The Eyes Absent family members EYA4 and EYA1 promote PLK1 activation and successful mitosis through tyrosine dephosphorylation

Nat Commun. 2024 Feb 15;15(1):1385. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45683-4.

Abstract

The Eyes Absent proteins (EYA1-4) are a biochemically unique group of tyrosine phosphatases known to be tumour-promoting across a range of cancer types. To date, the targets of EYA phosphatase activity remain largely uncharacterised. Here, we identify Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as an interactor and phosphatase substrate of EYA4 and EYA1, with pY445 on PLK1 being the primary target site. Dephosphorylation of pY445 in the G2 phase of the cell cycle is required for centrosome maturation, PLK1 localization to centrosomes, and polo-box domain (PBD) dependent interactions between PLK1 and PLK1-activation complexes. Molecular dynamics simulations support the rationale that pY445 confers a structural impairment to PBD-substrate interactions that is relieved by EYA-mediated dephosphorylation. Depletion of EYA4 or EYA1, or chemical inhibition of EYA phosphatase activity, dramatically reduces PLK1 activation, causing mitotic defects and cell death. Overall, we have characterized a phosphotyrosine signalling network governing PLK1 and mitosis.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Proteins* / metabolism
  • Centrosome / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitosis
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases* / metabolism
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Tyrosine / metabolism

Substances

  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Tyrosine
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • EYA1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • EYA4 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators