Comprehensive analysis of posttranslational protein modifications in aging of subcellular compartments

Sci Rep. 2020 May 5;10(1):7596. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64265-0.

Abstract

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic posttranslational protein modifications by oxidation, glycation and acylation are key regulatory mechanisms in hallmarks of aging like inflammation, altered epigenetics and decline in proteostasis. In this study a mouse cohort was used to monitor changes of posttranslational modifications in the aging process. A protocol for the extraction of histones, cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins from mouse liver was developed and validated. In total, 6 lysine acylation structures, 7 advanced glycation endproducts, 6 oxidative stress markers, and citrullination were quantitated in proteins of subcellular compartments using HPLC-MS/MS. Methionine sulfoxide, acetylation, formylation, and citrullination were the most abundant modifications. Histone proteins were extraordinary high modified and non-enzymatic modifications accumulated in all subcellular compartments during the aging process. Compared to acetylation of histone proteins which gave between 350 and 305 µmol/mol leucine equivalents in young and old animals, modifications like acylation, glycation, and citrullination raised to 43%, 20%, and 18% of acetylation, respectively. On the other hand there was an age related increase of selected oxidative stress markers by up to 150%. The data and patterns measured in this study are mandatory for further studies and will strongly facilitate understanding of the molecular mechanisms in aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Cellular Senescence*
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Citrullination
  • Glycosylation
  • Intracellular Space
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Organelles / genetics
  • Organelles / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Subcellular Fractions