Rab39a binds caspase-1 and is required for caspase-1-dependent interleukin-1beta secretion

J Biol Chem. 2009 Dec 11;284(50):34531-7. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.046102. Epub 2009 Oct 15.

Abstract

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine that is secreted by unconventional means in a caspase-1-dependent manner. Using a one-step immunoprecipitation approach to isolate endogenous caspase-1 from the monocytic THP1 cell line, we identified previously undescribed binding partners using mass spectrometry. One of the proteins identified was Rab39a, a member of the Rab GTPase family, a group of proteins that have important roles in protein trafficking and secretion. We confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation that Rab39a binds caspase-1. Knock down of Rab39a with small interfering RNA resulted in diminished levels of secreted IL-1beta but had no effect on induction of pro-IL-1beta mRNA by lipopolysaccharide. Rab39a contains a highly conserved caspase-1 cleavage site and was cleaved in the presence of recombinant caspase-1 or lipopolysaccharide. Finally, overexpression of Rab39a results in an increase in IL-1beta secretion, and furthermore, overexpression of a Rab39a construct lacking the caspase-1 cleavage site leads to an additional increase in IL-1beta secretion. Altogether, our findings show that Rab39a interacts with caspase-1 and suggest that Rab39a functions as a trafficking adaptor linking caspase-1 to IL-1beta secretion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Caspase 1 / genetics
  • Caspase 1 / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1beta / genetics
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Caspase 1
  • RAB39A protein, human
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins