Structure and dynamics of a pentameric KCTD5/CUL3/Gβγ E3 ubiquitin ligase complex.

Heterotrimeric G proteins can be regulated by posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitylation. KCTD5, a pentameric substrate receptor protein consisting of an N-terminal BTB domain and a C-terminal domain, engages CUL3 to form the central scaffold of a cullin-RING E3 ligase complex (CRL3) that ubiquitylates Gβγ and reduces Gβγ protein levels in cells. The cryo-EM structure of a 5:5:5 KCTD5/CUL3/Gβγ assembly reveals a highly dynamic complex with rotations of over 60° between the KCTD5/CUL3 and KCTD5/Gβγ moieties of the structure.