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Identification of N7-(1-carboxyethyl)-arginine, a novel posttranslational protein modification of arginine formed at high hydrostatic pressure.

An aqueous solution of Nalpha-acetylarginine (0.1 mol/L) and glucose (0.3 mol/L) in 0.5 mol/L 3-[N-morpholino]propanesulfonic acid (5 mL; pH 7.0) was incubated at 110 degrees C for 2 h with application of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). After enzymic deacetylation, the arginine modifications formed were separated by ion exchange chromatography. Besides N5-(4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-L-ornithine, the novel arginine modification N7-(1-carboxyethyl)-arginine was identified based on NMR and LC/MS measurements and synthesis-in particular, in samples reacted at a pressure of 600 MPa. As compared to samples treated at normal pressure, both compounds were formed in higher amounts at increased pressure.

Arginine↗

Biosynthesis of the D2-cell adhesion molecule: post-translational modifications, intracellular transport, and developmental changes.

Posttranslational modifications and intracellular transport of the D2-cell adhesion molecule (D2-CAM) were examined in cultured fetal rat neuronal cells. Developmental changes in biosynthesis were studied in rat forebrain explant cultures. Two D2-CAM polypeptides with Mr of 187,000-210,000 (A) and 131,000-158,000 (B) were synthesized using radiolabeled precursors in cultured neurons. A and B were found to contain only N-linked complex oligosaccharides, and both polypeptides appeared to be polysialated as determined by [14C]mannosamine incorporation and precipitation with anti-polysialic acid antibody. The two polypeptides were sulfated in the trans-Golgi compartment and phosphorylated at the plasma membrane. D2-CAM underwent rapid intracellular transport, appearing at the cell surface within 35 min of synthesis. A and B were shown to be integral membrane proteins as seen by radioiodination by photoactivation employing a hydrophobic labeling reagent. In rat forebrain explant cultures, D2-CAM was synthesized as four polypeptides: A (195,000 Mr), B (137,000 Mr), C (115,000 Mr), and a group of polypeptides in the high molecular weight region (HMr) between 250,000 and 350,000. Peptide maps of the four polypeptides yielded similar patterns. Biosynthesis of C and HMr increased with age, relative to A and B. A and B were sulfated in embryonic brain, however, sulfation was not noticeable at postnatal ages. Phosphorylation, on the other hand, of A and B was observed at all ages examined. We suggest that D2-CAM function may be modified during development by changes in the relative synthesis of the different polypeptides, as well as by changes in their glycosylation and sulfation.

Animals↗

N-formylation of lysine in histone proteins as a secondary modification arising from oxidative DNA damage.

The posttranslational modification of histone and other chromatin proteins has a well recognized but poorly defined role in the physiology of gene expression. With implications for interfering with these epigenetic mechanisms, we now report the existence of a relatively abundant secondary modification of chromatin proteins, the N(6)-formylation of lysine that appears to be uniquely associated with histone and other nuclear proteins. Using both radiolabeling and sensitive bioanalytical methods, we demonstrate that the formyl moiety of 3'-formylphosphate residues arising from 5'-oxidation of deoxyribose in DNA, caused by the enediyne neocarzinostatin, for example, acylate the N(6)-amino groups of lysine side chains. A liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS) method was developed to quantify the resulting N(6)-formyl-lysine residues, which were observed to be present in unperturbed cells and all sources of histone proteins to the extent of 0.04-0.1% of all lysines in acid-soluble chromatin proteins including histones. Cells treated with neocarzinostatin showed a clear dose-response relationship for the formation of N(6)-formyl-lysine, with this nucleosome linker-selective DNA-cleaving agent causing selective N(6)-formylation of the linker histone H1. The N(6)-formyl-lysine residue appears to represent an endogenous histone secondary modification, one that bears chemical similarity to lysine N(6)-acetylation recognized as an important determinant of gene expression in mammalian cells. The N(6)-formyl modification of lysine may interfere with the signaling functions of lysine acetylation and methylation and thus contribute to the pathophysiology of oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Acetylation↗

O-GlcNAc modification of nucleocytoplasmic proteins and diabetes.

