p75 neurotrophin receptor reduces ligand-induced Trk receptor ubiquitination and delays Trk receptor internalization and degradation

Target-derived neurotrophins regulate neuronal survival and growth by interacting with cell-surface tyrosine kinase receptors. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75 NTR) is coexpressed with Trk receptors in long-range projection neurons, in which it facilitates neurotrophin binding to Trk and enhances Trk activity. Here, we show that TrkA and TrkB receptors undergo robust ligand-dependent ubiquitination that is dependent on activation of the endogenous Trk activity of the receptors. Coexpression of p75 NTR attenuated ubiquitination of TrkA and TrkB and delayed nerve growth factor-induced TrkA receptor internalization and receptor degradation. These results indicate that p75 NTR may prolong cell-surface Trk-dependent signalling events by negatively regulating receptor ubiquitination.