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Tankyrase-2 oligomerizes with tankyrase-1 and binds to both TRF1 (telomere-repeat-binding factor 1) and IRAP (insulin-responsive aminopeptidase).

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) tankyrase-1 contains an ankyrin-repeat domain that binds to various partners, including the telomeric protein TRF1 (telomere-repeat-binding factor 1) and the vesicular protein IRAP (insulin-responsive aminopeptidase). TRF1 binding recruits tankyrase-1 to telomeres and allows its PARP activity to regulate telomere homoeostasis. By contrast, IRAP binding and the Golgi co-localization of tankyrase-1 with IRAP might allow tankyrase-1 to affect the targeting of IRAP-containing vesicles. A closely related protein, tankyrase-2, has also been implicated in vesicular targeting. Unlike tankyrase-1, tankyrase-2 has not been shown to have PARP activity. In addition, it has not been implicated in telomere homoeostasis, because it did not interact with TRF1 in previous studies. Here we show that tankyrase-2 contains intrinsic PARP activity and, like tankryase-1, binds to both TRF1 and IRAP. Our analysis suggests that the ankyrin (ANK) domain of tankyrase-2 comprises five subdomains that provide redundant binding sites for IRAP. Moreover, tankyrase-2 associates and co-localizes with tankyrase-1, suggesting that both tankyrases might function as a complex. Taken together, our findings indicate that tankyrase-1 and tankyrase-2 interact with the same set of proteins and probably mediate overlapping functions, both at telomeres and in vesicular compartments.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Identification of a tankyrase-binding motif shared by IRAP, TAB182, and human TRF1 but not mouse TRF1. NuMA contains this RXXPDG motif and is a novel tankyrase partner.

Tankyrase-1 and -2 are closely related poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases that use an ankyrin-repeat domain to bind diverse proteins, including TRF (telomere-repeat binding factor)-1, IRAP (insulin-responsive aminopeptidase), and TAB182 (182-kDa tankyrase-binding protein). TRF1 binding allows tankyrase to regulate telomere dynamics in human cells, whereas IRAP binding presumably allows tankyrase to regulate the targeting of IRAP. The mechanism by which tankyrase binds to diverse proteins has not been investigated. Herein we describe a novel RXXPDG motif shared by IRAP, TAB182, and human TRF1 that mediates their binding to tankyrases. Interestingly, mouse TRF1 lacks this motif and thus does not bind either tankyrase-1 or -2. Using the ankyrin domain of tankyrase as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, we also found the RXXPDG motif in six candidate tankyrase partners, including the nuclear/mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA). We verified NuMA as an RXXPDG-mediated partner of tankyrase and suggest that this interaction contributes to the known colocalization of tankyrase and NuMA at mitotic spindle poles.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The telomeric poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, tankyrase 1, contains multiple binding sites for telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) and a novel acceptor, 182-kDa tankyrase-binding protein (TAB182).

Tankyrase 1, a human telomeric poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, was originally identified through its interaction with TRF1, a negative regulator of telomere length. Tankyrase 1 ADP-ribosylates TRF1 in vitro, and its overexpression induces telomere elongation in human cancer cells. In addition to its telomeric localization, tankyrase 1 resides at multiple subcellular sites, suggesting additional functions for this protein. Here we identify TAB182, a novel tankyrase 1-binding protein of 182 kDa. TAB182 displays a complex pattern of subcellular localization. TAB182 localizes to the nucleus in a heterochromatic staining pattern and to the cytoplasm, where it co-stains with the cortical actin network. TAB182 coimmunoprecipitates with tankyrase 1 from human cells and serves as an acceptor of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation by tankyrase 1 in vitro. Like TRF1, TAB182 binds to the ankyrin domain (comprising 24 ankyrin repeats) of tankyrase 1. Surprisingly, dissection of this domain reveals multiple discrete and overlapping binding sites for TRF1 and TAB182. Thus, we demonstrate five well conserved ankyrin repeat clusters in tankyrase 1. Although each of the five ankyrin repeat clusters independently binds to TRF1, only three of the five bind toTAB182. These findings suggest that tankyrase 1 may act as a scaffold for large molecular mass complexes made up of multiple binding proteins. We discuss potential roles for tankyrase 1-mediated higher order complexes at telomeres and at other subcellular sites.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Role for the related poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerases tankyrase 1 and 2 at human telomeres.

