Gene Therapy Weekly


Researchers from Genentech, Inc. report details of new studies and findings in the area of gene therapy



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2008 JAN 17 -- "Production of type I interferon (IFN-I) is a critical host defense triggered by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system. Deubiquitinating enzyme A ( DUBA), an ovarian tumor domain-containing deubiquitinating enzyme, was discovered in a small interfering RNA-based screen as a regulator of IFN-I production," scientists in the United States report.

"Reduction of DUBA augmented the PRR-induced IFN-I response, whereas ectopic expression of DUBA had the converse effect. DUBA bound tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 ( TRAF3), an adaptor protein essential for the IFN-I response. TRAF3 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that preferentially assembled lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains. DUBA selectively cleaved the lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains on TRAF3, resulting in its dissociation from the downstream signaling complex containing TANKbinding kinase 1. A discrete ubiquitin interaction motif within DUBA was required for efficient deubiquitination of TRAF3 and optimal suppression of IFN-I," wrote N. Kayagaki and colleagues, Genentech, Inc.

The researchers concluded: "Our data identify DUBA as a negative regulator of innate immune responses."

Kayagaki and colleagues published their study in Science (DUBA: A deubiquitinase that regulates type I interferon production. Science, 2007;318(5856):1628-1632).

For additional information, contact V.M. Dixit, Genentech Inc., Dept. of Physiol Chemical, San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Science is: American Association Advancement Science, 1200 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA.

Keywords: United States, San Francisco, Biotechnology, Biotechnology Business, Biotechnology Company, Cognition, Gene Therapy, Genentech Inc., Interferon, Necrosis, Genentech, Inc.

This article was prepared by Gene Therapy Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Gene Therapy Weekly via NewsRx.com.