A ubiquitin chain-feeding mechanism for BRCA1-A

The BRCA1-A complex is a multi-subunit, metallo-deubiquitinating enzyme (metallo-DUB) involved in genome maintenance. BRCA1-A displays strict specificity for K63-linked ubiquitin, with a strong preference for long chains, but the mechanistic basis for this selectivity has remained unclear. To address this, we developed a novel activity-based probe that is specific for metallo-DUBs and mimics di- or polyubiquitin chains of any linkage (di- and poly-ubiquitinATA). We solved cryoEM structures of BRCA1-A bound to K63-linked probe chains of various length, capturing multiple conformational and catalytic states. The structures reveal how allosteric regulation of catalysis occurs within the complex and how BRCA1-A uses auxiliary ubiquitin-binding sites to engage substrate by avidity and to trigger processive cleavage. Crucially, avidity and processivity can only apply to long polyubiquitin chains, explaining BRCA1-As substrate preference. Together, these results establish BRCA1-A as a chain-shortening DUB specialised for trimming extended K63-linked polyubiquitin chains.