Chlorpyrifos Oxon Activates Glutamate and Lysine for Protein Cross-linking

Chem Res Toxicol. 2023 Jan 16;36(1):112-121. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00333. Epub 2023 Jan 4.

Abstract

Chronic low-dose exposure to organophosphorus (OP) toxicants is correlated with an increase in the risk of impaired cognition and neurodegenerative diseases. A mechanism to explain this relationship is needed. We suggest that the formation of organophosphate-induced high-molecular-weight protein aggregates that disrupt cell function may be the missing link. It has been demonstrated that such aggregation can be promoted by OP-labeled lysine. Alternatively, OP-labeled glutamate may be the initiator. To test this hypothesis, we treated MAP-rich tubulin Sus scrofa and human transglutaminase with chlorpyrifos oxon. Trypsin-digested proteins were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry followed by Protein Prospector searches to identify diethyl phosphate adducts and cross-linked peptides. We report the presence of diethyl phosphate adducts on the side chains of glutamate, lysine, and tyrosine, as well as cross-links between glutamate and lysine. Glutamate-lysine cross-linking could be initiated either by diethyl phosphate-activated glutamate or by diethyl phosphate-activated lysine to form stable isopeptide bonds between and within proteins. It was concluded that organophosphate-induced high-molecular-weight protein aggregates could promote brain dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chlorpyrifos* / chemistry
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Humans
  • Lysine* / chemistry
  • Protein Aggregates
  • Proteins / chemistry

Substances

  • O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphate
  • diethyl phosphate
  • Lysine
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Protein Aggregates
  • Proteins
  • Chlorpyrifos