TRAF3

UniProt ID: Q13114
Organism: Homo sapiens
Review Status: COMPLETE
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Gene Description

TRAF3 is a cytoplasmic RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase (EC 2.3.2.27) and signalling adaptor of the TNF receptor-associated factor family. Its C-terminal MATH/TRAF-C domain binds the cytoplasmic tails of TNF receptor superfamily members - CD40, LTBR, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD30, OX40, EDAR, Fn14 - and the Epstein-Barr virus oncoprotein LMP1, while its N-terminal RING and zinc fingers provide ubiquitin ligase activity; the protein acts as a homotrimer and also forms heterotrimers with TRAF2 and TRAF5. TRAF3 is distinctive among TRAFs in having two functions of opposite sign. It is the constitutive brake on the non-canonical NF-kappaB pathway: within a TRAF2-cIAP1/2 assembly it recruits the kinase NIK/MAP3K14 and drives its continuous proteasomal degradation, so that p100/NFKB2 remains unprocessed until receptor engagement destroys TRAF3 itself; this restrains B-cell survival and lymphoid organ development, and TRAF3 inactivation is a recurrent driver event in multiple myeloma. Conversely, TRAF3 is a non-redundant positive component of type I interferon induction, bridging the TLR adaptors TRIF and MyD88 and the mitochondrial RIG-I adaptor MAVS to the IRF3/IRF7 kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon; autosomal dominant human TRAF3 deficiency, caused by a dominant-negative R118W allele, causes herpes simplex encephalitis through impaired TLR3-dependent interferon induction. Which output is produced is set by the ubiquitin chain TRAF3 carries: TRIF-driven K63-linked self-ubiquitination activates the interferon arm, whereas MyD88/cIAP-driven K48-linked ubiquitination degrades TRAF3 and licenses MAPK activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. As an enzyme TRAF3 builds K63-linked chains, most clearly on ASC, where the modification is required for inflammasome speck formation. TRAF3 acts in the cytosol and at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, on endosomes carrying internalised TLR4/TRAM, and on mitochondria at the MAVS platform.

Proposed New Ontology Terms

lymphotoxin beta receptor signaling pathway

Definition: The series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a lymphotoxin alpha1/beta2 heterotrimer or LIGHT to the lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTBR) on the surface of a cell, and ending with the regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

Justification: GO has receptor-specific pathway terms for CD40 (GO:0023035) and for several other TNF receptor superfamily members, but none for LTBR. A substantial body of TRAF3 (and TRAF2, NIK, RELB) experimental work is anchored to LTBR specifically, and curators are currently forced to use GO:0033209 (tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway), whose definition requires TNF itself binding its receptor. That is a taxonomically and mechanistically inaccurate fit: TRAF3 does not bind TNFR1 and the LTBR pathway engages the non-canonical NF-kappaB branch that TNF/TNFR1 does not. Checked against OLS: GO currently has lymphotoxin terms only for the ligand and its production (GO:0032641, GO:0032681, GO:0062048), none for LTBR-initiated signalling. GO:0007166 is proposed as the parent because that is also the parent of GO:0023035, so the new term would sit as a sibling of the CD40 pathway term rather than beneath it.

Parent term: cell surface receptor signaling pathway

Supporting Evidence:

