Regulating BCA2: An Investigation into E3 Ligase Activity

The BCA2 E3 ligase is expressed in a majority of invasive breast cancers. BCA2 has inherent autoubiquitination activity which contributes to cell migration and proliferation processes. Here, ten novel BCA2 binding proteins were found using yeast and bacterial screening. Two of which were human homolog of Rad23 variant A (hHR23a) and 14-3-3σ. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that both hHR23a and 14-3-3σ bound BCA2 and were co-expressed with BCA2 in breast cancer cells. Interaction of BCA2 with hHR23a and 14-3-3σ affect the autoubiquitination and auto-degradation activity of BCA2. Multi-ubiquitination of hHR23a-bound BCA2 was dramatically lower than that of free BCA2, this corresponded to increased BCA2 expression and half-life. Furthermore, phosphorylated BCA2 protein was stabilized by interaction with 14-3-3σ, via substrate inhibition of BCA2 autoubiquitination. High expression of BCA2 is correlated with grade in breast cancer and regulation of this E3 ligase’s activity may be important to cancer progression.MAS