Herein, we demonstrate that the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain of sequestosome 1/p62 displays a preference for binding K63-polyubiquitinated substrates. Furthermore, the UBA domain of p62 was necessary for aggregate sequestration and cell survival. However, the inhibition of proteasome function compromised survival in cells with aggregates. Mutational analysis of the UBA domain reveals that the conserved hydrophobic patch MGF as well as the conserved leucine in helix 2 are necessary for binding polyubiquitinated proteins and for sequestration-aggregate formation. We report that p62 interacts with the proteasome by pull-down assay, coimmunoprecipitation, and colocalization. Depletion of p62 levels results in an inhibition of ubiquitin proteasome-mediated degradation and an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Altogether, our results support the hypothesis that p62 may act as a critical ubiquitin chain-targeting factor that shuttles substrates for proteasomal degradation.

Sequestosome 1/p62 is a scaffolding protein with several interaction modules that include a PB1 dimerization domain, a TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6) binding site, and a ubiquitin-associating (UBA) domain. Here, we report that p62 functions to facilitate K63-polyubiquitination of TRAF6 and thereby mediates nerve growth factor-induced activation of the NF-kappaB pathway. In brain of p62 knock-out mice we did not recover polyubiquitinated TRAF6. The UBA domain binds polyubiquitin chains and deletion of p62-UBA domain or mutation of F406V within the ubiquitin binding pocket of the UBA domain abolished TRAF6 polyubiquitination. Likewise, deletion of p62 N-terminal dimerization domain or the TRAF6 binding site had similar effects on both polyubiquitination and oligomerization of TRAF6. Nerve growth factor treatment of PC12 cells induced TRAF6 polyubiquitination along with formation of a p62-TRAF6-IKKbeta-PKC iota signal complex, while inhibition of the p62/TRAF6 interaction had an opposite effect. These results provide evidence for a mechanism whereby p62 serves to regulate the NF-kappaB pathway.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive and behavioral abilities. Extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles are hallmarks of AD. Researchers aim to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis; however, the therapeutic options available to treat this disease are inadequate. In the past few years, several studies have reported interesting insights about the neuroprotective properties of the polyphenolic compound resveratrol (3, 5, 4’-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) when used with in vitro and in vivo models of AD. The aim of this review is to focus on the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of resveratrol on AD and its multiple potential mechanisms of action. In addition, because the naturally occurring forms of resveratrol have a very limited half-life in plasma, a description of potential analogues aimed at increasing bioavailability in plasma is also discussed.

The signaling adapter p62 plays a coordinating role in mediating phosphorylation and ubiquitin‐dependent trafficking of interacting proteins. However, there is little known about the physiologic role of this protein in brain. Here, we report age‐dependent constitutive activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, protein kinase B, mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase in adult p62^−/− mice resulting in hyperphosphorylated tau, neurofibrillary tangles, and neurodegeneration. Biochemical fractionation of p62^−/− brain led to recovery of aggregated K63‐ubiquitinated tau. Loss of p62 was manifested by increased anxiety, depression, loss of working memory, and reduced serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels. Our findings reveal a novel role for p62 as a chaperone that regulates tau solubility thereby preventing tau aggregation. This study provides a clear demonstration of an Alzheimer‐like phenotype in a mouse model in the absence of expression of human genes carrying mutations in amyloid‐beta protein precursor, presenilin, or tau. Thus, these findings provide new insight into manifestation of sporadic Alzheimer disease and the impact of obesity.