Existing Annotations Review

GO Term Evidence Action Reason
GO:0005737 cytoplasm
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a cytoplasmic signalling adaptor and E3 ligase; cytoplasmic localisation is directly observed and is where all of its characterised activities occur.
Reason: UniProt records Cytoplasm with experimental evidence from PubMed:25847972 and PubMed:34011520, and every characterised TRAF3 complex (TRAF2-cIAP-NIK, TRIF-TBK1, MAVS) is cytoplasmic. Correct, though the more informative sub-locations (cytosol, cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, endosome, mitochondrion) are separately annotated.
Supporting Evidence:
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
TRAF3 has no TM segment; it is a cytosolic protein transiently recruited to membrane-proximal complexes
GO:0043122 regulation of canonical NF-kappaB signal transduction
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 regulates canonical NF-kappaB signalling - negatively at LTBR, where it excludes TRAF2/IKK1 from the receptor complex, and indirectly in TLR pathways.
Reason: Directly demonstrated by TRAF3 knockdown, which restores LTBR-inducible canonical NF-kappaB signalling and target-gene expression. The measured effect on this branch is inhibitory, so GO:0043124 (negative regulation) is tempting; the unsigned parent is deliberately retained because it is not yet established whether TRAF3 represses canonical NF-kappaB directly, by excluding TRAF2/IKK1 from the receptor complex, or only as a downstream consequence of its effects on NIK and the cIAPs. Signing the term would assert a mechanism the evidence does not yet distinguish. This is recorded as an open question in the notes.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20185819
siRNA-mediated depletion of TRAF3 promoted recruitment of TRAF2 and IKK1 to activated LTBR, enabling LTBR-inducible canonical NFkappaB signaling and NFkappaB target gene expression
GO:0007166 cell surface receptor signaling pathway
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: Receptor-proximal signalling role inferred across the TRAF family: every member transduces from the cytoplasmic tail of a cell surface receptor.
Reason: Broad, but phylogenetically honest and therefore the right level for this IBA. The WITH set spans Drosophila (FB:FBgn0265464), mouse and rat orthologs and the other human TRAFs (TRAF2, TRAF5, TRAF6), so what is conserved across the clade is cell-surface-receptor-proximal signalling in general - not any one receptor pathway. A vertebrate-specific replacement such as CD40 signalling would not be taxon-appropriate here; the CD40-specific call is instead made on the human-experimental GO:0007165 TAS row anchored to PMID:7530216, and TLR signalling on the already-annotated GO:0002224 rows.
Propagation Review
Root cause: NO FAILURE NON CORE
GO:0009898 cytoplasmic side of plasma membrane
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is recruited to the cytoplasmic tails of plasma-membrane TNF receptor superfamily members (CD40, LTBR, BAFF-R, CD30, OX40, EDAR), so it acts at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane.
Reason: Supported by the founding CD40 cytoplasmic-domain two-hybrid work and by LTBR signalling-complex recruitment; the MATH/TRAF domain is the receptor-tail binding module.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:7527023
One such interacting protein, designated CD40-binding protein, has a N-terminal RING finger motif
PMID:20185819
Increased expression of TRAF3 correlated with its increased recruitment to LTBR-induced signaling complexes
GO:0035591 signaling adaptor activity
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: Signalling adaptor activity is TRAF3's defining molecular function: its MATH/TRAF-C domain tethers receptor and adaptor tails while its N-terminus recruits downstream kinases.
Reason: TRAF3 physically bridges TLR adaptors (TRIF, MyD88, IRAK1) and MAVS to the IRF kinases TBK1/IKKe, and bridges TNFRSF tails to the TRAF2-cIAP module. This is a core molecular function, correctly inferred at the family level by PANTHER.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306936
TRAF3 associates with the TLR adaptors TRIF and IRAK1, as well as downstream IRF3/7 kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon, suggesting that TRAF3 serves as a critical link between TLR adaptors and downstream regulatory kinases important for IRF activation
PMID:16306937
TRAF3 is also recruited to the adaptor TRIF (Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-beta) and is required for marshalling the protein kinase TBK1 (also called NAK) into TIR signalling complexes
GO:0001817 regulation of cytokine production
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Regulation of cytokine production - TRAF3 controls the balance between type I interferons, IL-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Reason: Correct: TRAF3 is required for IFN and IL-10 induction while restraining pro-inflammatory cytokines. However the term is a broad parent and the informative, signed children (GO:0032481, GO:0032728) are annotated separately. Retain as non-core.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
TRAF3-deficient cells overproduce pro-inflammatory cytokines owing to defective IL-10 production
GO:0005164 tumor necrosis factor receptor binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 binds the cytoplasmic tails of TNF receptor superfamily members through its MATH/TRAF-C domain - the interaction that defines the TRAF family.
Reason: Established for CD40 by two independent two-hybrid screens, and extended to LTBR, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD30, OX40, EDAR and Fn14/TweakR. This is an informative molecular function that captures receptor-proximal recruitment.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11728344
The TweakR cytoplasmic domain binds TRAFs 1, 2, and 3.
PMID:7527023
we have utilized the yeast two-hybrid system to clone cDNAs encoding proteins that bind the CD40 cytoplasmic domain
GO:0005737 cytoplasm
IEA
GO_REF:0000044
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a cytoplasmic signalling adaptor and E3 ligase; cytoplasmic localisation is directly observed and is where all of its characterised activities occur.
Reason: UniProt records Cytoplasm with experimental evidence from PubMed:25847972 and PubMed:34011520, and every characterised TRAF3 complex (TRAF2-cIAP-NIK, TRIF-TBK1, MAVS) is cytoplasmic. Correct, though the more informative sub-locations (cytosol, cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, endosome, mitochondrion) are separately annotated.
Supporting Evidence:
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
TRAF3 has no TM segment; it is a cytosolic protein transiently recruited to membrane-proximal complexes
GO:0005739 mitochondrion
IEA
GO_REF:0000044
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is recruited to the mitochondrial outer-membrane platform organised by MAVS during RIG-I-like receptor signalling, and colocalises with TRIM35 at mitochondria.
Reason: MAVS is mitochondrial and binds TRAF3 through a defined TRAF-interacting motif, making the IC call sound; the EXP row from the TRIM35 study is a direct colocalisation. The mitochondrial pool is where TRAF3 acts in RIG-I-like receptor signalling.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16858409
Cardif-mediated IFNalpha induction occurs through a direct interaction between the TRAF domain of TRAF3 and a TRAF-interaction motif (TIM) within Cardif
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
Mitochondrial pool: via MAVS
GO:0005768 endosome
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is present in the internalised TLR4/TRAM endosomal signalling compartment where TRIF-dependent interferon induction occurs.
Reason: Directly observed by colocalisation with internalised TLR4-TRAM, and consistent with the UniProt endosome annotation. This is a functionally meaningful pool, not incidental trafficking.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18222170
The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome
GO:0007165 signal transduction
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
MODIFY
Summary: Root-level 'signal transduction' from the InterPro TRAF-family domain rule.
Reason: Uninformative at this level. Note this row has no anchoring publication: it is an InterPro2GO mapping from IPR012227, the pan-TRAF signature, which by itself supports only that a TRAF-domain protein transduces signals. The replacement is therefore proposed for the gene rather than derived from the rule - it is justified by the direct human evidence on the TAS row (PMID:7530216), and the generic term this row contributes is subsumed by the specific pathway terms already annotated. For the same reason the family-level GO:0007166 IBA is left broad: a domain or phylogenetic inference cannot itself pick out a vertebrate-specific receptor.
Proposed replacements: CD40 signaling pathway
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:7530216
CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) family that regulates B-lymphocyte proliferation, immunoglobulin class-switching, and apoptosis
GO:0008063 Toll signaling pathway
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
MODIFY
Summary: 'Toll signaling pathway' assigned by InterPro2GO from the TRAF-domain signature.
Reason: GO:0008063 is defined by binding to the receptor Toll ('The series of molecular signals initiated by an extracellular ligand binding to the receptor Toll on the surface of a target cell'), i.e. the protostome Toll pathway. Human TRAF3 acts in Toll-like receptor pathways; the correct term is GO:0002224.
Propagation Review
Root cause: TERM SCOPING PROBLEM
Failure modes: LINEAGE OR TAXON MISMATCH
GO:0008270 zinc ion binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Zinc binding by the RING-type and TRAF-type zinc fingers.
Reason: Structurally correct - the RING and the several TRAF-type zinc fingers each coordinate zinc - but this is a cofactor-binding property required to fold the catalytic module, not a function TRAF3 evolved to perform. Retain as non-core.
GO:0016020 membrane
IEA
GO_REF:0000117
REMOVE
