Mechanisms of function and targeting for complexes relevant to cancer biology

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

This project has yielded several new discoveries. For example, in collaboration with Dr. Simona Polo, we identified a novel ubiquitin-binding domain in myosin VI and solved its structure by NMR spectroscopy. We named this domain myosin VI ubiquitin-binding domain (MyUb). We discovered myosin VI to prefer K63-linked chains, which are used for cell signaling rather than to signal for proteolysis. We solved the structure of MyUb complexed with K63-linked diubiquitin to find a unique recognition mode for this chain type. Moreover, we mapped the region required for myosin VI interaction with endocytosis and autophagy adaptors, which overlaps with the MyUb. Myosin VI is expressed in humans as short or long isoforms, such that MyUb is extended in the long isoforms to include an additional N-terminal helix. We found that certain cancers preferentially express short myosin VI isoforms and that myosin VI knockdown in these cells restricts cell migration. In another project, we collaborated with intramural investigators Dr. Jay Schneekloth and Dr. Beverly Mock to define a new targeting molecule for the oncogene MYC G-quadruplex.