The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP1 regulates ΔNp63-dependent transcription through Lys63 linkages

Research highlights: → WWP1 ubiquitylates ΔNp63 through conjugation of Lys63-linked poly-ubiquitin chains. → WWP1 does not control ΔNp63 protein stability. → WWP1 regulates ΔNp63-dependent transcription. -- Abstract: The transcription factor p63, a member of the p53 family, plays a crucial role in epithelial development and tumorigenesis through the regulation of epithelial progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Similarly to p53, p63 activity is regulated by post-translational modifications, including ubiquitylation. Here, we report that the WWP1 E3 ubiquitin ligase binds specifically to ΔNp63 isoform but it does not trigger ΔNp63 proteasome-dependent degradation. Accordingly, we found that WWP1-dependent ubiquitylation of ΔNp63 occurs through the formation of Lys63-linked poly-ubiquitin chains. Importantly, we found that WWP1 is able to increase ΔNp63-dependent transcription and depletion of WWP1 in human primary keratinocytes induces cell cycle arrest. All together these results indicate that WWP1 regulates ΔNp63 transcriptional activity, acting thus as a potential regulator of the proliferation and survival of epithelial-derived cells.