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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Synthesizing Amino Acids Modified with Reactive Carbonyls in Silico to Assess Structural Effects Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Published on: April 26, 2024
Site-specific protein adducts of 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal in human THP-1 monocytic cells: protein carbonylation is
Juan Chavez1, Woon-Gye Chung, Cristobal L Miranda
1Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
Abstract:
The protein targets and sites of modification by 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE) in human monocytic THP-1 cells after exogenous exposure to HNE were examined using a multipronged proteomic approach involving electrophoretic, immunoblotting, and mass spectrometric methods. Immunoblot analysis using monoclonal anti-HNE antibodies showed several proteins as targets of HNE adduction. Pretreatment of THP-1 cells with ascorbic acid resulted in reduced levels of HNE-protein adducts. Biotinylation of Michael-type HNE adducts using an aldehyde-reactive hydroxylamine-functionalized probe (aldehyde-reactive probe, ARP) and subsequent enrichment facilitated the identification and site-specific assignment of the modifications by LC-MS/MS analysis. Sixteen proteins were unequivocally identified as targets of HNE adduction, and eighteen sites of HNE modification at Cys and His residues were assigned. HNE exposure of THP-1 cells resulted in the modification of proteins involved in cytoskeleton organization and regulation, proteins associated with stress responses, and enzymes of the glycolytic and other metabolic pathways. This study yielded the first evidence of site-specific adduction of HNE to Cys-295 in tubulin alpha-1B chain, Cys-351 and Cys-499 in alpha-actinin-4, Cys-328 in vimentin, Cys-369 in D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, and His-246 in aldolase A.
Insights
This study identified specific proteins and amino acid sites modified by 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE) in human cells. Ascorbic acid reduced these HNE-protein adducts, highlighting potential therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Proteomics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE) is a reactive aldehyde implicated in cellular damage.
- Understanding HNE's protein targets is crucial for elucidating its role in disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific protein targets and modification sites of HNE in human monocytic THP-1 cells.
- To investigate the protective effect of ascorbic acid against HNE-induced protein modification.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multipronged proteomic approach including electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
- Employed biotinylation with an aldehyde-reactive probe (ARP) for enrichment and identification of HNE-protein adducts.
- Analyzed modifications at the site-specific level for identified proteins.
Main Results:
- Identified 16 proteins as targets of HNE adduction.
- Assigned 18 specific modification sites, primarily at Cysteine (Cys) and Histidine (His) residues.
- Observed HNE modification of proteins involved in cytoskeleton, stress response, and metabolic pathways, including novel site-specific adducts.
Conclusions:
- Provides the first evidence of site-specific HNE adduction to key proteins like tubulin, alpha-actinin-4, vimentin, D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, and aldolase A.
- Demonstrates that ascorbic acid can reduce HNE-protein adduct formation.
- Advances the understanding of HNE-mediated cellular damage and potential mitigation strategies.
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