SUMO modification modulates the activity of calpain-2

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Jul 10;384(4):444-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.04.152. Epub 2009 May 5.

Abstract

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification has been shown to be involved in the regulation of various cellular processes including gene transcription, nucleocytoplasmic transport, cell cycle, DNA repair, stress response, and signal transduction. However, very little is known about the process of cell migration being modulated by SUMO modification. Here, we show that calpain-2, a protease involved in cell motility, can be SUMO modified at lysine residue 390. Converting the SUMO acceptor lysine residue to arginine residue significantly attenuated calpain-2 activity, correlating well with a loss of calpain-2-elicited cell motility. Accordingly, expression of SENP1 could abrogate calpain-2 sumoylation, causing an inhibition on calpain-2-dependent activity and cell motility. These results not only identify calpain-2 as a substrate for sumoylation but also provide an important role of sumoylation in regulating cell migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Calpain / genetics
  • Calpain / metabolism*
  • Cell Movement*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lysine / genetics
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • SUMO-1 Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • SUMO-1 Protein
  • Endopeptidases
  • SENP1 protein, human
  • Calpain
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • CAPN2 protein, human
  • Lysine