C53 interacting with UFM1-protein ligase 1 regulates microtubule nucleation in response to ER stress

ER distribution depends on microtubules, and ER homeostasis disturbance activates the unfolded protein response resulting in ER remodeling. CDK5RAP3 (C53) implicated in various signaling pathways interacts with UFM1-protein ligase 1 (UFL1), which mediates the ufmylation of proteins in response to ER stress. Here we find that UFL1 and C53 associate with γ-tubulin ring complex proteins. Knockout of UFL1 or C53 in human osteosarcoma cells induces ER stress, centrosomal microtubule nucleation accompanied by γ-tubulin accumulation and ER expansion. C53, whose protein level is modulated by UFL1, associates with the centrosome and rescues microtubule nucleation in cells lacking UFL1. Pharmacological induction of ER stress by tunicamycin also leads to increased microtubule nucleation and ER expansion. Furthermore, tunicamycin suppresses the association of C53 with the centrosome. These findings point to a novel mechanism for the relief of ER stress by stimulation of centrosomal microtubule nucleation.