A novel strategy for global mapping of O-GlcNAc proteins and peptides using selective enzymatic deglycosylation, HILIC enrichment and mass spectrometry identification

RAD18 O-GlcNAcylation promotes translesion DNA synthesis and homologous recombination repair

RAD18, an important ubiquitin E3 ligase, plays a dual role in translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) and homologous recombination (HR) repair. However, whether and how the regulatory mechanism of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification governing RAD18 and its function during these processes remains unknown. Here, we report that human RAD18, can undergo O-GlcNAcylation at Ser130/Ser164/Thr468, which is important for optimal RAD18 accumulation at DNA damage sites. Mechanistically, abrogation of RAD18 O-GlcNAcylation limits CDC7-dependent RAD18 Ser434 phosphorylation, which in turn significantly reduces damage-induced PCNA monoubiquitination, impairs Polη focus formation and enhances UV sensitivity. Moreover, the ubiquitin and RAD51C binding ability of RAD18 at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is O-GlcNAcylation-dependent. O-GlcNAcylated RAD18 promotes the binding of RAD51 to damaged DNA during HR and decreases CPT hypersensitivity. Our findings demonstrate a novel role of RAD18 O-GlcNAcylation in TLS and HR regulation, establishing a new rationale to improve chemotherapeutic treatment.

Cancer: Phosphodiesterase type 4C (PDE4C), the forgotten subfamily as a therapeutic target

Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) enzymes specifically hydrolyse cAMP in many cell signalling systems that are transduced by hormones and other primary messengers. The physiological function of the four PDE4 subfamilies (A, B, C and D) are numerous and varied due to the differentially localised plethora of isoforms that can be detected in cardiovascular, CNS and immune systems. Of the four subfamilies, least is known about PDE4C probably due to its restricted distribution pattern, scarcity of selective inhibitors and the lack of developed research tools. Here, for the first time, we chart the discovery of PDE4C, describe its regulation and highlight cancers where future development of PDE4C selective small molecules may have potential.

Simultaneous enrichment optimization of glycopeptides and phosphopeptides with the highly hydrophilic DZMOF-FDP

Protein glycosylation and phosphorylation play essential roles in biological systems. The crosstalk of both glycosylation and phosphorylation on one protein represents an unveiled biological function. To realize the analyses of both glycopeptides and phosphopeptides, a simultaneous enrichment method of N-glycopeptides, mono-phosphopeptides and multi-phosphopeptides was developed based on a multi-functional dual-metal centered zirconium metal-organic framework that provided multiple interactions for HILIC, IMAC, and MOAC for glycopeptides and phosphopeptides. Based on a careful optimization of sample loading and elution conditions for the simultaneous enrichment of glycopeptides and phosphopeptides with the zirconium metal-organic framework, a total of 1011 N-glycopeptides derived from 410 glycoproteins and 1996 phosphopeptides including 741 multi-phosphopeptides derived from 1189 phosphoproteins could be identified from a HeLa cell digest. The simultaneous enrichment approach for glycopeptides and mono-/multi-phosphopeptides demonstrates the great potential of the combined interactions for HILIC, IMAC, and MOAC in integrated post-translational modification proteomics research.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2017-2018

This review is the tenth update of the original article published in 1999 on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2018. Also included are papers that describe methods appropriate to glycan and glycoprotein analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation techniques, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. Topics covered in the first part of the review include general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, new methods, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation and the use of arrays. The second part of the review is devoted to applications to various structural types such as oligo- and poly-saccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides, and biopharmaceuticals. Most of the applications are presented in tabular form. The third part of the review covers medical and industrial applications of the technique, studies of enzyme reactions, and applications to chemical synthesis. The reported work shows increasing use of combined new techniques such as ion mobility and highlights the impact that MALDI imaging is having across a range of diciplines. MALDI is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis and advancements in the technique and the range of applications continue steady progress.

