REGγ deficiency promotes premature aging via the casein kinase 1 pathway

Our recent studies suggest a role for the proteasome activator REG (11S regulatory particles, 28-kDa proteasome activator)γ in the regulation of tumor protein 53 (p53). However, the molecular details and in vivo biological significance of REGγ-p53 interplay remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that REGγ-deficient mice develop premature aging phenotypes that are associated with abnormal accumulation of casein kinase (CK) 1δ and p53. Antibody array analysis led us to identify CK1δ as a direct target of REGγ. Silencing CK1δ or inhibition of CK1δ activity prevented decay of murine double minute (Mdm)2. Interestingly, a massive increase of p53 in REGγ^-/-tissues is associated with reduced Mdm2 protein levels despite that Mdm2 transcription is enhanced. Allelic p53 haplodeficiency in REGγ-deficient mice attenuated premature aging features. Furthermore, introducing exogenous Mdm2 to REGγ^-/- MEFs significantly rescues the phenotype of cellular senescence, thereby establishing a REGγ-CK1-Mdm2-p53 regulatory pathway. Given the conflicting evidence regarding the "antiaging" and "proaging" effects of p53, our results indicate a key role for CK1δ-Mdm2-p53 regulation in the cellular aging process. These findings reveal a unique model that mimics acquired aging in mammals and indicates that modulating the activity of the REGγ-proteasome may be an approach for intervention in aging-associated disorders.