Summary: Generic 'membrane' localisation from an ARBA rule.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment, signal peptide or lipid anchor; it is a soluble cytosolic protein transiently recruited to membrane-proximal complexes. That recruitment is already captured precisely by GO:0009898 (cytoplasmic side of plasma membrane) and GO:0010008 (endosome membrane), so the bare parent adds no information and implies membrane residence that is not the case.
Propagation Review
Root cause: TERM SCOPING PROBLEM
Failure modes: GRANULARITY MISMATCH
GO:0031625 ubiquitin protein ligase binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000117
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Binding to ubiquitin protein ligases, from an in vitro TRAF-domain survey (MUL/TRIM37) and family-level rules.
Reason: TRAF3 does associate with E3s in vivo (cIAP1/2 within the NIK-degrading complex, TRIM35, NEDD4L, FBXO11), so the term is not wrong. However the IPI evidence comes from isolated TRAF domains binding all six TRAFs indiscriminately in vitro, and the term describes a partner class rather than a TRAF3 activity. Retain as non-core.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11279055
MUL and USP7 are capable of binding in vitro via their TDs to all of the previously identified TRAF family proteins (TRAF1, TRAF2, TRAF3, TRAF4, TRAF5, and TRAF6)
GO:0031996 thioesterase binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000117
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Binding to thioesterases, i.e. to ubiquitin thioesterases/deubiquitinases.
Reason: TRAF3 is a well-documented substrate of the deubiquitinases OTUB1, OTUB2, OTUD5/DUBA and MYSM1, so binding ubiquitin thioesterases is real. As with the other partner-class binding terms, it describes what acts on TRAF3 rather than what TRAF3 does. Retain as non-core.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17991829
DUBA selectively cleaved the lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains on TRAF3, resulting in its dissociation from the downstream signaling complex containing TANK-binding kinase 1
GO:0032479 regulation of type I interferon production
IEA
GO_REF:0000117
MODIFY
Summary: Unsigned parent term for regulation of type I interferon production.
Reason: TRAF3's role in this pathway is unambiguously positive and is directly demonstrated, so the signed child GO:0032481 should be used instead of the unsigned parent.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306936
Our data demonstrate that TRAF3 is a major regulator of type I IFN production and the innate antiviral response
GO:0033209 tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Involvement in TNF-superfamily receptor signalling; the IMP evidence is from lymphotoxin-beta receptor rather than TNF/TNFR1.
Reason: TRAF3 does not bind TNFR1 and is not a component of the TNF/TNFR1 signalling complex; the supporting experiment concerns LTBR, and TRAF3 acts across several TNFRSF members (CD40, LTBR, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD30, OX40). The term is therefore only loosely correct, and this is not TRAF3's core process. Retained as non-core because no specific LTBR-signalling term is available in GO.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20185819
we report that TRAF3 functions as a negative regulator of LTBR signaling via both canonical and non-canonical NFkappaB pathways by two distinct mechanisms
GO:0042802 identical protein binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000117
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: TRAF3 self-associates into homotrimers (and heterotrimers with TRAF2/TRAF5) via its coiled-coil and TRAF domains.
Reason: Trimerisation is genuine and functionally required for avid receptor-tail engagement, but 'identical protein binding' is a low-information molecular function term. Retain as non-core; the informative content is captured by GO:0005164 and GO:0035591.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15383523
constitutive homotypic association of TRAF2, -3, and -5 was observed
GO:0042981 regulation of apoptotic process
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Regulation of apoptosis, from a family-level InterPro rule.
Reason: TRAF3 modulates death signalling downstream of LTBR and, through the non-canonical NF-kappaB brake, controls B-cell survival; so a regulatory role is defensible. It is a downstream consequence of TRAF3's signalling functions rather than a core function in its own right.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:10799510
LIGHT-induced death is blocked by a dominant negative TRAF3 mutant
GO:0045087 innate immune response
IEA
GO_REF:0000002
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a central node of the innate immune response, required for TLR- and RLR-driven interferon induction and for inflammasome activation via ASC.
Reason: Core process, though general. Supported by mouse knockout phenotypes, by human TRAF3 deficiency presenting as a viral-susceptibility syndrome, and by direct biochemistry on ASC.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306936
Our data demonstrate that TRAF3 is a major regulator of type I IFN production and the innate antiviral response
GO:0050688 regulation of defense response to virus
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
MODIFY
Summary: Unsigned 'regulation of defense response to virus'.
Reason: TRAF3's contribution to antiviral defence is positive and well established, so the signed child GO:0002230 should be used rather than the unsigned parent.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306936
Our data demonstrate that TRAF3 is a major regulator of type I IFN production and the innate antiviral response
GO:0061630 ubiquitin protein ligase activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase (EC 2.3.2.27) that builds predominantly K63-linked chains, including on ASC and on itself.
Reason: Direct E3 activity toward ASC was demonstrated biochemically, and TRIF-driven TRAF3 self-ubiquitination is the activating mark for the interferon response. This is a core molecular function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25847972
TNFR-associated factor 3 was found to be a direct E3 ligase for ASC
PMID:17991829
TRAF3 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that preferentially assembled lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:10791955
MIP-T3, a novel protein linking tumor necrosis factor recept...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:12005438
Downstream regulator TANK binds to the CD40 recognition site...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:14743216
A physical and functional map of the human TNF-alpha/NF-kapp...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:15280356
Induction of apoptosis by X-linked ectodermal dysplasia rece...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:20080758
WDR5 is essential for assembly of the VISA-associated signal...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:20138174
BS69 cooperates with TRAF3 in the regulation of Epstein-Barr...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:20732415
The MYND domain-containing protein BRAM1 inhibits lymphotoxi...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:21903422
Mapping a dynamic innate immunity protein interaction networ...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:23153539
Relief of profound feedback inhibition of mitogenic signalin...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:23333941
Identification and characterization of receptor-interacting ...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:23871208
The autoimmunity-associated gene PTPN22 potentiates toll-lik...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:25241761
Using an in situ proximity ligation assay to systematically ...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:27135603
A TRAF-like motif of the inducible costimulator ICOS control...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:28514442
Architecture of the human interactome defines protein commun...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:30561431
A protein-protein interaction map of the TNF-induced NF-ΞΊB s...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:30833792
A protein-interaction network of interferon-stimulated genes...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:31980649
Extensive rewiring of the EGFR network in colorectal cancer ...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:32296183
A reference map of the human binary protein interactome.
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:32514408
TRAF3 can interact with GMEB1 and modulate its anti-apoptoti...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:32707033
Kinase Interaction Network Expands Functional and Disease Ro...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:33372174
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:33961781
Dual proteome-scale networks reveal cell-specific remodeling...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:34084167
SARS-CoV-2 Membrane Protein Inhibits Type I Interferon Produ...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:7527023
A novel RING finger protein interacts with the cytoplasmic d...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0042802 identical protein binding
IPI
PMID:32296183
A reference map of the human binary protein interactome.
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: TRAF3 self-associates into homotrimers (and heterotrimers with TRAF2/TRAF5) via its coiled-coil and TRAF domains.
Reason: Trimerisation is genuine and functionally required for avid receptor-tail engagement, but 'identical protein binding' is a low-information molecular function term. Retain as non-core; the informative content is captured by GO:0005164 and GO:0035591.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15383523
constitutive homotypic association of TRAF2, -3, and -5 was observed
GO:0002224 toll-like receptor signaling pathway
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a component of TLR signalling complexes, recruited via MyD88 and TRIF, and is required for their interferon output.
