The hGID GID4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex targets ARHGAP11A to regulate cell migration

Abstract The human CTLH/GID (hGID) complex emerged as an important E3 ligase regulating multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle progression and metabolic activity. However, the range of biological functions controlled by hGID remains unexplored. Here, we show that the hGID substrate receptor GID4 regulates cell growth and migration. Biochemical and cellular assays combined with proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID2) revealed that the hGID GID4 E3-ligase targets the Rho-GAP ARHGAP11A for degradation. Depletion of GID4 or impeding the GID4 substrate binding pocket impairs motility and directed cell movement, whereas knockdown of ARHGAP11A significantly restores the cell migration defect. We found that GID4 controls cell migration by degrading ARHGAP11A thereby preventing its accumulation at the cell periphery where it inactivates RhoA activity. Together, we identified a unique function for GID4, as well as a wide range of substrate profiles beyond Pro/N-degron motifs, which pave the way for deciphering additional pathways regulated by hGID E3 ligase activity through its GID4 substrate receptor.