Linear ubiquitination triggers Amph-mediated T-tubule biogenesis

Abstract

T-tubules are specialized invaginations of the plasma membrane essential for muscle contraction. While their physiological importance is well established, the mechanisms underlying T-tubule formation remain elusive. Here, we identify LUBEL/RNF31, a ubiquitin E3 ligase responsible for linear (M1-linked) ubiquitination, as a key regulator of T-tubule biogenesis through proximity proteomics and RNAi screening in Drosophila. Loss of LUBEL leads to the formation of Amphiphysin (Amph)-positive membrane sheets instead of tubular networks in muscle cells. Mechanistically, the ubiquitin ligase activity of LUBEL, and direct interaction with Amph, a BAR domain protein involved in membrane tubule extension, are crucial for proper T-tubule morphology. LUBEL and M1-linked ubiquitin chains assemble into condensates on membranes, facilitating Amph-mediated membrane tubulation. Notably, the Amph-LUBEL/RNF31 interaction is evolutionarily conserved across a broad range of species, underscoring a fundamental role for linear ubiquitination in membrane remodeling. Our findings uncover a previously unrecognized role for linear ubiquitination in membrane deformation driven by BAR domain proteins.