity of tissue-resident Treg cells by preventing FOXP3 loss.
Project description:USP21 belongs to ubiquitin specific protease (USP) family. To dissect the molecular mechanisms that regulated by USP21 overexpression in PDAC cells, we conducted RNA-seq analysis of iKPC PDAC cells overexpressing wild-type USP21 (WT-USP21) and enzyme dead USP21 (ED-USP21).
Project description:Skeletal muscle is the pivotal organ for energy homeostasis, but the regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that ubiquitin specific protease 21 (USP21) is a regulator of skeletal muscle physiology. To elucidate features important for USP21, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis using the muscle tissue of muscle-specific USP21 knockout (USP21-MKO) mice or wild-type littermates with floxed genotype, screened and analyzed the differentially expressed genes. Transcriptomics assay enabled us to discover major signaling nodes persistently activated by USP21 ablation in close association with the genes linked to fuel oxidation. Consequently, USP21 ablation altered gross metabolic phenotypes.
Project description:USP21 promotes PDAC tumor cells to bypass KRAS* dependency. To dissect the molecular mechanism, we conducted RNA-seq analysis comparing iKPC cancer cells overexpressing GFP, wildtype USP21 and enzyme-dead USP21 at day 3 after KRAS* extinction. KRAS*-expressing iKPC cells with GFP overexpression are positive control.
Project description:USP22 plays oncogenic role and in order to study molecular mechanism of USP22 to promote tumorigenesis, microarray analysis was performed on USP22 knockdowned cells.
Project description:Nanog is a master pluripotency factor of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Stable expression of Nanog is required to maintain the stemness of ESCs, although Nanog is a short-lived protein and quickly degraded by the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome system (UPS). Here, we report that the deubiquitinase USP21 interacts with, deubiquitinates and stabilizes Nanog and therefore maintains the protein level of Nanog in mouse-ESCs (mESCs). Loss of USP21 results in Nanog destruction, mESCs differentiation and reduced the somatic cell reprogramming efficiency. USP21 is a transcriptional target of the LIF/STAT3 pathway and is downregulated upon differentiation. Moreover, differentiation cues promote ERK-mediated phosphorylation and dissociation of USP21 from Nanog, thus leading to Nanog degradation. Additionally, USP21 is recruited to gene promoters by Nanog to deubiquitinate histone H2A at K119 and thus facilitates Nanog-mediated gene expression. Together, our findings provide a regulatory mechanism by which extrinsic signals regulate mESC fate via deubiquitinating Nanog.
Project description:Dynamic control of ubiquitination by deubiquitinating enzymes is essential for almost all biological processes. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) is part of the SAGA complex and catalyzes the removal of monoubiquitination from histone H2B, thereby regulating gene transcription. However, novel roles for USP22 have recently emerged, such as tumor development and cell death. Apart from apoptosis, the relevance of USP22 in other programmed cell death pathways still remains unclear. Here, we describe a novel role for USP22 in controlling necroptotic cell death in a variety of tumor cell lines. Loss of USP22 expression significantly delays TNF/Smac mimetic/zVAD.fmk (TBZ)-induced necroptosis, without affecting TNF-mediated NF-B activation or extrinsic apoptosis. Mass-spectrometric ubiquitin remnant profiling identified lysine 518 of Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) as USP22-dependent ubiquitination target during necroptosis induction. Mutation of K518 in RIPK3 reduced necroptosisassociated RIPK3 ubiquitination and amplified necrosome formation and necroptotic cell death. In conclusion, we identify a novel role of USP22 in necroptosis and further elucidate the relevance of ubiquitination as crucial regulator of necroptotic cell death.