Telomere maintenance is essential for the continuous growth of tumor cells. In most human tumors telomeres are maintained by telomerase, a specialized reverse transcriptase. Tankyrase 1, a human telomeric poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), positively regulates telomere length through its interaction with TRF1, a telomeric DNA-binding protein. Tankyrase 1 ADP-ribosylates TRF1, inhibiting its binding to telomeric DNA. Overexpression of tankyrase 1 in the nucleus promotes telomere elongation, suggesting that tankyrase 1 regulates access of telomerase to the telomeric complex. The recent identification of a closely related homolog of tankyrase 1, tankyrase 2, opens the possibility for a second PARP at telomeres. We therefore sought to establish the role of tankyrase 1 at telomeres and to determine if tankyrase 2 might have a telomeric function. We show that endogenous tankyrase 1 is a component of the human telomeric complex. We demonstrate that telomere elongation by tankyrase 1 requires the catalytic activity of the PARP domain and does not occur in telomerase-negative primary human cells. To investigate a potential role for tankyrase 2 at telomeres, recombinant tankyrase 2 was subjected to an in vitro PARP assay. Tankyrase 2 poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated itself and TRF1. Overexpression of tankyrase 2 in the nucleus released endogenous TRF1 from telomeres. These findings establish tankyrase 2 as a bona fide PARP, with itself and TRF1 as acceptors of ADP-ribosylation, and suggest the possibility of a role for tankyrase 2 at telomeres.

Cell Nucleus↗

Generation and characterization of telomere length maintenance in tankyrase 2-deficient mice.

Telomere length and function are crucial factors that determine the capacity for cell proliferation and survival, mediate cellular senescence, and play a role in malignant transformation in eukaryotic systems. The telomere length of a specific mammalian species is maintained within a given range by the action of telomerase and telomere-associated proteins. TRF1 is a telomere-associated protein that inhibits telomere elongation by its binding to telomere repeats, preventing access to telomerase. Human TRF1 interacts with tankyrase 1 and tankyrase 2 proteins, two related members of the tankyrase family shown to have poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity. Human tankyrase 1 is reported to ADP-ribosylate TRF1 and to down-regulate the telomeric repeat binding activity of TRF1, resulting in telomerase-dependent telomere elongation. Human tankyrase 2 is proposed to have activity similar to that of tankyrase 1, although tankyrase 2 function has been less extensively characterized. In the present study, we have assessed the in vivo function of mouse tankyrase 2 by germ line gene inactivation and show that inactivation of tankyrase 2 does not result in detectable alteration in telomere length when monitored through multiple generations of breeding. This finding suggests that either mouse tankyrases 1 and 2 have redundant functions in telomere length maintenance or that mouse tankyrase 2 differs from human tankyrase 2 in its role in telomere length maintenance. Tankyrase 2 deficiency did result in a significant decrease in body weight sustained through at least the first year of life, most marked in male mice, suggesting that tankyrase 2 functions in potentially telomerase-independent pathways to affect overall development and/or metabolism.

Animals↗

NuMA is a major acceptor of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation by tankyrase 1 in mitosis.

Tankyrase 1 is a PARP [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase] that localizes to multiple subcellular sites, including telomeres and mitotic centrosomes. Previous studies demonstrated that cells deficient in tankyrase 1 suffered a block in resolution of sister telomeres and arrested in early anaphase [Dynek and Smith (2004) Science 304, 97-100]. This phenotype was dependent on the catalytic PARP activity of tankyrase 1. To identify critical acceptors of PARsylation [poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation] by tankyrase 1 in mitosis, tankyrase 1 immunoprecipitates were analysed for associated PARsylated proteins. We identified NuMA (nuclear mitotic apparatus protein) as a major acceptor of poly(ADP-ribose) from tankyrase 1 in mitosis. We showed by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation that association between tankyrase 1 and NuMA increases dramatically at the onset of mitosis, concomitant with PARsylation of NuMA. Knockdown of tankyrase 1 by siRNA (small interfering RNA) eliminates PARsylation of NuMA in mitosis, confirming tankyrase 1 as the PARP responsible for this modification. However, even in the absence of tankyrase 1 and PARsylation, NuMA localizes to spindle poles. By contrast, siRNA knockdown of NuMA results in complete loss of tankyrase 1 from spindle poles. We discuss our result in terms of a model where PARsylation of NuMA by tankyrase 1 in mitosis could play a role in sister telomere separation and/or mitotic progression.