Nuclear and cytosolic proteins are glycosylated on serine or threonine residues by O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). O-GlcNAc modification is one of various posttranslational modifications and seems to be involved in the modulation of transcription and signal transduction. Accumulating data suggest a role for O-GlcNAc-modified proteins in diabetes, acting as a glucose sensor. It has been suggested that the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway is involved in the mechanism causing insulin resistance and diabetic complications. Excess glucose entering into the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway might cause elevated O-GlcNAc modification of various proteins. In this article, we review the current data regarding the relationship between O-GlcNAc modification and diabetes.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Possibilities and limitations in the rational design of modified peptides for T cell mediated immunotherapy.

Therapeutic intervention in experimental autoimmune diseases by modulation of the T cell mediated autoimmune response has been accomplished in the past using altered peptide ligands (APLs). These peptides are usually created by applying alterations to the T cell epitope recognized by the autoaggressive T cells. In this study, we investigated whether it was possible to design APLs in a rational way, using knowledge of molecular interaction in the MHC-peptide-T cell receptor (TCR) complex, for the therapeutic intervention in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Additionally, the value of peptidomimetic modification and alterations based on posttranslational modifications for the design of APLs was examined. Based on a molecular model of the MHC-peptide complex, the T cell receptor contact residues were identified and selected alterations were applied. The designed APLs were tested for MHC binding capacity, T cell recognition, blocking of the autoreactive T cell response, immunogenicity, encephalitogenicity, and therapeutic activity. Based on the results of the in vitro assays, it was expected that some of our APLs would be able to modulate EAE. Nevertheless, none of these APLs displayed clear therapeutic activity in vivo. Thus, rational design of modified peptides for immunotherapy has to await further insights into the relationships between structure and peptide/peptidomimetic induced T cell activation, and until that, there is no possibility to take advantage of the tailor made origin of peptidomimetics.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Principles of genetics as applied to dermatologic diseases.

Skin diseases are frequently genetic in origin; knowing basic genetic principles allows the clinician to understand hundreds of diverse conditions. The structural basis of genetic disease is related to the multiple steps in DNA replication, messenger RNA (m-RNA) production and modification, protein synthesis, and the posttranslational modification of proteins. The multiple steps in these processes are reviewed. Metabolic processes are connected and interconnected by pathways and networks. The general principles of their control are discussed. The modes of inheritance and their distinguishing characteristics are emphasized, as are factors causing variability among those with the same genetic disease. Tables categorizing many genetic diseases are presented, as is a detailed guide to the literature relevant to modern dermatologic genetics.

DNA↗

Suppression of substance P biosynthesis in sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion by prodrug esters of potent peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase inhibitors.

Substance P as well as many other neuropeptides are synthesized as glycine-extended precursors and converted to the biologically active C-terminal amides by posttranslational modification. The final step of posttranslational processing is catalyzed by peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). In a previous study, N-substituted homocysteine analogs were found to be potent inhibitors of PAM partially purified from conditioned medium of cultured rat medullary thyroid carcinoma CA-77 cells. These compounds, however, were only modest inhibitors of substance P production in cultured dorsal root ganglion cells, possibly because of poor cell penetration. Several ester derivatives of hydrocinnamoyl-phenylalanyl-homocysteine, one of the most potent PAM inhibitors, were prepared to increase the intracellular accessibility of these compounds. Hydrocinnamoyl-phenylalanyl-(S-benzoyl-homocysteine) benzyl ester was identified as the most potent compound, inhibiting substance P biosynthesis in dorsal root ganglion cells with an IC50 of 2 microM. Inhibition of PAM resulted in a concomitant increase in the glycine-extended substance p (substance P-Gly) precursor peptide. In the presence of 3 microM benzyl ester derivative, the intracellular substance P-Gly level was 2.4-fold higher while the substance P level was 2.1-fold lower than the corresponding peptides in control cells. These results suggest that PAM inhibition represents an effective method for suppression of substance P biosynthesis and, therefore, may have therapeutic utility in conditions associated with elevated substance P levels. Furthermore, PAM inhibition may also prove useful in decreasing other amidated peptides.

Animals↗

Farnesylation and proteolysis are sequential, but distinct steps in the CaaX box modification pathway.