Reason: Core process. TRAF3 is recruited to TIR-adaptor signalling complexes and is directly observed in the internalised TLR4/TRAM endosomal complex.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
we identified TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) as a new component of TIR signalling complexes that is recruited along with TRAF6
PMID:18222170
The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome
GO:0009898 cytoplasmic side of plasma membrane
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is recruited to the cytoplasmic tails of plasma-membrane TNF receptor superfamily members (CD40, LTBR, BAFF-R, CD30, OX40, EDAR), so it acts at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane.
Reason: Supported by the founding CD40 cytoplasmic-domain two-hybrid work and by LTBR signalling-complex recruitment; the MATH/TRAF domain is the receptor-tail binding module.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:7527023
One such interacting protein, designated CD40-binding protein, has a N-terminal RING finger motif
PMID:20185819
Increased expression of TRAF3 correlated with its increased recruitment to LTBR-induced signaling complexes
GO:0019901 protein kinase binding
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: TRAF3 binds the protein kinases TBK1, IKKe and MAP3K14/NIK.
Reason: True and mechanistically important - NIK binding underlies the non-canonical NF-kappaB brake and TBK1 binding underlies interferon induction - but the bare 'protein kinase binding' term conveys none of that. Retain as non-core; the functional content belongs in GO:0035591 and the NIK-degradation process terms.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15084608
TRAF3 physically associates with NIK via a specific sequence motif located in the N-terminal region of NIK
GO:0030162 regulation of proteolysis
IEA
GO_REF:0000120
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 controls proteolysis of key NF-kappaB pathway components: it drives constitutive proteasomal degradation of NIK/MAP3K14 and thereby limits processing of NFKB2/p100 to p52.
Reason: Core process, directly demonstrated - TRAF3 knockdown raises NIK protein and triggers p100 processing without any receptor stimulus. The term is general; the specific mechanism is proposed as new annotations (GO:0043161 and GO:1901223).
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20185819
TRAF3 knock-down also increased mRNA and protein expression of several non-canonical NFkappaB components, including NFkappaB2/p100, RelB, and NIK, accompanied by processing of NFkappaB2/p100 into p52
PMID:15084608
this molecular interaction appears to target NIK for degradation by the proteasome
GO:0032648 regulation of interferon-beta production
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
MODIFY
Summary: Unsigned parent term for regulation of interferon-beta production.
Reason: TRAF3 is required for IFN-beta induction downstream of TRIF and MAVS; the direction is established, so the signed child GO:0032728 is the appropriate term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
TRAF3 is essential for the induction of type I interferons (IFN) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10)
GO:0035631 CD40 receptor complex
IEA
GO_REF:0000107
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 was discovered as a CD40 cytoplasmic-tail binding protein and is a component of the ligand-engaged CD40 receptor complex.
Reason: Two independent yeast two-hybrid screens against the CD40 cytoplasmic domain identified TRAF3 (as CD40BP and as CAP-1), and CD40 ligation reorganises the TRAF2/TRAF3 content of the complex.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:7530216
cDNAs were obtained that encode a novel protein, CD40-associated protein-1 (CAP-1), which binds specifically to the cytosolic domain of CD40
PMID:15383523
Ligation of CD40 on Ramos B cells by recombinant CD154 caused TRAF2 and TRAF3 to dissociate
GO:0035666 TRIF-dependent toll-like receptor signaling pathway
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-936964
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is the TRIF-proximal component that brings TBK1 into the TIR signalling complex, making it essential for the TRIF-dependent interferon branch.
Reason: Core process, mechanistically defined: TRAF3 is recruited to TRIF and is required for TBK1 recruitment, which is why TRAF3 loss selectively ablates the IFN arm.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
TRAF3 is also recruited to the adaptor TRIF (Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-beta) and is required for marshalling the protein kinase TBK1 (also called NAK) into TIR signalling complexes, thereby explaining its unique role in activation of the IFN response
GO:0005737 cytoplasm
EXP
PMID:25847972
MAVS Promotes Inflammasome Activation by Targeting ASC for K...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a cytoplasmic signalling adaptor and E3 ligase; cytoplasmic localisation is directly observed and is where all of its characterised activities occur.
Reason: UniProt records Cytoplasm with experimental evidence from PubMed:25847972 and PubMed:34011520, and every characterised TRAF3 complex (TRAF2-cIAP-NIK, TRIF-TBK1, MAVS) is cytoplasmic. Correct, though the more informative sub-locations (cytosol, cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, endosome, mitochondrion) are separately annotated.
Supporting Evidence:
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
TRAF3 has no TM segment; it is a cytosolic protein transiently recruited to membrane-proximal complexes
GO:0005737 cytoplasm
EXP
PMID:34011520
Inducible ATP1B1 Upregulates Antiviral Innate Immune Respons...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a cytoplasmic signalling adaptor and E3 ligase; cytoplasmic localisation is directly observed and is where all of its characterised activities occur.
Reason: UniProt records Cytoplasm with experimental evidence from PubMed:25847972 and PubMed:34011520, and every characterised TRAF3 complex (TRAF2-cIAP-NIK, TRIF-TBK1, MAVS) is cytoplasmic. Correct, though the more informative sub-locations (cytosol, cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, endosome, mitochondrion) are separately annotated.
Supporting Evidence:
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
TRAF3 has no TM segment; it is a cytosolic protein transiently recruited to membrane-proximal complexes
GO:0005739 mitochondrion
EXP
PMID:32562145
TRIM35 mediates protection against influenza infection by ac...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is recruited to the mitochondrial outer-membrane platform organised by MAVS during RIG-I-like receptor signalling, and colocalises with TRIM35 at mitochondria.
Reason: MAVS is mitochondrial and binds TRAF3 through a defined TRAF-interacting motif, making the IC call sound; the EXP row from the TRIM35 study is a direct colocalisation. The mitochondrial pool is where TRAF3 acts in RIG-I-like receptor signalling.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16858409
Cardif-mediated IFNalpha induction occurs through a direct interaction between the TRAF domain of TRAF3 and a TRAF-interaction motif (TIM) within Cardif
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
Mitochondrial pool: via MAVS
GO:0005768 endosome
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is present in the internalised TLR4/TRAM endosomal signalling compartment where TRIF-dependent interferon induction occurs.
Reason: Directly observed by colocalisation with internalised TLR4-TRAM, and consistent with the UniProt endosome annotation. This is a functionally meaningful pool, not incidental trafficking.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18222170
The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome
GO:0061630 ubiquitin protein ligase activity
EXP
PMID:25847972
MAVS Promotes Inflammasome Activation by Targeting ASC for K...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase (EC 2.3.2.27) that builds predominantly K63-linked chains, including on ASC and on itself.
Reason: Direct E3 activity toward ASC was demonstrated biochemically, and TRIF-driven TRAF3 self-ubiquitination is the activating mark for the interferon response. This is a core molecular function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25847972
TNFR-associated factor 3 was found to be a direct E3 ligase for ASC
PMID:17991829
TRAF3 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that preferentially assembled lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains
GO:0051607 defense response to virus
NAS
PMID:24622840
SARS coronavirus papain-like protease inhibits the type I in...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is required for the antiviral defence programme, acting downstream of TLR3/TLR4-TRIF and of RIG-I/MAVS to induce type I interferon.
Reason: Core process. TRAF3-deficient fibroblasts fail to mount a type I IFN response to direct virus infection, and viral proteins (SARS-CoV PLpro, hantavirus Gn, EV-D68 2A protease) specifically target TRAF3 - the classic signature of an antiviral effector.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306936
TRAF3-deficient fibroblasts are defective in their type I IFN response to direct infection with vesicular stomatitis virus, indicating that TRAF3 is also an important component of TLR-independent viral recognition pathways
PMID:24622840
the interaction between the components in STING-TRAF3-TBK1 complex is disrupted by PLpro-TM
GO:1902554 serine/threonine protein kinase complex
NAS
PMID:24622840
SARS coronavirus papain-like protease inhibits the type I in...
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: Assignment of TRAF3 to a serine/threonine protein kinase complex, from the STING-TRAF3-TBK1 complex described in a SARS-CoV PLpro study.
Reason: TRAF3 is a transient adaptor recruited into signalling complexes that contain the kinase TBK1; it is not a stoichiometric subunit of a kinase complex and contributes no kinase activity. The underlying interaction is real, but the complex term over-states TRAF3's relationship to it, and the evidence is NAS.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:24622840
PLpro-TM physically interacts with TRAF3, TBK1, IKKΞ΅, STING, and IRF3, the key components that assemble the STING-TRAF3-TBK1 complex
