Processing of N3, a mammalian proteasome beta-type subunit

Proteasome subunits are encoded by members of the same gene family and can be divided into two groups based on their similarity to the alpha and beta subunits of the simpler proteasome isolated from Thermoplasma acidophilum. RN3 is the beta-type subunit, N3, of rat proteasomes which has been implicated in the peptidylglutamyl-peptide hydrolase activity of the proteinase complex. We have expressed recombinant RN3 protein in Escherichia coli in order to raise subunit-specific polyclonal antibodies. Identification of the position of RN3 on two-dimensional PAGE gels of purified rat liver proteasomes showed a single protein spot of molecular mass 24 kDa and of pI value of about 5. This protein has a free N-terminus, having undergone post-translational processing. After immunoprecipitation from [S-35]methionine-labelled human embryo lung L-132 cells using anti-RN3 antibodies, two radiolabelled spots were observed on two-dimensional PAGE gels, one corresponding to the mature N3, the other of molecular mass 28.5 kDa and pI value around 5, which was probably the unprocessed form of N3. However, the latter protein had a higher molecular mass (31 kDa) than was predicted from the sequence of previously cloned cDNA. Therefore rapid amplification of cDNA ends ('RACE') was carried out to determine the full sequence. The lack of detectable RN3 precursor in purified rat liver proteasomes suggests that the processing probably accompanies assembly of the complex. The half-life of the processing was determined to be 31 min in growing L-132 cells. The unprocessed form of N3 was not observed after immunoprecipitation of S-35-labelled complexes with anti-proteasome antibodies. There was no evidence to suggest that unprocessed N3 is found in precursor complexes which have been implicated in the assembly of some other unprocessed beta-type subunits. Interestingly also, the site of cleavage of N3 (ITR down arrow TQN) differs significantly from those of other processed animal beta-type proteasome subunits [(H/T)G down arrow TT(T/L)], many of which resemble more closely the cleavage site of the Thermoplasma acidophilum beta subunit.