CRL2APPBP2-mediated TSPYL2 degradation counteracts human mesenchymal stem cell senescence

Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs), the largest family of multi-subunit E3 ubiquitin ligases in eukaryotic cells, represent core cellular machinery for executing protein degradation and maintaining proteostasis. Here, we asked what roles Cullin proteins play in human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) homeostasis and senescence. To this end, we conducted a comparative aging phenotype analysis by individually knocking down Cullin members in three senescence models: replicative senescent hMSCs, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome hMSCs, and Werner syndrome hMSCs. Among all family members, we found that CUL2 deficiency rendered hMSCs the most susceptible to senescence. To investigate CUL2-specific underlying mechanisms, we then applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing technology to generate CUL2-deficient human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). When we differentiated these into hMSCs, we found that CUL2 deletion markedly accelerates hMSC senescence. Importantly, we identified that CUL2 targets and promotes ubiquitin proteasome-mediated degradation of TSPYL2 (a known negative regulator of proliferation) through the substrate receptor protein APPBP2, which in turn down-regulates one of the canonical aging marker-P21waf1/cip1, and thereby delays senescence. Our work provides important insights into how CRL2APPBP2-mediated TSPYL2 degradation counteracts hMSC senescence, providing a molecular basis for directing intervention strategies against aging and aging-related diseases.