GO:0000151 ubiquitin ligase complex
NAS
PMID:21200404
A functional C-terminal TRAF3-binding site in MAVS participa...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is itself a RING E3 and is a subunit of the TRAF2-TRAF3-cIAP1/2 ubiquitin ligase assembly that constitutively degrades NIK.
Reason: The NIK-degrading holo-enzyme is a genuine multi-subunit ubiquitin ligase complex in which TRAF3 provides substrate (NIK) recruitment. The anchoring NAS reference is weak for this particular term, but the complex itself is well documented.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18997794
the degradation of NIK occurs upon assembly of a regulatory complex through TRAF3 recruitment of NIK and TRAF2 recruitment of cIAP1 and cIAP2
GO:0051607 defense response to virus
NAS
PMID:25847972
MAVS Promotes Inflammasome Activation by Targeting ASC for K...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is required for the antiviral defence programme, acting downstream of TLR3/TLR4-TRIF and of RIG-I/MAVS to induce type I interferon.
Reason: Core process. TRAF3-deficient fibroblasts fail to mount a type I IFN response to direct virus infection, and viral proteins (SARS-CoV PLpro, hantavirus Gn, EV-D68 2A protease) specifically target TRAF3 - the classic signature of an antiviral effector.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306936
TRAF3-deficient fibroblasts are defective in their type I IFN response to direct infection with vesicular stomatitis virus, indicating that TRAF3 is also an important component of TLR-independent viral recognition pathways
PMID:24622840
the interaction between the components in STING-TRAF3-TBK1 complex is disrupted by PLpro-TM
GO:0060337 type I interferon-mediated signaling pathway
NAS
PMID:25847972
MAVS Promotes Inflammasome Activation by Targeting ASC for K...
REMOVE
Summary: Type I interferon-mediated signalling pathway, i.e. signalling downstream of the IFN-alpha/beta receptor.
Reason: This term denotes 'The series of molecular signals initiated by type I interferon binding to its receptor on the surface of a target cell'. TRAF3 acts upstream, in interferon *production*, and has no described role in IFNAR/JAK-STAT signal transduction. The correct term, GO:0032481 (positive regulation of type I interferon production), is already annotated. The evidence here is NAS and the anchoring paper is about MAVS-dependent inflammasome activation, not IFNAR signalling.
GO:0002224 toll-like receptor signaling pathway
IDA
PMID:18222170
Roles for LPS-dependent interaction and relocation of TLR4 a...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a component of TLR signalling complexes, recruited via MyD88 and TRIF, and is required for their interferon output.
Reason: Core process. TRAF3 is recruited to TIR-adaptor signalling complexes and is directly observed in the internalised TLR4/TRAM endosomal complex.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
we identified TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) as a new component of TIR signalling complexes that is recruited along with TRAF6
PMID:18222170
The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome
GO:0005768 endosome
IDA
PMID:18222170
Roles for LPS-dependent interaction and relocation of TLR4 a...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is present in the internalised TLR4/TRAM endosomal signalling compartment where TRIF-dependent interferon induction occurs.
Reason: Directly observed by colocalisation with internalised TLR4-TRAM, and consistent with the UniProt endosome annotation. This is a functionally meaningful pool, not incidental trafficking.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18222170
The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome
GO:0061630 ubiquitin protein ligase activity
IDA
PMID:19898473
Different modes of ubiquitination of the adaptor TRAF3 selec...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase (EC 2.3.2.27) that builds predominantly K63-linked chains, including on ASC and on itself.
Reason: Direct E3 activity toward ASC was demonstrated biochemically, and TRIF-driven TRAF3 self-ubiquitination is the activating mark for the interferon response. This is a core molecular function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25847972
TNFR-associated factor 3 was found to be a direct E3 ligase for ASC
PMID:17991829
TRAF3 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that preferentially assembled lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains
GO:0004842 ubiquitin-protein transferase activity
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-2213017
MODIFY
Summary: Parent term for ubiquitin transfer; TRAF3's activity is specifically that of a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase.
Reason: GO:0004842 also covers E1 and E2 enzymes. TRAF3 is a RING E3 (EC 2.3.2.27) and the more specific child GO:0061630 is already annotated from the same experimental evidence, so these rows should be raised to that term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25847972
TNFR-associated factor 3 was found to be a direct E3 ligase for ASC
GO:0004842 ubiquitin-protein transferase activity
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013974
MODIFY
Summary: Parent term for ubiquitin transfer; TRAF3's activity is specifically that of a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase.
Reason: GO:0004842 also covers E1 and E2 enzymes. TRAF3 is a RING E3 (EC 2.3.2.27) and the more specific child GO:0061630 is already annotated from the same experimental evidence, so these rows should be raised to that term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25847972
TNFR-associated factor 3 was found to be a direct E3 ligase for ASC
GO:0010008 endosome membrane
IDA
PMID:18222170
Roles for LPS-dependent interaction and relocation of TLR4 a...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 acts on the endosome membrane as part of the internalised TLR4/TRAM/TRIF complex that drives the type I interferon arm of TLR4 signalling.
Reason: Same direct observation as the endosome annotation, at the correct membrane sub-location. TRAF3 is peripherally associated via the TRIF adaptor rather than integral to the membrane.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18222170
The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome
GO:0034142 toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway
IDA
PMID:18222170
Roles for LPS-dependent interaction and relocation of TLR4 a...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 acts in TLR4 signalling, where the split between its MyD88-dependent (degradative) and TRIF-dependent (activating) ubiquitination determines whether inflammatory cytokines or interferons are produced.
Reason: Directly supported: TRAF3 colocalises with the internalised TLR4/TRAM complex, and TLR4 was the prototypical receptor used to dissect the TRAF3 ubiquitination switch.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:19898473
Degradative ubiquitination of TRAF3 during MyD88-dependent TLR signaling was essential for the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and production of inflammatory cytokines
GO:0035666 TRIF-dependent toll-like receptor signaling pathway
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013973
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is the TRIF-proximal component that brings TBK1 into the TIR signalling complex, making it essential for the TRIF-dependent interferon branch.
Reason: Core process, mechanistically defined: TRAF3 is recruited to TRIF and is required for TBK1 recruitment, which is why TRAF3 loss selectively ablates the IFN arm.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
TRAF3 is also recruited to the adaptor TRIF (Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-beta) and is required for marshalling the protein kinase TBK1 (also called NAK) into TIR signalling complexes, thereby explaining its unique role in activation of the IFN response
GO:0005739 mitochondrion
IC
PMID:16858409
Regulation of antiviral responses by a direct and specific i...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is recruited to the mitochondrial outer-membrane platform organised by MAVS during RIG-I-like receptor signalling, and colocalises with TRIM35 at mitochondria.
Reason: MAVS is mitochondrial and binds TRAF3 through a defined TRAF-interacting motif, making the IC call sound; the EXP row from the TRIM35 study is a direct colocalisation. The mitochondrial pool is where TRAF3 acts in RIG-I-like receptor signalling.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16858409
Cardif-mediated IFNalpha induction occurs through a direct interaction between the TRAF domain of TRAF3 and a TRAF-interaction motif (TIM) within Cardif
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
Mitochondrial pool: via MAVS
GO:0032481 positive regulation of type I interferon production
IDA
PMID:19898473
Different modes of ubiquitination of the adaptor TRAF3 selec...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a non-redundant positive regulator of type I interferon production downstream of TLR3/TLR4-TRIF, TLR7/9-MyD88 and RIG-I/MAVS.
Reason: Core function. TRAF3-deficient cells fail to induce type I IFN through several TLRs and on direct virus infection, and autosomal dominant human TRAF3 deficiency - a dominant-negative R118W allele that destabilises the wild-type product, leaving ~17.5% of control TRAF3 protein - causes herpes simplex encephalitis through impaired TLR3-dependent IFN induction. The activating signal is TRIF-driven K63 self-ubiquitination of TRAF3.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:19898473
TRIF-dependent signaling triggered noncanonical TRAF3 self-ubiquitination that activated the interferon response
PMID:16306936
cells lacking TRAF3, a member of the TNF receptor-associated factor family, are defective in type I IFN responses activated by several different TLRs
PMID:20832341
TRAF3 deficiency is associated with a clinical phenotype limited to HSE resulting from the impairment of TLR3-dependent induction of IFN
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:31390091
