The Deubiquitinating Enzyme Ubp2 Modulates Rsp5-dependent Lys63-linked Polyubiquitin Conjugates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The functions of Lys(63)-linked polyubiquitin chains are poorly understood, as are the enzymes that specifically generate Lys(63)-linked conjugates. Rsp5 is a HECT (homologous to E6AP C terminus) ubiquitin ligase involved in numerous processes, and an associated deubiquitinating enzyme, Ubp2, modulates its activity. A dramatic increase in Lys(63)-linked conjugates was observed in ubp2Delta cells. The formation of these was Rsp5-dependent, and ubp2Delta phenotypes could be suppressed by prevention of formation of Lys(63) conjugates. Cell wall integrity was impaired in rsp5-1 cells and in cells defective in Lys(63)-polyubiquitination, as assayed by calcofluor white sensitivity, and ubp2Delta and rup1Delta mutants suppressed the calcofluor white sensitivity of rsp5-1. A large fraction of the Lys(63) conjugates in ubp2Delta cells bound to Rsp5, and a proteomics approach was used to identify Rsp5 substrates subject to Ubp2 regulation. Two closely related proteins, Csr2 and Ecm21, were among the identified proteins. Both were efficiently Lys(63)-polyubiquitinated by Rsp5 and deubiquitinated by Ubp2. Together, these results indicate that Ubp2 modulates Lys(63)-polyubiquitination of Rsp5 substrates in vivo, including ubiquitination of two newly identified Rsp5 substrates.