c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 are critical mediators of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced NF-κB activation

The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins are a family of antiapoptotic regulators found in viruses and metazoans. c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 are recruited to tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1)-associated complexes where they can regulate receptor-mediated signaling. Both c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 have been implicated in TNF alpha-stimulated NF-kappa B activation. However, individual c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 gene knock-outs in mice did not reveal changes in TNF signaling pathways, and the phenotype of a combined deficiency of c-IAPs has yet to be reported. Here we investigate the role of c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 in TNF alpha-stimulated activation of NF-kappa B. We demonstrate that TNF alpha-induced NF-kappa B activation is severely diminished in the absence of both c-IAP proteins. In addition, combined absence of c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 rendered cells sensitive to TNF alpha-induced cell death. Using cells with genetic ablation of c-IAP1 or cells where the c-IAP proteins were eliminated using IAP antagonists, we show that TNF alpha-induced RIP1 ubiquitination is abrogated in the absence of c-IAPs. Furthermore, we reconstitute the ubiquitination process with purified components in vitro and demonstrate that c-IAP1, in collaboration with the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2) enzyme UbcH5a, mediates polymerization of Lys-63-linked chains on RIP1. Therefore, c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 are required for TNF alpha-stimulated RIP1 ubiquitination and NF-kappa B activation.