AgRAg receptor To address this issue, we introduced a point mutation (Lys 392 →Arg 392 or K392R) into the mouse germline that specifically disrupts K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO at Lys 392 while sparing other Ubc13 substrates (NEMO-KR mice). NEMO-KR mice develop normal numbers of lymphocytes with no apparent defect in AgR signaling. However, primary macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) from NEMO-KR mice exhibit blunted cytokine responses to TLR agonists. Consistent with this, survival rates among NEMO-KR mice are improved relative to those of control animals when challenged with doses of LPS that elicit lethal endotoxic shock. Surprisingly, NF-κB and MAPK signaling are largely unaffected in NEMO-KR cells, suggesting that Ubc13 impinges on these pathways via a mechanism independent of NEMO ubiquitination. We conclude that K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO at Lys-392 functions as a rheostat for TLR-dependent responses in innate immunity. DC Materials and Methods NEMO-KR miceThe NEMO-targeting vector contained a point mutation in the Lys 392 codon (AAG) that converted it to an Arg codon (CGG). NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript (Neo) cassette was inserted into a StuI site between exons 9 and 10. The short and long homology arms were generated from the NcoI-StuI fragment encompassing exon 9 (1.6 kb) and the StuI-KpnI fragment encompassing exon 10 (4.0 kb). Generation of NEMO-KR mice (Mouse Genome Informatics no.3775942; Ikbkg tm1dwb ) was performed as described (9). All experiments were conducted according to guidelines of the Animal Care and Use Committee at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN). ImmunizationsKeyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH; Sigma-Aldrich) in CFA (Difco) was injected i.p. (100 μg/ 50 μl/mouse). Serum collection and ELISA for KLH-specific Abs were performed as described (10). Cell purificationSplenic B and T lymphocytes were purified using CD43-negative selection and pan-T cell isolation kits, respectively (Miltenyi Biotec). For macrophages, mice were injected i.p. with 3% thioglycolate (2 ml; Sigma-Aldrich). Four days postinjection, peritoneal exudate cells were collected and cultured overnight in complete RPMI 1640 medium. Adherent cells were used as peritoneal macrophages. Bone marrow DC (BMDC) and macrophages were generated as described (11,12). Cell-based assaysFor cytokine responses, macrophages or BMDC were treated with agonists for 24h(5 × 10 4 cells/well). Levels of TNF, IFN-γ, and IL-6 in supernatants were measured using a BD CBA6 kit (BD Biosciences). Mouse IL-12/p40 was detected by ELISA (BD OptEIA Set) following cellular stimulation with LPS (100 ng/ml) and IFN-γ (30 ng/ml). Biochemical analysesMacrophage lysates were prepared and probed on Western blots for NF-κB and MAPK signaling components as described (8). Results Generation of NEMO-KR miceTo assess the physiologic role of NEMO ubiquitination, we introduced a point mutation into the mouse germline that prevents Ub attachment to Lys 392 . The X-linked NEMO allele in embryonic stem (ES) cel...

MYB transcription factors are involved in many biological processes, including metabolism, development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. RADIALIS-LIKE SANT/MYB 1 (RSM1) belongs to a MYB-related subfamily, and previous transcriptome analysis suggests that RSM1 may play roles in plant development, stress responses and plant hormone signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms of RSM1 action in response to abiotic stresses remain obscure. We show that down-regulation or up-regulation of RSM1 expression alters the sensitivity of seed germination and cotyledon greening to abscisic acid (ABA), NaCl and mannitol in Arabidopsis. The expression of RSM1 is dynamically regulated by ABA and NaCl. Transcription factors ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) and HY5 HOMOLOG (HYH) regulate RSM1 expression via binding to the RSM1 promoter. Genetic analyses reveal that RSM1 mediates multiple functions of HY5 in responses of seed germination, post-germination development to ABA and abiotic stresses, and seedling tolerance to salinity. Pull-down and BiFC assays show that RSM1 interacts with HY5/HYH in vitro and in vivo. RSM1 and HY5/HYH may function as a regulatory module in responses to ABA and abiotic stresses. RSM1 binds to the promoter of ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5), thereby regulating its expression, while RSM1 interaction also stimulates HY5 binding to the ABI5 promoter. However, no evidence was found in the dual-luciferase transient expression assay to support that RSM enhances the activation of ABI5 expression by HY. In summary, HY5/HYH and RSM1 may converge on the ABI5 promoter and independently or somehow dependently regulate ABI5 expression and ABI5-downstream ABA and abiotic stress-responsive genes, thereby improving the adaption of plants to the environment.