The Rbx1 subunit of SCF and VHL E3 ubiquitin ligase activates Rub1 modification of cullins Cdc53 and Cul2

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Abstract
The RING-H2 finger protein Rbx1 is a subunit of the related SCF (Skp1–Cdc53/Cul1–F-box protein) and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor (elongin BC–Cul2–VHL) E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, where it functions as a component of Cdc53/Rbx1 and Cul2/Rbx1 modules that activate ubiquitination of target proteins by the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes Cdc34 and Ubc5. Here we demonstrate that the Cdc53/Rbx1 and Cul2/Rbx1 modules also activate conjugation of the ubiquitin-like protein Rub1 to Cdc53 and Cul2 by the dedicated E2 Rub1 conjugating enzyme Ubc12. Our findings identify Rbx1 as a common component of enzyme systems responsible for ubiquitin and Rub1 modification of target proteins.