Membrane localization of Ras proteins requires posttranslational modification of a conserved C-terminal sequence motif known as the CaaX box (C is Cys, a is any aliphatic amino acid, and X is the carboxyl terminal residue). The modification steps include farnesylation, removal of the three C-terminal amino acids, carboxyl-methylation, and palmitoylation. In yeast, the farnesyltransferase (FTase) is encoded by the RAM1(DPR1) and RAM2 genes, and the methyltransferase is the product of STE14. The gene encoding the protease(s) that is responsible for modification of the CaaX has not been identified. We have used in vitro-synthesized Ras2p and synthetic peptide substrates to investigate the relationship between farnesylation and proteolysis. Addition of yeast cytosolic extracts to rabbit reticulocyte extracts programmed to synthesize Ras2p led to prenylation of Ras2p and a change in electrophoretic mobility similar to that observed during Ras maturation in vivo. However, it was not possible to determine if the mobility shift is the result of prenylation, proteolysis or a combination of both steps. Therefore, we examined the relationship between farnesylation and proteolysis directly using extracts prepared from bacteria overexpressing the genes for the yeast FTase (RAM1 and RAM2) and synthetic CaaX box peptides. Extracts from bacteria expressing RAM1/RAM2 efficiently prenylate CaaX box peptides, but do not proteolyze the -aaX residues. However, addition of yeast extracts from wild type, ram1, or ste14 mutants resulted in the removal of the -aaX residues from prenylated CaaX box peptides.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

The SUMO-1 isopeptidase Smt4 is linked to centromeric cohesion through SUMO-1 modification of DNA topoisomerase II.

In S. cerevisiae, posttranslational modification by the ubiquitin-like Smt3/SUMO-1 protein is essential for survival, but functions and cellular targets for this modification are largely unknown. We find that one function associated with the Smt3/SUMO-1 isopeptidase Smt4 is to control chromosome cohesion at centromeric regions and that a key Smt3/SUMO-1 substrate underlying this function is Top2, DNA Topoisomerase II. Top2 modification by Smt3/SUMO-1 is misregulated in smt4 strains, and top2 mutants resistant to Smt3/SUMO-1 modification suppress the smt4 cohesion defect. top2 mutants display aberrant chromatid stretching at the centromere in response to mitotic spindle tension and altered chromatid reassociation following microtubule depolymerization. These results suggest Top2 modification by Smt3/SUMO-1 regulates a component of chromatin structure or topology required for centromeric cohesion.

Cell Cycle Proteins↗

Modifications of arginines and their role in autoimmunity.

Posttranslational modifications of proteins often perform a key role in the biological functioning of proteins. Some of these modifications also change the immunogenicity of proteins and peptides and create 'self'-antigens which might induce autoimmune responses. In particular modifications of arginines within a defined protein context can lead to a specific B-cell immune response. This review discusses the generation of such modifications and their relevance for autoimmunity.

Animals↗

The polypeptide chain of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A occurs in two distinct conformations in the absence of the hypusine modification.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) requires posttranslational modification of lysine at position 50 to hypusine for its biological activity. We have expressed an unmodified variant of eIF-5A in Escherichia coli and show that it has structural properties different from those of the native protein in terms of its near- and far-UV circular dichroism spectra and its equilibrium unfolding transition with guanidinium chloride. In contrast to the hypusine-modified protein, which unfolds in a two-state process, the complex unfolding transition of unmodified eIF-5A suggests that this variant occurs in two differently folded conformations, F1 and F2. Both conformations are populated under near-physiological conditions at a ration of 60 to 40, respectively. Equilibrium unfolding consists of parallel events: unfolding of F1 to one or several intermediate states (I), and unfolding of F2 to the unfolded state (U). Although the establishment of each of these individual equilibria is fast, the interconversion is slow at guanidinium chloride concentrations between 0 M and 3 M. Kinetic analysis reveals activation energies of 24.3 kcal mol-1 for the reaction of F1 and F2 and 24.1 kcal mol-1 for the reaction of F2 to F1. Both F1 and F2 possess well-defined secondary and tertiary structure. However, the tertiary structures of the two conformations differ as indicated by their distinct near-UV circular dichroism spectra. These differences may be restricted to the C-terminal part of the protein as 2-dimensional 1H-NMR spectra of unmodified eIF-5A reveal no doubled set of proton resonances for aromatic amino acid and histidine residues, of which almost all are located in the N-terminal region.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chromatography, Gel↗

