The ubiquitin-proteasome system regulates p53-mediated transcription at p21waf1 promoter

The ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) promotes the proteasomal degradation of target proteins by decorating them with Ub labels. Emerging evidence indicates a role of UPS in regulating gene transcription. In this study, we provided evidence for the involvement of UPS in the transcriptional activation function of tumor suppressor p53. We showed that both ubiquitylation and proteasomal functions are required for efficient transcription mediated by p53. Disruption of transcription by actinomycin D, 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-benzimadazole or alpha-amanitin leads to accumulation of cellular p53 protein. Proteasome inhibition by MG132 increases the occupancy of p53 protein at p53-responsive p21(waf1) promoter. In addition, the Sug-1 component of 19S proteasome physically interacts with p53 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, in response to ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, both the 19S proteasomal components, Sug1 and S1, are recruited to p21(waf1) promoter region in a kinetic pattern similar to that of p53. These results suggested that UPS positively regulates p53-mediated transcription at p21(waf1) promoter.