Antigens, Nuclear↗

Tankyrase is a golgi-associated mitogen-activated protein kinase substrate that interacts with IRAP in GLUT4 vesicles.

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase tankyrase was originally described as a telomeric protein whose catalytic activity was proposed to regulate telomere function. Subsequent studies revealed that most tankyrase is actually extranuclear, but a discordant pattern of cytoplasmic targeting was reported. Here we used fractionation and immunofluorescence to show in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts that tankyrase is a peripheral membrane protein associated with the Golgi. We further colocalized tankyrase with GLUT4 storage vesicles in the juxtanuclear region of adipocytes. Consistent with this colocalization, we found that tankyrase binds specifically to a resident protein of GLUT4 vesicles, IRAP (insulin-responsive amino peptidase). The binding of tankyrase to IRAP involves the ankyrin repeats of tankyrase and a defined sequence ((96)RQSPDG(101)) in the IRAP cytosolic domain (IRAP(1-109)). Tankyrase is a novel signaling target of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); it is stoichiometrically phosphorylated upon insulin stimulation. Phosphorylation enhances the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity of tankyrase but apparently does not mediate the acute effect of insulin on GLUT4 targeting. Taken together, tankyrase is a novel target of MAPK signaling in the Golgi, where it is tethered to GLUT4 vesicles by binding to IRAP. We speculate that tankyrase may be involved in the long term effect of the MAPK cascade on the metabolism of GLUT4 vesicles.

3T3 Cells↗

Immunohistochemical detection of tankyrase 2 in human breast tumors and normal renal tissue.

Tankyrase, which functions at telomeres and other cellular compartments, is thought to be a positive regulator of telomerase; its isoenzyme tankyrase 2 has been cloned as a putative cancer antigen. This pilot immunohistochemical study was designed to examine whether tumors overexpress tankyrase 2. An antibody was generated by using synthetic peptide specific for tankyrase 2 and was tested by Western blot and immunocytochemically; no cross-reaction with isoenzyme 1 was revealed. Among tissue sections, two tumors of 18 specimens were positive for tankyrase 2. Others were negative or contained barely detectable protein. The surrounding normal tissues were negative. Tankyrase 2 was also revealed in epithelial cells of a limited number of normal renal tubules, whereas other renal tissues were negative. These data suggest that tankyrase 2 is not expressed ubiquitously in human tissues. To determine whether the up-regulation of tankyrase 2 is associated with tissue regeneration and cell proliferation, we compared the activity and concentration of the enzyme in a model human embryonic kidney cell line 293 arrested by serum deprivation and restimulated with serum. The serum-starved quiescent cell culture exhibited detectable protein as did the proliferating cells; enzyme activity dramatically increased in the latter. We conclude that pathologic overexpression of tankyrase 2 in some tumors may be a result of the cancer-related adaptation of the malignant cells dependent on tankyrase activity. Under normal conditions, the protein might be up-regulated during cell differentiation and also posttranslationally in proliferating cells.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Tankyrase recruitment to the lateral membrane in polarized epithelial cells: regulation by cell-cell contact and protein poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation.

PARsylation [poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation] of proteins is implicated in the regulation of diverse physiological processes. Tankyrase is a molecular scaffold with this catalytic activity and has been proposed as a regulator of vesicular trafficking on the basis, in part, of its Golgi localization in non-polarized cells. Little is known about tankyrase localization in polarized epithelial cells. Using MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cells as a model, we found that E-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion recruits tankyrase from the cytoplasm to the lateral membrane (including the tight junction), where it stably associates with detergent-insoluble structures. This recruitment is mostly completed within 8 h of calcium-induced formation of cell-cell contact. Conversely, when intercellular adhesion is disrupted by calcium deprivation, tankyrase returns from the lateral membrane to the cytoplasm and becomes more soluble in detergents. The PARsylating activity of tankyrase promotes its dissociation from the lateral membrane as well as its ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation, resulting in an apparent protein half-life of approximately 2 h. Inhibition of tankyrase autoPARsylation using H2O2-induced NAD+ depletion or PJ34 [N-(6-oxo-5,6-dihydrophenanthridin-2-yl)-N,N-dimethylacetamide hydrochloride] treatment results in tankyrase stabilization and accumulation at the lateral membrane. By contrast, stabilization through proteasome inhibition results in tankyrase accumulation in the cytoplasm. These data suggest that cell-cell contact promotes tankyrase association with the lateral membrane, whereas PARsylating activity promotes translocation to the cytosol, which is followed by ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation. Since the lateral membrane is a sorting station that ensures domain-specific delivery of basolateral membrane proteins, the regulated tankyrase recruitment to this site is consistent with a role in polarized protein targeting in epithelial cells.

