A chemical probe to modulate human GID4 Pro/N-degron interactions

The CTLH complex is a multi-subunit ubiquitin ligase complex that recognizes substrates with Pro/N-degrons via the substrate receptor GID4. Recently, focus has turned to this complex as a potential mediator of targeted protein degradation, but the role GID4-mediated substrate ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation plays in humans has thus far remained unclear. Here, we report PFI-7, a potent, selective, and cell-active chemical probe that antagonizes Pro/N-degron binding to human GID4. Use of PFI-7 in proximity-dependent biotinylation enabled the identification of dozens of endogenous GID4-interacting proteins that bind via the GID4 substrate binding pocket, only a subset of which possess canonical Pro/N-degron sequences. GID4 interactors are enriched for nuclear and nucleolar proteins including RNA helicases. GID4 antagonism by PFI-7 altered protein levels of several proteins including RNA helicases as measured by label-free quantitative proteomics, defining proteins that are regulated by GID4 and the CTLH complex in humans. Interactions with GID4 via Pro/N-degron pathway did not result in proteasomal degradation, demonstrating that CTLH interactors are regulated through a combination of degradative and non-degradative functions. The lack of degradation of GID4 interactors highlights potential challenges in utilizing GID4-recruiting bifunctional molecules for targeted protein degradation. Going forward, PFI-7 will be a valuable research tool for defining CTLH complex biology and honing targeted protein degradation strategies.