TRAF3IP3 mediates the recruitment of TRAF3 to MAVS for antiv...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0004842 ubiquitin-protein transferase activity
IDA
PMID:19898473
Different modes of ubiquitination of the adaptor TRAF3 selec...
MODIFY
Summary: Parent term for ubiquitin transfer; TRAF3's activity is specifically that of a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase.
Reason: GO:0004842 also covers E1 and E2 enzymes. TRAF3 is a RING E3 (EC 2.3.2.27) and the more specific child GO:0061630 is already annotated from the same experimental evidence, so these rows should be raised to that term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25847972
TNFR-associated factor 3 was found to be a direct E3 ligase for ASC
GO:0005739 mitochondrion
IDA
PMID:19898473
Different modes of ubiquitination of the adaptor TRAF3 selec...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is recruited to the mitochondrial outer-membrane platform organised by MAVS during RIG-I-like receptor signalling, and colocalises with TRIM35 at mitochondria.
Reason: The term itself is correct and well supported, but not by this citation: the cached full text of Tseng et al. (73 kB, full_text_available: true) contains no mention of mitochondria. Retained rather than removed, since the paper's figures and supplement are not in the cache and an experimental annotation should not be deleted on that basis (per CLAUDE.md); the term stands on PMID:32562145 (EXP) and PMID:16858409 (IC via MAVS) instead. Curators may wish to re-check the source of this particular row.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16858409
Cardif-mediated IFNalpha induction occurs through a direct interaction between the TRAF domain of TRAF3 and a TRAF-interaction motif (TIM) within Cardif
file:human/TRAF3/TRAF3-notes.md
Mitochondrial pool: via MAVS
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:27387501
Citrobacter rodentium NleB Protein Inhibits Tumor Necrosis F...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:27980081
DDX3 directly regulates TRAF3 ubiquitination and acts as a s...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-166245
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-166271
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-2213017
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5362486
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5362500
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013974
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013978
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013979
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013985
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013990
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-918225
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-918227
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-918229
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-918232
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-936381
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9685162
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9705137
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9705320
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9823904
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9823906
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9823910
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9823932
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9823934
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9823939
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9824882
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9828196
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9828200
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9828204
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9828205
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9828209
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9830706
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9830710
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0019903 protein phosphatase binding
IPI
PMID:23871208
The autoimmunity-associated gene PTPN22 potentiates toll-lik...
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: TRAF3 associates with the phosphatase PTPN22, which promotes TRAF3 K63 ubiquitination.
Reason: Supported by the cited study, but this is TRAF3 acting as the regulated partner rather than exercising a function of its own; 'protein phosphatase binding' is not informative about TRAF3's activity. Retain as non-core.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:23871208
PTPN22 directly associated with TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) and promotes TRAF3 lysine 63-linked ubiquitination
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5602624
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005164 tumor necrosis factor receptor binding
IPI
PMID:11728344
A novel TNF receptor family member binds TWEAK and is implic...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 binds the cytoplasmic tails of TNF receptor superfamily members through its MATH/TRAF-C domain - the interaction that defines the TRAF family.
Reason: Established for CD40 by two independent two-hybrid screens, and extended to LTBR, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD30, OX40, EDAR and Fn14/TweakR. This is an informative molecular function that captures receptor-proximal recruitment.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11728344
The TweakR cytoplasmic domain binds TRAFs 1, 2, and 3.
PMID:7527023
we have utilized the yeast two-hybrid system to clone cDNAs encoding proteins that bind the CD40 cytoplasmic domain
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5668454
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5668481
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-936475
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0031625 ubiquitin protein ligase binding
IPI
PMID:11279055
A diverse family of proteins containing tumor necrosis facto...
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Binding to ubiquitin protein ligases, from an in vitro TRAF-domain survey (MUL/TRIM37) and family-level rules.
Reason: TRAF3 does associate with E3s in vivo (cIAP1/2 within the NIK-degrading complex, TRIM35, NEDD4L, FBXO11), so the term is not wrong. However the IPI evidence comes from isolated TRAF domains binding all six TRAFs indiscriminately in vitro, and the term describes a partner class rather than a TRAF3 activity. Retain as non-core.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:11279055
MUL and USP7 are capable of binding in vitro via their TDs to all of the previously identified TRAF family proteins (TRAF1, TRAF2, TRAF3, TRAF4, TRAF5, and TRAF6)
GO:0031996 thioesterase binding
IPI
PMID:11279055
A diverse family of proteins containing tumor necrosis facto...
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Binding to thioesterases, i.e. to ubiquitin thioesterases/deubiquitinases.
Reason: TRAF3 is a well-documented substrate of the deubiquitinases OTUB1, OTUB2, OTUD5/DUBA and MYSM1, so binding ubiquitin thioesterases is real. As with the other partner-class binding terms, it describes what acts on TRAF3 rather than what TRAF3 does. Retain as non-core.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17991829
DUBA selectively cleaved the lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains on TRAF3, resulting in its dissociation from the downstream signaling complex containing TANK-binding kinase 1
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:19419966
The tyrosine kinase c-Src enhances RIG-I (retinoic acid-indu...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0035631 CD40 receptor complex
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 was discovered as a CD40 cytoplasmic-tail binding protein and is a component of the ligand-engaged CD40 receptor complex.
Reason: Two independent yeast two-hybrid screens against the CD40 cytoplasmic domain identified TRAF3 (as CD40BP and as CAP-1), and CD40 ligation reorganises the TRAF2/TRAF3 content of the complex.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:7530216
cDNAs were obtained that encode a novel protein, CD40-associated protein-1 (CAP-1), which binds specifically to the cytosolic domain of CD40
PMID:15383523
Ligation of CD40 on Ramos B cells by recombinant CD154 caused TRAF2 and TRAF3 to dissociate
GO:0009898 cytoplasmic side of plasma membrane
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is recruited to the cytoplasmic tails of plasma-membrane TNF receptor superfamily members (CD40, LTBR, BAFF-R, CD30, OX40, EDAR), so it acts at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane.
Reason: Supported by the founding CD40 cytoplasmic-domain two-hybrid work and by LTBR signalling-complex recruitment; the MATH/TRAF domain is the receptor-tail binding module.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:7527023
One such interacting protein, designated CD40-binding protein, has a N-terminal RING finger motif
PMID:20185819
Increased expression of TRAF3 correlated with its increased recruitment to LTBR-induced signaling complexes
GO:0001817 regulation of cytokine production
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Regulation of cytokine production - TRAF3 controls the balance between type I interferons, IL-10 and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Reason: Correct: TRAF3 is required for IFN and IL-10 induction while restraining pro-inflammatory cytokines. However the term is a broad parent and the informative, signed children (GO:0032481, GO:0032728) are annotated separately. Retain as non-core.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
TRAF3-deficient cells overproduce pro-inflammatory cytokines owing to defective IL-10 production
GO:0002224 toll-like receptor signaling pathway
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 is a component of TLR signalling complexes, recruited via MyD88 and TRIF, and is required for their interferon output.
Reason: Core process. TRAF3 is recruited to TIR-adaptor signalling complexes and is directly observed in the internalised TLR4/TRAM endosomal complex.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