Recent development of analytical methods for disease-specific protein O-GlcNAcylation

The enzymatic modification of protein serine or threonine residues by N-acetylglucosamine, namely O-GlcNAcylation, is a ubiquitous post-translational modification that frequently occurs in the nucleus and cytoplasm. O-GlcNAcylation is dynamically regulated by two enzymes, O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase, and regulates nearly all cellular processes in epigenetics, transcription, translation, cell division, metabolism, signal transduction and stress. Aberrant O-GlcNAcylation has been shown in a variety of diseases, including diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Deciphering O-GlcNAcylation remains a challenge due to its low abundance, low stoichiometry and extreme lability in most tandem mass spectrometry. Separation or enrichment of O-GlcNAc proteins or peptides from complex mixtures has been of great interest because quantitative analysis of protein O-GlcNAcylation can elucidate their functions and regulatory mechanisms in disease. However, valid and specific analytical methods are still lacking, and efforts are needed to further advance this direction. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in various analytical methods, focusing on chemical oxidation, affinity of antibodies and lectins, hydrophilic interaction, and enzymatic addition of monosaccharides in conjugation with these methods. O-GlcNAcylation quantification has been described in detail using mass-spectrometric or non-mass-spectrometric techniques. We briefly summarized dysregulated changes in O-GlcNAcylation in disease.

Design and Preparation of Novel Nitro-Oxide-Grafted Nanospheres with Enhanced Hydrogen Bonding Interaction for O-GlcNAc Analysis

As an essential modification, O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modulates the functions of many proteins. However, site-specific characterization of O-GlcNAcylated proteins remains challenging. Herein, an innovative material grafted with nitro-oxide (N→O) groups was designed for high affinity enrichment for O-GlcNAc peptides from native proteins. By testing with synthetic O-GlcNAc peptides and standard proteins, the synthesized material exhibited high affinity and selectivity. Based on the material prepared, we developed a workflow for site-specific analysis of O-GlcNAcylated proteins in complex samples. We performed O-GlcNAc proteomics with the PANC-1 cell line, a representative model for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In total 364 O-GlcNAc peptides from 267 proteins were identified from PANC-1 cells. Among them, 183 proteins were newly found to be O-GlcNAcylated in humans (with 197 O-GlcNAc sites newly reported). The materials and methods can be facilely applied for site-specific O-GlcNAc proteomics in other complex samples.

Nutrient-sensitive protein O-GlcNAcylation shapes daily biological rhythms

O-linked-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is a nutrient-sensitive protein modification that alters the structure and function of a wide range of proteins involved in diverse cellular processes. Similar to phosphorylation, another protein modification that targets serine and threonine residues, O-GlcNAcylation occupancy on cellular proteins exhibits daily rhythmicity and has been shown to play critical roles in regulating daily rhythms in biology by modifying circadian clock proteins and downstream effectors. We recently reported that daily rhythm in global O-GlcNAcylation observed in Drosophila tissues is regulated via the integration of circadian and metabolic signals. Significantly, mistimed feeding, which disrupts coordination of these signals, is sufficient to dampen daily O-GlcNAcylation rhythm and is predicted to negatively impact animal biological rhythms and health span. In this review, we provide an overview of published and potential mechanisms by which metabolic and circadian signals regulate hexosamine biosynthetic pathway metabolites and enzymes, as well as O-GlcNAc processing enzymes to shape daily O-GlcNAcylation rhythms. We also discuss the significance of functional interactions between O-GlcNAcylation and other post-translational modifications in regulating biological rhythms. Finally, we highlight organ/tissue-specific cellular processes and molecular pathways that could be modulated by rhythmic O-GlcNAcylation to regulate time-of-day-specific biology.

