Search

Compartmentalization of organelles in space and time affects their functional state and enables higher order regulation of essential cellular processes. How organellar residence is maintained in a defined area of the cell remains poorly understood. In this study, we uncover a new role for intermediate filaments in the maintenance of organellar architecture and dynamics, which is executed through a functional connection between Vimentin and the ER-embedded ubiquitin ligase ring finger protein 26 (RNF26). While the ubiquitin ligase function of RNF26 promotes perinuclear positioning of endolysosomes, its catalytically inactive mutant I382R preferentially binds Vimentin through the RNF26 C-terminal tail. Loss of either RNF26 or Vimentin redistributes endolysosomes throughout the cytosol and mobilizes ER membranes from the perinuclear ER towards the periphery. Furthermore, RNF26 and Vimentin control changes in ER morphology and organelle compartmentalization during ER stress. Collectively, we define a new function for Vimentin-containing intermediate filaments as anchors of a dynamic interplay between the ER and endosomes, critical to the integrity of the perinuclear ER and corresponding perinuclear endosomal cloud during homeostatic and stress conditions.SynopsisThe perinuclear area hosts a wide variety of cellular organelles, and their interaction with the ER governs essential cellular processes. To spatiotemporally organize endosomes and ER in the perinuclear region, the ER-embedded E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF26 interacts with Vimentin to physically link the perinuclear ER membrane with the intermediate filament cytoskeleton. As a result, Vimentin ensures perinuclear RNF26 retention, which in turn controls the perinuclear location of ER membranes and endosomes, which can be affected during stressed conditions. Vimentin interacts with inactive RNF26 in the ER membraneRNF26 by virtue of the Vimentin interaction controls perinuclear organization of ER membranes and the endosomal systemVimentin immobilizes ER membranes in the perinuclear areaVimentin and RNF26 compartmentalize organelles in the perinuclear region during ER stressWe define a new function of Vimentin intermediate filaments in the control of the perinuclear endosomal and ER organization

RNA editing by the adenosine deaminase ADAR1 prevents innate immune responses to endogenous RNAs. In ADAR1-deficient cells, unedited self RNAs form base-paired structures that resemble viral RNAs and inadvertently activate the cytosolic RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) MDA5, leading to an antiviral type I interferon (IFN) response. Mutations in ADAR1 cause Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS), an autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by chronic type I IFN production. Conversely, ADAR1 loss and the consequent type I IFN production restricts tumor growth and potentiates the activity of some chemotherapeutics. Here, we show that another RIG-I-like receptor, LGP2, also has an essential role in the induction of a type I IFN response in ADAR1-deficient human cells. This requires the canonical function of LGP2 as an RNA sensor and facilitator of MDA5-dependent signaling. Furthermore, we show that the sensitivity of tumor cells to ADAR1 loss requires LGP2 expression. Finally, type I IFN induction in tumor cells depleted of ADAR1 and treated with some chemotherapeutics fully depends on LGP2 expression. These findings highlight a central role for LGP2 in self RNA sensing with important clinical implications.

RNA editing by the enzyme Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) is an important mechanism by which cells avoid innate immune responses to some endogenous RNAs. In ADAR1-deficient cells, unedited self RNAs can form base-paired structures that resemble viral RNAs and inadvertently activate antiviral innate immune pathways that lead to the induction of type I interferon (IFN). Rare mutations in ADAR1 cause Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS), a severe childhood autoinflammatory syndrome that is characterized by chronic and excessive type I IFN production and developmental delay. Conversely, ADAR1 dysfunction and consequent type I IFN production helps restrict tumor growth and potentiates the activity of some chemotherapy drugs. Induction of type I IFN in ADAR1-deficient cells is thought to be due to triggering of the cytosolic RIG-I-like receptor (RLR), MDA5, by unedited self RNAs. Here, we show that another RLR, LGP2, also has an essential role. We demonstrate that ADAR1-deficient human cells fail to mount a type I IFN response in the absence of LGP2 and this involves the canonical function of LGP2 as an RNA sensor and facilitator of MDA5-dependent signaling. Further, we show that the sensitivity of tumor cells to ADAR1 loss requires the presence of LGP2. Finally, we find that type I IFN induction in tumor cells depleted of ADAR1 and treated with some chemotherapeutics is fully dependent on the expression of LGP2. These findings highlight a central role for LGP2 in self RNA sensing with important clinical implications for the treatment of AGS as well as for the potential application of ADAR1-directed anti-tumor therapy.