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Updated: Nov 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Quantitative Detection of DNA Protein Crosslinks and Their Post-Translational Modifications
Published on: April 21, 2023
PARP10 Multi-Site Auto- and Histone MARylation Visualized by Acid-Urea Gel Electrophoresis
Antonio Ginés García-Saura1, Herwig Schüler1,2
1Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14157 Huddinge, Sweden.
Abstract:
Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)-family ADP-ribosyltransferases function in various signaling pathways, predominantly in the nucleus and cytosol. Although PARP inhibitors are in clinical practice for cancer therapy, the enzymatic activities of individual PARP family members are yet insufficiently understood. We studied PARP10, a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase and potential drug target. Using acid-urea gel electrophoresis, we found that the isolated catalytic domain of PARP10 auto-ADP-ribosylates (MARylates) at eight or more acceptor residues. We isolated individual species with either singular or several modifications and then analyzed them by mass spectrometry. The results confirmed multi-site MARylation in a random order and identified four acceptor residues. The mutagenesis of singular acceptor residues had a minor impact on the overall auto-MARylation level and no effect on the MARylation of histone H3.1. Together, our results suggest that PARP10 automodification may have functions in the regulation of intramolecular or partner binding events, rather than of its enzymatic catalysis. This contributes to a better understanding of PARP10 functions, and, in the long run, to gauging the consequences of PARP inhibitor actions.
Insights
Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 10 (PARP10) auto-modifies at multiple sites, suggesting roles in regulating protein interactions rather than direct enzymatic catalysis. This finding aids understanding of PARP10 function and PARP inhibitor effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) family members are crucial in cellular signaling.
- PARP inhibitors are used in cancer therapy, but individual PARP functions require further elucidation.
- PARP10, a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase, is a potential therapeutic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the auto-ADP-ribosylation (auto-MARylation) of PARP10.
- To identify acceptor residues and understand the regulation of PARP10 enzymatic activity.
- To explore the functional implications of PARP10 auto-modification.
Main Methods:
- Acid-urea gel electrophoresis to study auto-MARylation.
- Mass spectrometry to identify modified residues.
- Site-directed mutagenesis to assess the impact of specific modifications.
Main Results:
- The catalytic domain of PARP10 undergoes multi-site auto-MARylation at eight or more residues.
- Four specific acceptor residues were identified.
- Mutating single acceptor sites had minimal effect on overall auto-MARylation and no effect on histone H3.1 MARylation.
Conclusions:
- PARP10 auto-modification likely regulates intramolecular or partner binding events, not its catalytic activity.
- This research enhances the understanding of PARP10's biological roles.
- Findings may inform the broader implications of PARP inhibitor therapies.

