The role of monoubiquitylation in the regulation of the transcription factor Elk-1

Tools

Chow, Kam Yuen (2011) The role of monoubiquitylation in the regulation of the transcription factor Elk-1. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

[img]
Preview
 PDF (The role of monoubiquitylation in the regulation of the transcription factor Elk-1) - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

Eukaryotic cells respond to extracellular stimuli by transmitting intracellular instructions via signalling pathways to coordinate appropriate responses. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are often used to transmit these instructions to regulate gene expression, where Ternary Complex Factors (TCFs) are among their nuclear targets. Elk-1 is the founding member of the TCF family of transcription activators. The mechanism of function and regulation of Elk-1 has been extensively studied, therefore providing a paradigm for signal-induced transcription. The activity of Elk-1 is influenced by Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation and sumoylation. Elk-1 ubiquitylation has also been reported in vitro, however little work has been done on this modification of Elk-1. This thesis sought to reveal the mechanism of regulation and function of Elk-1 ubiquitylation.

Elk-1 was demonstrated to be both monoubiquitylated and polyubiquitylated in vitro and in cells. Using size exclusion chromatography and the dominant negative nedd8 conjugating E2 enzyme Ubc12, several features of the Elk-1 specific E3 ligases have been revealed in vitro. In cells, ternary complex formation was shown to be important for monoubiquitylation. Furthermore monoubiquitylated Elk-1 is diminished following ERK-mediated phosphorylation, hence activation, in response to mitogen stimulation. It was also demonstrated that an Elk-1 derivative that exhibits strong monoubiquitylation level also exhibits a reduced capability to transactivate gene expression at the Serum Responsive Element (SRE), indicating a negative role of monoubiquitylation on Elk-1 transcriptional ability.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Shaw, P.S.
Jones, P.
Subjects: Q Science > QH Natural history. Biology > QH426 Genetics
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Biomedical Sciences
Item ID: 12035
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 22 Mar 2012 17:12
Last Modified: 15 Dec 2017 05:41
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/12035

Actions (Archive Staff Only)

Edit View Edit View