Adherens Junctions↗

Cell cycle dependent localization of the telomeric PARP, tankyrase, to nuclear pore complexes and centrosomes.

Tankyrase is a human poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase that was initially identified through its interaction with the telomeric protein TRF1, a negative regulator of telomere length. In vitro poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation by tankyrase inhibits TRF1 binding to telomeric DNA suggesting a role for tankyrase in telomere function. We previously demonstrated that tankyrase co-localizes with TRF1 at the ends of human chromosomes in metaphase. Here we show that tankyrase localizes to additional subcellular sites in a cell cycle dependent manner. In interphase, tankyrase co-localized with TRF1 to telomeres, but in addition was found to reside at nuclear pore complexes, as evidenced by indirect immunofluorescence, subcellular fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy. At mitosis, concomitant with nuclear envelope breakdown and nuclear pore complex disassembly, tankyrase was found to relocate around the pericentriolar matrix of mitotic centrosomes. This complex staining pattern along with the observation that tankyrase did not contain a nuclear localization signal suggested that its telomeric localization might be regulated, perhaps by TRF1. Indeed, localization of exogenously-expressed tankyrase to telomeres was dependent upon co-transfection with TRF1. These data indicate that the subcellular localization of tankyrase can be regulated by both the cell cycle and TRF1.

Cell Cycle↗

Tankyrase promotes telomere elongation in human cells.

Human telomeres are maintained by telomerase, a reverse transcriptase that adds telomeric repeats to chromosome ends [1,2]. In human tumors and immortalized cells, telomeres are often maintained at a constant length setting [3,4], indicating that telomerase-mediated telomere elongation is tightly regulated. Tankyrase, a telomeric poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) [5], was identified through its interaction with TRF1 [6], a negative regulator of telomere extension by telomerase [7]. Tankyrase-mediated ADP-ribosylation inhibits binding of TRF1 to telomeric repeats in vitro [5], suggesting that tankyrase might regulate TRF1 and therefore control telomere dynamics in vivo. Here, we present evidence that tankyrase acts as a positive regulator of telomere elongation in vivo, apparently by inhibiting TRF1. Overexpression of tankyrase in the nucleus diminished the level of unmodified TRF1 in immunoblots and led to reduced immunofluorescence of TRF1 at interphase telomeres. Long-term overexpression of tankyrase in telomerase-positive human cells resulted in a gradual and progressive elongation of telomeres. A PARP-deficient form of tankyrase failed to affect TRF1 and did not alter telomere length dynamics, consistent with ADP-ribosylation of TRF1 as the main cause of altered telomere homeostasis. Our results indicate that tankyrase can induce telomere elongation in human cells. We propose that tankyrase-mediated ADP-ribosylation of TRF1 opens the telomeric complex, allowing access to telomerase.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗

Vertebrate tankyrase domain structure and sterile alpha motif (SAM)-mediated multimerization.

Tankyrases 1 and 2 are two highly related poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases that interact with a variety of cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. Both proteins have been implicated in telomere length regulation, insulin signalling and centrosome function. To learn more about their mode of action, we have isolated the chicken tankyrase homologues and examined their interaction partners and subcellular location. Cross-species sequence comparison indicated that tankyrase domain structure is highly conserved and supports division of the ankyrin domain into five subdomains, which are each separated by a highly conserved LLEAAR/K motif. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments demonstrated that the ankyrin domains of both proteins interact with chicken telomere repeat factor 1 (TRF1). Analysis of total cellular and nuclear proteins revealed that cells contain approximately twice as much tankyrase 1 as tankyrase 2. Although > or = 90% of each protein is present in the cytoplasm, both tankyrase 1 and 2 were detected in the nucleus. The nuclear location together with its ability to interact with TRF1, point to tankyrase 2 having a telomeric function. Yeast two-hybrid and cross-linking experiments show that both tankyrases can multimerize through their sterile-alpha motif domains. These results indicate that tankyrases may be master scaffolding proteins, capable of regulating assembly of large protein complexes.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Identification of a novel human tankyrase through its interaction with the adaptor protein Grb14.