Temporal and regional differences in the olfactory proteome as a consequence of MeCP2 deficiency.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding MeCP2. By binding to methylated CpG dinucleotide promoter regions, MeCP2 acts as a transcriptional repressor, predicting that its absence might result in widespread aberrant gene transcription, leading to the RTT phenotype. Considering this potentially broad action of MeCP2 on expression and the complexity of the brain, especially during development, we approached the consequences of MeCP2 deficiency in a mouse model by using a temporal and regional proteomic strategy. We used the olfactory system (olfactory epithelium and bulb) because its attributes make it an excellent developmental model system. We find evidence of temporal and regional proteomic pattern differences between WT and MeCP2-deficient mice. It was possible to segregate these changes in protein expression into five biological function groups: cytoskeleton arrangement, chromatin modeling, energy metabolism, cell signaling, and neuroprotection. By combining the proteomic results with the RNA levels of the identified proteins, we show that protein expression changes are the consequence of differences in mRNA level or posttranslational modifications. We conclude that brain regions and ages must be carefully considered when investigating MeCP2 deficiency, and that not only transcription should be taken into account as a source for these changes, but posttranslational protein modifications as well.

Animals↗

The detection of nitrated tyrosine in neuropeptides: a MALDI matrix-dependent response.

Neuropeptides are a diverse class of signaling molecules that typically have one or more posttranslational modifications. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is an effective tool for identification and characterization of neuropeptides from samples as small as individual neurons. However, the detection of one particular posttranslational modification-nitrotyrosine-has been problematic because of the lability of the nitro group of nitrotyrosine under MALDI-MS conditions. The detection of nitrated tyrosine in peptide standards was dependent on the MALDI matrix used for the analysis. Specifically, sinapinic acid was the optimum matrix tested to observe this modification while it was not consistently detected with matrices such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Using the optimized procedures, several identified nitric-oxide-synthase positive neurons from Lymnaea stagnalis were tested to determine if the neuropeptides present were nitrated. In all cases, the nitrated form of the neuropeptide was not observed. The dependence on the sample-preparation procedures of observing this particular chemical modification demonstrates the need for careful selection of sample-preparation methods with MALDI or the use of other ionization methods.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tubulin synthesis, structure, and function: what are the relationships?

In most eukaryotes, families of tubulin genes give rise to multiple isoforms of tubulin, which may be modified post-translationally. The synthesis of isotubulins is spatially and temporally regulated, leading to the presence of different tubulins within an organism. The cellular localization of tubulin is also nonrandom with discrete isoforms residing in specific regions of some cells. Much work, dependent upon interrelated molecular and immunological technologies, has gone into determining why cells produce multiple isotubulins. One proposal would have us believe that isotubulins are functionally discrete and that the isotubulin composition of a microtubule determines its function. A second idea is that tubulin multigene families arose by gene duplication and subsequent genetic drift. The duplicated genes survive in modified form, as they provide the cell with the ability to effectively regulate tubulin synthesis at the transcriptional level while yielding multifunctional tubulins. Analysis of mutant tubulin genes is revealing functionally important regions of tubulin, prompting a return to the consideration of those properties of the molecule that are fundamental to microtubule formation rather than function per se. A model for autoregulation of tubulin synthesis has been developed, but little is yet known of other molecular signals or mechanisms involved in regulation of tubulin production. Further study of flagella formation promises to change this situation. Complementing the genetic studies is the examination of tubulin posttranslational modifications including detyrosination/tyrosination, acetylation/deacetylation, and phosphorylation. Enzymatic mechanisms mediating tubulin posttranslational changes are partially elucidated, as are the influences of the modifications on microtubule properties. Potential functions of the posttranslational changes are the modulation of microtubule-associated protein binding to microtubules, the provision of a mechanism to indicate microtubule age, or as mediators of cellular morphogenesis, a role which could be dependent upon the first two functions. Despite the progress that has been made, the physiological significance of having several isotubulins within a single cell and the molecular details of microtubule function remain obscure.

Animals↗

Ubiquitin protein modification and signal transduction: implications for inflammatory bowel diseases.

A dysregulated immune response to luminal antigen(s) is associated with the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). A complex network of inflammatory and immune mediators released by immune and nonimmune cells participate in the physiopathology of IBD. At the molecular level, events leading to the improper use of the signaling grid are likely responsible for the dysregulated activation of various transcription factors and subsequent induction of inflammatory genes. The posttranslational modification of signaling proteins by the ubiquitin system is a critical event in activation or repression of transcription factors. Two important transcriptional pathways in which ubiquitin is central are the nuclear factor-kappaB and hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) pathways, both of which are important components of intestinal homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the role of ubiquitin modification in relation to nuclear factor-kappaB and HIF-1 signaling and consider its impact on intestinal inflammation. A greater understanding of posttranslational ubiquitin modification may lead to the identification of new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of IBD.

