A novel PTEN-dependent link to ubiquitination controls FLIPS stability and TRAIL sensitivity in glioblastoma multiforme

Abstract

Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) loss and activation of the Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway increases mRNA translation, increases levels of the antiapoptotic protein FLIPS, and confers resistance to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In PTEN-deficient GBM cells, however, the FLIPS protein also exhibited a longer half-life than in PTEN mutant GBM cells, and this longer half-life correlated with decreased FLIPS polyubiquitination. FLIPS half-life in PTEN mutant GBM cells was reduced by exposure to an Akt inhibitor, but not to rapamycin, suggesting the existence of a previously undescribed, mTOR-independent linkage between PTEN and the ubiquitin-dependent control of protein stability. Total levels of the candidate FLIPS E3 ubiquitin ligase atrophin-interacting protein 4 (AIP4) were comparable in PTEN wild-type (WT) and PTEN mutant GBM cells, although in PTEN-deficient cells, AIP4 was maintained in a stable polyubiquitinated state that was less able to associate with FLIPS or with the FLIPS-containing death inducing signal complex. Small interfering RNA-mediated suppression of AIP4 levels in PTEN WT cells decreased FLIPS ubiquitination, prolonged FLIP S half-life, and increased TRAIL resistance. Similarly,the Akt activation that was previously shown to increase TRAIL resistance did not alter AIP4 levels,but increased AIP4 ubiquitination, increased FLIPS steady-state levels,and suppressed FLIPS ubiquitination. These results define the PTEN-Akt-AIP4 pathway as a key regulator of FLIPS ubiquitination, FLIPS stability, and TRAIL sensitivity and also define a novel link between PTEN and the ubiquitin-mediated control of protein stability. ©2009 American Association for Cancer Research.