NEMO reshapes the α-Synuclein aggregate interface and acts as an autophagy adapter by co-condensation with p62

  • Nikolas Furthmann
  • , Verian Bader
  • , Lena Angersbach
  • , Alina Blusch
  • , Simran Goel
  • , Ana Sánchez-Vicente
  • , Laura J. Krause
  • , Sarah A. Chaban
  • , Prerna Grover
  • , Victoria A. Trinkaus
  • , Eva M. van Well
  • , Maximilian Jaugstetter
  • , Kristina Tschulik
  • , Rune Busk Damgaard
  • , Carsten Saft
  • , Gisa Ellrichmann
  • , Ralf Gold
  • , Arend Koch
  • , Benjamin Englert
  • , Ana Westenberger
  • Christine Klein, Lisa Jungbluth, Carsten Sachse, Christian Behrends, Markus Glatzel, F. Ulrich Hartl, Ken Nakamura, Chadwick W. Christine, Eric J. Huang, Jörg Tatzelt, Konstanze F. Winklhofer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

NEMO is a ubiquitin-binding protein which regulates canonical NF-κB pathway activation in innate immune signaling, cell death regulation and host-pathogen interactions. Here we identify an NF-κB-independent function of NEMO in proteostasis regulation by promoting autophagosomal clearance of protein aggregates. NEMO-deficient cells accumulate misfolded proteins upon proteotoxic stress and are vulnerable to proteostasis challenges. Moreover, a patient with a mutation in the NEMO-encoding IKBKG gene resulting in defective binding of NEMO to linear ubiquitin chains, developed a widespread mixed brain proteinopathy, including α-synuclein, tau and TDP-43 pathology. NEMO amplifies linear ubiquitylation at α-synuclein aggregates and promotes the local concentration of p62 into foci. In vitro, NEMO lowers the threshold concentrations required for ubiquitin-dependent phase transition of p62. In summary, NEMO reshapes the aggregate surface for efficient autophagosomal clearance by providing a mobile phase at the aggregate interphase favoring co-condensation with p62.

Original languageEnglish
Article number8368
JournalNature communications
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'NEMO reshapes the α-Synuclein aggregate interface and acts as an autophagy adapter by co-condensation with p62'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this