ATF4 interacts with Abro1/KIAA0157 scaffold protein and participates in a cytoprotective pathway

Abro1 (Abraxas brother 1), also known as KIAA0157, is a scaffold protein that recruits various polypeptides to assemble the BRISC (BRCC36 isopeptide) deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) complex. The BRISC enzyme has a Lys63-linked deubiquitinating activity and is comprised of four known subunits: MERIT40 (mediator of Rap80 interactions and targeting 40 kDa), BRE (brain and reproductive organ-expressed), BRCC36 (BRCA1/BRCA2-containing complex, subunit 3) and Abro1. We have previously shown that Abro1 has a cytoprotective role that involves the BRISC DUB complex acting on specific Lys63-linked polyubiquitinated substrates. In this report we identify three members of the AP-1 (activating protein-1) family, the ATF4, ATF5 (activating transcription factor) and JunD proteins, as specific interactors of Abro1. The function of ATF4–Abro1 interaction was investigated under normal conditions as well as under cellular stress. Abro1 is predominantly cytoplasmic, but during cellular stress it enters the nucleus and co-localizes with ATF4. Furthermore, this interaction with ATF4 is necessary and essential for the cytoprotective function of Abro1 following oxidative stress. The ability of Abro1 to specifically interact with a number of transcription factors suggests a new mechanism of regulation of the BRISC DUB complex. This regulation involves the participation of at least three known members of the AP-1 family of transcription factors.

► ATF4 is identified as a specific interactor of Abro1 scaffold protein. ► Abro1 is the scaffold protein and it has a cytoprotective function. ► ATF4 interacts with Abro1 during oxidative stress. ► ATF4 binding to Abro1 causes the protein to translocate to the cell nucleus. ► The cytoprotective role of Abro1 is dependent on its interaction with ATF4.