Tankyrase is an ankyrin repeat-containing poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase originally isolated as a binding partner for the telomeric protein TRF1, but recently identified as a mitogen-activated protein kinase substrate implicated in regulation of Golgi vesicle trafficking. In this study, a novel human tankyrase, designated tankyrase 2, was isolated in a yeast two-hybrid screen as a binding partner for the Src homology 2 domain-containing adaptor protein Grb14. Tankyrase 2 is a 130-kDa protein, which lacks the N-terminal histidine/proline/serine-rich region of tankyrase, but contains a corresponding ankyrin repeat region, sterile alpha motif module, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase homology domain. The TANKYRASE 2 gene localizes to chromosome 10q23.2 and is widely expressed, with mRNA transcripts particularly abundant in skeletal muscle and placenta. Upon subcellular fractionation, both Grb14 and tankyrase 2 associate with the low density microsome fraction, and association of these proteins in vivo can be detected by co-immunoprecipitation analysis. Deletion analyses implicate the N-terminal 110 amino acids of Grb14 and ankyrin repeats 10-19 of tankyrase 2 in mediating this interaction. This study supports a role for the tankyrases in cytoplasmic signal transduction pathways and suggests that vesicle trafficking may be involved in the subcellular localization or signaling function of Grb14.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Tankyrase 1 interacts with Mcl-1 proteins and inhibits their regulation of apoptosis.

Mcl-1L (myeloid cell leukemia-1 long) is an antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein discovered as an early induction gene during leukemia cell differentiation. Previously, we identified Mcl-1S (short) as a short splicing variant of the Mcl-1 gene with proapoptotic activity. To identify Mcl-1-interacting proteins, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening and found cDNAs encoding tankyrase 1. This protein possesses poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity and presumably facilitates the turnover of substrates following ADP-ribosylation. In yeast and mammalian cells, tankyrase 1 interacts with both Mcl-1L and Mcl-1S, but does not bind to other Bcl-2 family proteins tested. Analysis of truncated tankyrase 1 mutants indicated that the first 10 ankyrin repeats are involved in interaction with Mcl-1. In the N terminus of Mcl-1, a stretch of 25 amino acids is sufficient for binding to tankyrase 1. Overexpression of tankyrase 1 antagonizes both Mcl-1L-mediated cell survival and Mcl-1S-induced cell death. Furthermore, coexpression of tankyrase 1 with Mcl-1L or Mcl-1S decreased the levels of Mcl-1 proteins. Although tankyrase 1 down-regulates Mcl-1 protein expression, no ADP-ribosylation of Mcl-1 was detected. In contrast, overexpression of Mcl-1 proteins suppressed the ADP-ribosylation of the telomeric repeat binding factor 1, another tankyrase 1-interacting protein. Thus, interaction of Mcl-1L and Mcl-1S with tankyrase 1 could serve as a unique mechanism to decrease the expression of these Bcl-2 family proteins, thereby leading to the modulation of the apoptosis pathway.

Animals↗

Tankyrase polymerization is controlled by its sterile alpha motif and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase domains.

Tankyrases are novel poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases that have SAM and ankyrin protein-interaction domains. They are found at telomeres, centrosomes, nuclear pores, and Golgi vesicles and have been shown to participate in telomere length regulation. Their other function(s) are unknown, and it has been difficult to envision a common role at such diverse cellular locations. We have shown that tankyrase 1 polymerizes through its sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain to assemble large protein complexes. In vitro polymerization is reversible and still allows interaction with ankyrin-domain binding proteins. Polymerization can also occur in vivo, with SAM-dependent association of overexpressed tankyrase leading to formation of large tankyrase-containing vesicles, disruption of Golgi structure, and inhibition of apical secretion. Finally, tankyrase polymers are dissociated efficiently by poly(ADP-ribosy)lation. This disassembly is prevented by mutation of the PARP domain. Our findings indicate that tankyrase 1 has the unique capacity to promote both assembly and disassembly of large protein complexes. Thus, tankyrases appear to be master scaffolding proteins that regulate the formation of dynamic protein networks at different cellular locations. This implies a common scaffolding function for tankyrases at each location, with specific tankyrase interaction partners conferring location-specific roles to each network, e.g., telomere compaction or regulation of vesicle trafficking.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Effects of sense tankyrase transfection on smooth muscle cells of corpus cavernosum in rat.