we identified TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) as a new component of TIR signalling complexes that is recruited along with TRAF6
PMID:18222170
The internalized signaling complex consisting of TLR4 and TRAM colocalizes with TRAF3, a signaling molecule downstream of TRIF, in endosome/lysosome
GO:0032648 regulation of interferon-beta production
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
MODIFY
Summary: Unsigned parent term for regulation of interferon-beta production.
Reason: TRAF3 is required for IFN-beta induction downstream of TRIF and MAVS; the direction is established, so the signed child GO:0032728 is the appropriate term.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306937
TRAF3 is essential for the induction of type I interferons (IFN) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10)
GO:0050688 regulation of defense response to virus
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
MODIFY
Summary: Unsigned 'regulation of defense response to virus'.
Reason: TRAF3's contribution to antiviral defence is positive and well established, so the signed child GO:0002230 should be used rather than the unsigned parent.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:16306936
Our data demonstrate that TRAF3 is a major regulator of type I IFN production and the innate antiviral response
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:19893624
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Triad3A negatively regulates the RIG...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0030162 regulation of proteolysis
IMP
PMID:20185819
TRAF3 controls activation of the canonical and alternative N...
ACCEPT
Summary: TRAF3 controls proteolysis of key NF-kappaB pathway components: it drives constitutive proteasomal degradation of NIK/MAP3K14 and thereby limits processing of NFKB2/p100 to p52.
Reason: Core process, directly demonstrated - TRAF3 knockdown raises NIK protein and triggers p100 processing without any receptor stimulus. The term is general; the specific mechanism is proposed as new annotations (GO:0043161 and GO:1901223).
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20185819
TRAF3 knock-down also increased mRNA and protein expression of several non-canonical NFkappaB components, including NFkappaB2/p100, RelB, and NIK, accompanied by processing of NFkappaB2/p100 into p52
PMID:15084608
this molecular interaction appears to target NIK for degradation by the proteasome
GO:0033209 tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway
IMP
PMID:20185819
TRAF3 controls activation of the canonical and alternative N...
KEEP AS NON CORE
Summary: Involvement in TNF-superfamily receptor signalling; the IMP evidence is from lymphotoxin-beta receptor rather than TNF/TNFR1.
Reason: TRAF3 does not bind TNFR1 and is not a component of the TNF/TNFR1 signalling complex; the supporting experiment concerns LTBR, and TRAF3 acts across several TNFRSF members (CD40, LTBR, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD30, OX40). The term is therefore only loosely correct, and this is not TRAF3's core process. Retained as non-core because no specific LTBR-signalling term is available in GO.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20185819
we report that TRAF3 functions as a negative regulator of LTBR signaling via both canonical and non-canonical NFkappaB pathways by two distinct mechanisms
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:20174559
Optineurin negatively regulates the induction of IFNbeta in ...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-2201338
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5668414
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5668417
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5668534
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5668543
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5676593
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5676595
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5676596
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5676597
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5676598
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-5690843
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005829 cytosol
TAS
Reactome:R-HSA-9013992
ACCEPT
Summary: Cytosolic localisation, asserted by Reactome across the TLR, RLR, CD40 and non-canonical NF-kappaB reactions in which TRAF3 participates.
Reason: TRAF3 has no transmembrane segment or targeting signal and is a soluble cytosolic protein that is recruited transiently to membrane- and organelle-proximal complexes. The many duplicate Reactome TAS rows all report the same, correct fact.
GO:0005515 protein binding
IPI
PMID:12270937
Role of TRAF3 and -6 in the activation of the NF-kappa B and...
REMOVE
Summary: Uninformative generic protein binding annotation from an interaction dataset.
Reason: GO:0005515 conveys nothing about TRAF3's molecular function. TRAF3 is a well-characterised adaptor whose informative interactions are already captured by GO:0005164 (TNF receptor binding), GO:0035591 (signalling adaptor activity), GO:0019901 (protein kinase binding), GO:0019903 (protein phosphatase binding) and GO:0042802 (homotrimerisation). Per project curation guidance the bare term should be replaced by informative molecular function terms.
GO:0006915 apoptotic process
TAS
PMID:10799510
The lymphotoxin-beta receptor is necessary and sufficient fo...
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: Direct involvement in the apoptotic process, from a study of LIGHT/LTBR-induced death.
Reason: The evidence is that overexpressed dominant-negative TRAF3 blocks LIGHT-induced killing - an indirect, upstream signalling effect. TRAF3 is not part of the apoptotic execution machinery and has no caspase-pathway activity; annotating it to the apoptotic process itself over-states the relationship. The regulatory term GO:0042981 covers what is actually supported.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:10799510
LTbetaR, not HveA, recruits TNF receptor-associated factor-3 (TRAF3), and LIGHT-induced death is blocked by a dominant negative TRAF3 mutant
GO:0007165 signal transduction
TAS
PMID:7530216
A novel member of the TRAF family of putative signal transdu...
MODIFY
Summary: Root-level 'signal transduction', from an InterPro rule and from the original CD40-binding paper.
Reason: Uninformative at this level. The anchoring publication is the discovery of TRAF3 as a CD40 cytoplasmic-tail binding protein, so GO:0023035 (CD40 signaling pathway) is the specific term that this evidence actually supports.
Proposed replacements: CD40 signaling pathway
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:7530216
CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) family that regulates B-lymphocyte proliferation, immunoglobulin class-switching, and apoptosis
GO:1901223 negative regulation of non-canonical NF-kappaB signal transduction
IMP
PMID:20185819
TRAF3 controls activation of the canonical and alternative N...
NEW
Summary: TRAF3 is the constitutive brake on the non-canonical NF-kappaB pathway: by recruiting NIK/MAP3K14 into a TRAF2-cIAP1/2 complex it keeps NIK levels low and p100 unprocessed until receptor engagement destroys TRAF3.
Reason: This is TRAF3's best-established and most distinctive function and it is entirely missing from the current GOA set, which represents it only as the vague GO:0030162 (regulation of proteolysis). It is supported by direct biochemistry, by loss-of-function in cells, by mouse genetics (TRAF3-null lethality is rescued by deleting one Nik allele) and by recurrent TRAF3 inactivation in multiple myeloma.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18997794
the degradation of NIK occurs upon assembly of a regulatory complex through TRAF3 recruitment of NIK and TRAF2 recruitment of cIAP1 and cIAP2
PMID:20185819
These effects of TRAF3 depletion did not require LTBR signaling and were consistent with autonomous activation of the non-canonical NFkappaB pathway
PMID:15084608
Interestingly, induction of noncanonical NF-kappaB signaling by extracellular signals involves degradation of TRAF3 and the concomitant enhancement of NIK expression
GO:0043161 proteasome-mediated ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process
IDA
PMID:15084608
Regulation of the NF-kappaB-inducing kinase by tumor necrosi...
NEW
Summary: TRAF3 targets NIK/MAP3K14 for ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation, the mechanism by which it restrains non-canonical NF-kappaB signalling.
Reason: The mechanism underlying the proposed GO:1901223 annotation and the specific form of the existing GO:0030162 (regulation of proteolysis) IMP. Directly demonstrated: TRAF3 binds a defined motif in the NIK N-terminus and this association targets NIK to the proteasome.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15084608
TRAF3 physically associates with NIK via a specific sequence motif located in the N-terminal region of NIK; this molecular interaction appears to target NIK for degradation by the proteasome
PMID:18997794
cIAP1 and cIAP2 seem to play redundant roles in the degradation of NIK
GO:0070534 protein K63-linked ubiquitination
IDA
PMID:25847972
MAVS Promotes Inflammasome Activation by Targeting ASC for K...
NEW
Summary: As a RING E3, TRAF3 assembles K63-linked polyubiquitin chains - on ASC to license inflammasome speck formation, and on itself downstream of TRIF to activate the interferon response.
Reason: The existing GO:0061630 annotation records that TRAF3 is an E3 but not which chain type it builds, which is the functionally decisive detail: K63 chains are the signalling output, whereas the K48 chains on TRAF3 are placed by other ligases (cIAP1/2, Triad3A). Directly supported by biochemistry on ASC and by the TRIF-driven self-ubiquitination experiments.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25847972
Ubiquitination of ASC at Lys(174) was critical for speck formation and inflammasome activation
PMID:17991829
TRAF3 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that preferentially assembled lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains
PMID:19898473
TRIF-dependent signaling triggered noncanonical TRAF3 self-ubiquitination that activated the interferon response

