Improving mass spectrometry analysis of protein structures with arginine-selective chemical cross-linkers

Nat Commun. 2019 Sep 2;10(1):3911. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11917-z.

Abstract

Chemical cross-linking of proteins coupled with mass spectrometry analysis (CXMS) is widely used to study protein-protein interactions (PPI), protein structures, and even protein dynamics. However, structural information provided by CXMS is still limited, partly because most CXMS experiments use lysine-lysine (K-K) cross-linkers. Although superb in selectivity and reactivity, they are ineffective for lysine deficient regions. Herein, we develop aromatic glyoxal cross-linkers (ArGOs) for arginine-arginine (R-R) cross-linking and the lysine-arginine (K-R) cross-linker KArGO. The R-R or K-R cross-links generated by ArGO or KArGO fit well with protein crystal structures and provide information not attainable by K-K cross-links. KArGO, in particular, is highly valuable for CXMS, with robust performance on a variety of samples including a kinase and two multi-protein complexes. In the case of the CNGP complex, KArGO cross-links covered as much of the PPI interface as R-R and K-K cross-links combined and improved the accuracy of Rosetta docking substantially.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Arginine / chemistry*
  • Arginine / metabolism
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry*
  • Lysine / chemistry*
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Interaction Maps
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Peptides
  • Proteins
  • Arginine
  • Lysine