This study was conducted to construct the eukaryotic expression vectors for sense tankyrase and to investigate the effects of tankyrase transfection on smooth muscle cells of corpus cavernosum in the rat. After the eukaryotic expression vectors for sense tankyrase were constructed and identified smooth muscle cells of rat corpus cavernosum were transfected with the recombinant plasmids of sense tankyrase (pcDNA-TNKS). Levels of DNA and RNA were then evaluated. Measurement of telomerase activity was conducted by TRAP-ELISA assay, the length of telomere by Southern blot and the growth curve by MTT assay. We have found that the eukaryotic expression vectors for sense tankyrase were constructed and the recombinant plasmids of sense tankyrase were transfected into smooth muscle cells of rat corpus cavernosum successfully; no significant differences in telomerase activity were observed between TNKS-transfected cells (SMC-TANKS), zero-load- transfected cells (SMC-Zeo), and non-transfected cells (SMC) (P > 0.05). The length of telomere in SMC-TANKS was longer than that in SMC-Zeo or SMC (P < 0.01), and the OD value of TNKS-transfected cell was significantly higher than that of the non-transfected cells (P < 0.01). These results suggested that the eukaryotic expression vectors for sense tankyrase were constructed successfully, which provides the basis for gene therapy. Transfection of recombinant plasmids of sense tankyrase helps change the telomerase length of smooth muscle cells of corpus cavernosum and extend the cell life span.

Animals↗

Tankyrase-1 overexpression reduces genotoxin-induced cell death by inhibiting PARP1.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases or PARPs are a family of NAD(+)-dependent enzymes that modify themselves and other substrate proteins with ADP-ribose polymers. The founding member PARP 1 is localized predominantly in the nucleus and is activated by binding to DNA lesions. Excessive PARP 1 activation following genotoxin treatment causes NAD(+) depletion and cell death, whereas pharmacological PARP 1 inhibition protects cells from genotoxicity. This study investigates whether cellular viability and NAD(+) metabolism are regulated by tankyrase-1, a PARP member localized predominantly in the cytosol. Using a tetracycline-sensitive promoter to regulate tankyrase-1 expression in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, we found that a 40-fold induction of tankyrase-1 (from 1,500 to 60,000 copies per cell) lowers steady-state NAD(+) levels but does not affect basal cellular viability. Moreover, the induction confers protection against the oxidative agent H(2)O(2) and the alkylating agent MNNG, genotoxins that kill cells by activating PARP 1. The cytoprotective effect of tankyrase-1 is not due to enhanced scavenging of oxidants or altered expression of Mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic molecule previously shown to be down-regulated by tankyrase-1 in CHO cells. Instead, tankyrase-1 appears to protect cells by preventing genotoxins from activating PARP 1-mediated reactions such as PARP 1 automodification and NAD(+) consumption. Our findings therefore indicate a cytoprotective function of tankyrase-1 mediated through altered NAD(+) homeostasis and inhibition of PARP 1 function.

Animals↗

TIN2 is a tankyrase 1 PARP modulator in the TRF1 telomere length control complex.

Telomere length in humans is partly controlled by a feedback mechanism in which telomere elongation by telomerase is limited by the accumulation of the TRF1 complex at chromosome ends. TRF1 itself can be inhibited by the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity of its interacting partner tankyrase 1, which abolishes its DNA binding activity in vitro and removes the TRF1 complex from telomeres in vivo. Here we report that the inhibition of TRF1 by tankyrase is in turn controlled by a second TRF1-interacting factor, TIN2 (ref. 6). Partial knockdown of TIN2 by small hairpin RNA in a telomerase-positive cell line resulted in telomere elongation, which is typical of reduced TRF1 function. Transient inhibition of TIN2 with small interfering RNA led to diminished telomeric TRF1 signals. This effect could be reversed with the PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide and did not occur in cells overexpressing a PARP-dead mutant of tankyrase 1. TIN2 formed a ternary complex with TRF1 and tankyrase 1 and stabilized their interaction, an effect also observed with the PARP-dead mutant of tankyrase 1. In vitro, TIN2 protected TRF1 from poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation by tankyrase 1 without affecting tankyrase 1 automodification. These data identify TIN2 as a PARP modulator in the TRF1 complex and can explain how TIN2 contributes to the regulation of telomere length.

HeLa Cells↗