Molecular perspectives on protein adenylylation

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Proteins undergo post-translational modifications (PTMs) to diversify functions.
• Adenylylation, attaching adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to threonine or tyrosine residues, is a key PTM.
• Bacterial pathogens manipulate host proteins via AMP attachment during infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role and regulation of enzymatic adenylylation.
• To summarize catalytic mechanisms and detection methods for adenylylated proteins.
• To discuss inhibition strategies and related PTMs like phosphocholination and phosphorylation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on adenylylation.
• Discussion of detection techniques including modification-specific antibodies, chemical-handle ATP analogues, and mass spectrometry.
• Overview of screening approaches for adenylylation inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Enyzmatic adenylylation plays a significant role in cellular processes and pathogen interactions.
• Various methods are available for detecting adenylylated proteins, aiding research.
• Inhibition of adenylylation is a potential therapeutic strategy.

Conclusions:

• Adenylylation is a crucial post-translational modification with implications in host-pathogen interactions.
• Advances in detection technologies facilitate the study of adenylylation.
• Targeting adenylylation pathways offers potential for therapeutic intervention.