Emerging roles for Lys11-linked polyubiquitin in cellular regulation

Polyubiquitin chains are assembled via one of seven lysine (Lys) residues or the N terminus. The cellular roles of Lys48- and Lys63-linked polyubiquitin have been extensively studied; however, the cellular functions of Lys11-linked chains are less well understood. Recent insights into Lys11-linked ubiquitin chains have revealed their important function in cell cycle control. Additionally, Lys11 linkages have been identified in the context of mixed chains in many other cellular pathways. In this review, we introduce the specific enzymes that mediate Lys11-linked chain assembly and disassembly, and discuss the diverse cellular processes in which Lys11 linkages participate. Notably, mechanistic insights have revealed how the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBE2S achieves its Lys11 linkage specificity, and two structures of Lys11-linked polyubiquitin highlight the dynamic nature of this compact chain type.