Trim21 modulates endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation and sensitizes cancer cells to ER stress-induced apoptosis by inhibiting VCP/Npl4/UFD1 assembly

Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) serves as a crucial quality and quantity control system that removes misfolded or unassembled proteins from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) through the cytoplasmic ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which is critical for cell fate decision. ER stress arises when misfolded proteins accumulated within the ER lumen, potentially leading to cell death via proapoptotic unfolded protein response (UPR). UFD1 in associated with VCP-Npl4, is recognized as a key regulator of protein homeostasis in ERAD. However, the factors that control VCP complex assembly remain unclear. The study elucidates the function of Trim21, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, through its interaction with UFD1, facilitating K27-linkage ubiquitination of UFD1 and inhibiting its incorporation into the VCP complex. This results in the suppression of ERAD substrates degradation and the activation of a proapoptotic unfolded protein response in cancer cells. Additionally, Trim21 over-expression enhances ER stress response and promotes apoptosis upon expose to the ER inducer Tunicamycin. Notably, elevated Trim21 expression correlates with improved overall survival in various tumor types. Overall, the findings highlight the critical role of Trim21 in regulating ERAD progression and cell fate determination in cancer cells through modulation of VCP/Npl4/UFD1 complex assembly.