Core Functions

Constitutively restrains non-canonical NF-kappaB signalling by recruiting the kinase NIK/MAP3K14 into a TRAF2-cIAP1/2 ubiquitin ligase complex that keeps NIK continuously degraded by the proteasome, so that p100/NFKB2 is not processed to p52 until receptor engagement destroys TRAF3.

Supporting Evidence:
  • PMID:15084608
    TRAF3 physically associates with NIK via a specific sequence motif located in the N-terminal region of NIK; this molecular interaction appears to target NIK for degradation by the proteasome
  • PMID:18997794
    the degradation of NIK occurs upon assembly of a regulatory complex through TRAF3 recruitment of NIK and TRAF2 recruitment of cIAP1 and cIAP2
  • PMID:20185819
    These effects of TRAF3 depletion did not require LTBR signaling and were consistent with autonomous activation of the non-canonical NFkappaB pathway

Acts as the adaptor that couples the TLR adaptors TRIF and MyD88, and the mitochondrial RIG-I adaptor MAVS, to the IRF3/IRF7 kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon, making it non-redundantly required for type I interferon induction and antiviral defence.

Supporting Evidence:
  • PMID:16306937
    TRAF3 is also recruited to the adaptor TRIF (Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-beta) and is required for marshalling the protein kinase TBK1 (also called NAK) into TIR signalling complexes, thereby explaining its unique role in activation of the IFN response
  • PMID:16306936
    TRAF3 associates with the TLR adaptors TRIF and IRAK1, as well as downstream IRF3/7 kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon, suggesting that TRAF3 serves as a critical link between TLR adaptors and downstream regulatory kinases important for IRF activation
  • PMID:16858409
    Cardif-mediated IFNalpha induction occurs through a direct interaction between the TRAF domain of TRAF3 and a TRAF-interaction motif (TIM) within Cardif
  • PMID:20832341
    TRAF3 deficiency is associated with a clinical phenotype limited to HSE resulting from the impairment of TLR3-dependent induction of IFN

Functions as a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase that assembles K63-linked polyubiquitin chains - on ASC, where the modification licenses inflammasome speck formation, and on itself downstream of TRIF, where self-ubiquitination switches on the interferon response.

Cellular Locations:
Supporting Evidence:
  • PMID:25847972
    TNFR-associated factor 3 was found to be a direct E3 ligase for ASC
  • PMID:17991829
    TRAF3 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that preferentially assembled lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chains
  • PMID:19898473
    TRIF-dependent signaling triggered noncanonical TRAF3 self-ubiquitination that activated the interferon response

Binds the cytoplasmic tails of TNF receptor superfamily members through its MATH/TRAF-C domain - CD40 above all, plus LTBR, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD30, OX40, EDAR and Fn14 - recruiting the downstream machinery to the receptor at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane.

Supporting Evidence:
  • PMID:7530216
    cDNAs were obtained that encode a novel protein, CD40-associated protein-1 (CAP-1), which binds specifically to the cytosolic domain of CD40
  • PMID:11728344
    The TweakR cytoplasmic domain binds TRAFs 1, 2, and 3.
  • PMID:20185819
    siRNA-mediated depletion of TRAF3 promoted recruitment of TRAF2 and IKK1 to activated LTBR, enabling LTBR-inducible canonical NFkappaB signaling and NFkappaB target gene expression

References

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Suggested Questions for Experts

Q: Is TRAF3's suppression of canonical NF-kappaB and MAPK signalling a direct adaptor activity - competitive exclusion of TRAF2/IKK1 from the receptor complex - or is it entirely downstream of the NIK and cIAP effects? The answer determines whether a separate 'negative regulation of canonical NF-kappaB signal transduction' annotation is warranted alongside GO:1901223.

Suggested experts: Michael Karin, Genhong Cheng, Shao-Cong Sun

Q: Beyond ASC, which proteins are direct TRAF3 ubiquitination substrates? Almost all published 'TRAF3 ubiquitination' work concerns TRAF3 as the substrate of other ligases, leaving TRAF3's own substrate repertoire - and therefore the scope of its GO:0061630 annotation - largely undefined.

Suggested experts: Vishva M. Dixit, Michael Karin

Q: Does isoform 2 (Q13114-2) have any distinct function, tissue distribution or dominant-negative behaviour? No functional data were found for it, so all current annotations implicitly refer to the canonical isoform.

Q: How should the K33-linked ubiquitination/exocyst route (PMID:27438768) be represented? It is a genuine TRAF3-dependent process but was demonstrated in a single cell type; is a 'bacterial expulsion' or exocyst-recruitment annotation justified, and does TRAF3 act there as adaptor rather than ligase?

Suggested experts: Soman N. Abraham, Yuxuan Miao

Suggested Experiments

Experiment: In NIK-null (MAP3K14 knockout) cells, reconstitute with wild-type TRAF3 or with a receptor-binding-deficient MATH-domain mutant, then stimulate LTBR and measure IkappaB-alpha/RelA phosphorylation and the TRAF2/IKK1 content of the receptor-associated complex by immunoprecipitation. If TRAF3 still suppresses canonical signalling on a NIK-null background, the adaptor mechanism is direct.

Hypothesis: TRAF3 restrains canonical NF-kappaB at LTBR by directly competing with TRAF2 for the receptor tail, independently of its effect on NIK levels.

Type: Genetic complementation with structure-guided separation-of-function mutants, plus receptor-complex immunoprecipitation

Experiment: Perform ubiquitin-remnant (diGly) proteomics in TRAF3-knockout versus reconstituted cells, with and without RING-mutant TRAF3, after TLR3/TLR4 and Sendai virus stimulation. Validate candidates by in vitro reconstitution with recombinant TRAF3, E1, UBE2N/UBE2V1 and ubiquitin chain-linkage mutants (K63R, K48R) to confirm both directness and chain type.

Hypothesis: TRAF3 has direct ubiquitination substrates beyond ASC that account for its signalling output.

Type: Quantitative diGly ubiquitinome mass spectrometry with in vitro ubiquitination reconstitution

Experiment: Reconstitute TRAF3-null cells with TRAF3 fused to a mitochondrial outer-membrane anchor, to a plasma-membrane anchor, or untargeted, and compare IFN-beta induction after Sendai virus infection versus poly(I:C) endosomal stimulation. Pair with proximity labelling (TurboID) from mitochondrial TRAF3 to define the compartment-specific interactome. This would also settle whether the disputed GO:0005739 IDA row reflects a real, reproducible localisation.

Hypothesis: The mitochondrial TRAF3 pool is functionally required for RLR-driven interferon induction rather than being a passive consequence of MAVS binding.

Type: Compartment-restricted rescue with proximity-dependent biotinylation proteomics

πŸ“š Additional Documentation

Notes

(TRAF3-notes.md)

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