Animals↗

Association of yeast adenylyl cyclase with cyclase-associated protein CAP forms a second Ras-binding site which mediates its Ras-dependent activation.

Posttranslational modification, in particular farnesylation, of Ras is crucial for activation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae adenylyl cyclase (CYR1). Based on the previous observation that association of CYR1 with cyclase-associated protein (CAP) is essential for its activation by posttranslationally modified Ras, we postulated that the associated CAP might contribute to the formation of a Ras-binding site of CYR1, which mediates CYR1 activation, other than the primary Ras-binding site, the leucine-rich repeat domain. Here, we observed a posttranslational modification-dependent association of Ras with a complex between CAP and CYR1 C-terminal region. When CAP mutants defective in Ras signaling but retaining the CYR1-binding activity were isolated by screening of a pool of randomly mutagenized CAP, CYR1 complexed with two of the obtained three mutants failed to be activated efficiently by modified Ras and exhibited a severely impaired ability to bind Ras, providing a genetic evidence for the importance of the physical association with Ras at the second Ras-binding site. On the other hand, CYR1, complexed with the other CAP mutant, failed to be activated by Ras but exhibited a greatly enhanced binding to Ras. Conversely, a Ras mutant E31K, which exhibits a greatly enhanced binding to the CYR1-CAP complex, failed to activate CYR1 efficiently. Thus, the strength of interaction at the second Ras-binding site appears to be a critical determinant of CYR1 regulation by Ras: too-weak and too-strong interactions are both detrimental to CYR1 activation. These results, taken together with those obtained with mammalian Raf, suggest the importance of the second Ras-binding site in effector regulation.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Analysis of high-density lipoprotein apolipoproteins recovered from specific immobilized pH gradient gel pI domains by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The proteins associated with the circulating lipoproteins in the blood function not only for mediating lipid metabolism but also for maintaining structural stability of the micellelike structure. Any modifications of these proteins, by mutation or posttranslational modification, could compromise the function of these proteins and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Because of the presence of extensive lipophilic domains, these proteins, when recovered from the lipoprotein particle (apolipoproteins) present an analytical challenge because of low solubility and proclivity toward aggregate formation. Our goal is to characterize these proteins by a combination of high-accuracy pI measurement coupled with MALDI analysis. In this report, we demonstrate the high resolution of immobilized pH gradient isoelectric focusing (IPG-IEF) for the analysis of these apolipoproteins isolated from serum HDL collected from a density gradient ultracentrifugation-based separation. The IPG separation of the HDL apolipoproteins was imaged and combined with digital analysis to produce a detailed pI profile of the apolipoproteins in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction. This is the first time that a high-resolution pI profile has been obtained for the HDL apolipoproteins. The feasibility of linking the pI profile to a MALDI-based molecular weight determination was achieved by incorporating passive elution of the intact proteins from the IPG gel with a four-component solvent mixture that solved the problem of recovery of the apolipoproteins from the IPG matrix. Twenty-five bands were observed in the pI profile. A survey analysis of 12 of these bands by MALDI indicated that they were associated with the known HDL apolipoproteins. While there is considerable overlap in the pI profiles of the apolipoproteins, linking the analysis with a MALDI-based second dimension in m/z is shown to be an efficient method to characterize this complex mixture of apolipoproteins.

Apolipoproteins↗

Global identification of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins.

The O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of serine/threonine residues is an abundant posttranslational modification present in cytosolic and nuclear proteins. The functions and subproteome of O-GlcNAc modification remain largely undefined. Here we report the application of the tagging-via-substrate (TAS) approach for global identification of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins. The TAS method utilizes an O-GlcNAc azide analogue for metabolic labeling of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins, which can be chemoselectively conjugated for detection and enrichment of the proteins for proteomics studies. Our study led to the identification of 199 putative O-GlcNAc-modified proteins from HeLa cells, among which 23 were confirmed using reciprocal immunoprecipitation. Functional classification shows that proteins with diverse functions are modified by O-GlcNAc, implying that O-GlcNAc might be involved in the regulation of multiple cellular pathways.

Acetylglucosamine↗