Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) play key roles in regulating a multitude of cellular events. The methylated arginine residue itself serves to alter protein-protein interactions or enzymatic activities that are essential to specific signaling pathways. In addition, arginine methylation plays an important role in the regulation of proteins by either preventing or promoting the posttranslational modification of other neighboring residues. In addition to being involved in crosstalk with acetylation and ubiquitination, arginine methylation can affect phosphorylation. Regardless of the type of methylation mark (ADMA, SDMA or ?-MMA), the mechanism by which methylated arginines influence neighboring phosphorylated residues is unknown. In the case of the histone H3 tail, the addition of a phosphate group to serine-10 forms a salt bridge with arginine-8. The objective of this application is to explore the crosstalk between arginine-8 methylation and serine-10 phosphorylation in histone H3 whereby one modification alters the other. To accomplish this work, we will use both in vitro and in vivo methylation and phosphorylation assays. This work will elucidate the role of arginine methylation on phosphorylation, which is essential for understanding cellular biochemistry and physiological function.

Public Health Relevance

Our goal is to investigate the role of arginine-8 methylation on serine-10 phosphorylation in histone H3. Histone proteins act as spools for DNA, influencing DNA function, particularly gene expression. Inappropriate gene expression causes a large number of diseases including cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Pilot Research Project (SC2)
Project #
5SC2GM118202-02
Application #
9244814
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZGM1-RCB-6 (S1))
Program Officer
Carter, Anthony D
Project Start
2016-03-16
Project End
2019-02-28
Budget Start
2017-03-01
Budget End
2018-02-28
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$131,400
Indirect Cost
$41,400
Name
California State University Los Angeles
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
066697590
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90032