Extracellular matrix stiffness regulates degradation of MST2 via SCF βTrCP.

The Hippo pathway plays central roles in relaying mechanical signals during development and tumorigenesis, but how the proteostasis of the Hippo kinase MST2 is regulated remains unknown. Here, we found that chemical inhibition of proteasomal proteolysis resulted in increased levels of MST2 in human breast epithelial cells. MST2 binds SCFβTrCP E3 ubiquitin ligase and silencing βTrCP resulted in MST2 accumulation. Site-directed mutagenesis combined with computational molecular dynamics studies revealed that βTrCP binds MST2 via a non-canonical degradation motif. Additionally, stiffer extracellular matrix, as well as hyperactivation of integrins resulted in enhanced MST2 degradation mediated by integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and actomyosin stress fibers. Our study uncovers the underlying biochemical mechanisms controlling MST2 degradation and underscores how alterations in the microenvironment rigidity regulate the proteostasis of a central Hippo pathway component. • Chemical inhibition of the proteasome results in increased levels of MST2 in human breast epithelial cells. • SCFβTrCP E3-ligase binds MST2 and silencing βTrCP results in MST2 accumulation. • βTrCP binds MST2 via a non-canonical degradation motif. • Stiffer ECM and hyperactivation of integrins promote enhanced MST2 degradation mediated by ILK and actomyosin contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]