An overview of tools to decipher O-GlcNAcylation from historical approaches to new insights

O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification which affects approximately 5000 human proteins. Its involvement has been shown in many if not all biological processes. Variations in O-GlcNAcylation levels can be associated with the development of diseases. Deciphering the role of O-GlcNAcylation is an important issue to (i) understand its involvement in pathophysiological development and (ii) develop new therapeutic strategies to modulate O-GlcNAc levels. Over the past 30 years, despite the development of several approaches, knowledge of its role and regulation have remained limited. This review proposes an overview of the currently available tools to study O-GlcNAcylation and identify O-GlcNAcylated proteins. Briefly, we discuss pharmacological modulators, methods to study O-GlcNAcylation levels and approaches for O-GlcNAcylomic profiling. This review aims to contribute to a better understanding of the methods used to study O-GlcNAcylation and to promote efforts in the development of new strategies to explore this promising modification.

Oxonium Ion Guided Analysis of Quantitative Proteomics Data Reveals Site-Specific O-Glycosylation of Anterior Gradient Protein 2 (AGR2)

Developments in mass spectrometry (MS)-based analyses of glycoproteins have been important to study changes in glycosylation related to disease. Recently, the characteristic pattern of oxonium ions in glycopeptide fragmentation spectra had been used to assign different sets of glycopeptides. In particular, this was helpful to discriminate between O-GalNAc and O-GlcNAc. Here, we thought to investigate how such information can be used to examine quantitative proteomics data. For this purpose, we used tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled samples from total cell lysates and secreted proteins from three different colorectal cancer cell lines. Following automated glycopeptide assignment (Byonic) and evaluation of the presence and relative intensity of oxonium ions, we observed that, in particular, the ratio of the ions at m/z 144.066 and 138.055, respectively, could be used to discriminate between O-GlcNAcylated and O-GalNAcylated peptides, with concomitant relative quantification between the different cell lines. Among the O-GalNAcylated proteins, we also observed anterior gradient protein 2 (AGR2), a protein which glycosylation site and status was hitherto not well documented. Using a combination of multiple fragmentation methods, we then not only assigned the site of modification, but also showed different glycosylation between intracellular (ER-resident) and secreted AGR2. Overall, our study shows the potential of broad application of the use of the relative intensities of oxonium ions for the confident assignment of glycopeptides, even in complex proteomics datasets.

A Pragmatic Guide to Enrichment Strategies for Mass Spectrometry-Based Glycoproteomics

Glycosylation is a prevalent, yet heterogeneous modification with a broad range of implications in molecular biology. This heterogeneity precludes enrichment strategies that can be universally beneficial for all glycan classes. Thus, choice of enrichment strategy has profound implications on experimental outcomes. Here we review common enrichment strategies used in modern mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomic experiments, including lectins and other affinity chromatographies, hydrophilic interaction chromatography and its derivatives, porous graphitic carbon, reversible and irreversible chemical coupling strategies, and chemical biology tools that often leverage bioorthogonal handles. Interest in glycoproteomics continues to surge as mass spectrometry instrumentation and software improve, so this review aims to help equip researchers with the necessary information to choose appropriate enrichment strategies that best complement these efforts.

Integrated Strategy for Large-Scale Investigation on Protein Core Fucosylation Stoichiometry Based on Glycan-Simplification and Paired-Peaks-Extraction

Core fucosylation (CF) is a special form of N-glycosylation and plays an important role in pathological and biological processes. Increasing efforts in this area are focused on the identification of CF glycosites, whereas evidence showed that the stoichiometry of CF occupancy is functionally important. Here, an integrated strategy based on "Glycan-Simplification and Paired-Peaks-extraction" (GSPPE) for detecting large-scale stoichiometries of CF was developed. After HILIC enrichment of intact glycopeptides, sequential cleavages by endoglycosidases H and endoglycosidases F3 were performed to generate simplified glycopeptide forms (SGFs), i.e., peptide-GlcNAc (pep-HN) and peptide-GlcNAc-Fucose (pep-CF). These paired SGFs were found to be eluted consecutively on a reversed-phase chromatography column, which allowed us to obtain peak areas of SGF pairs, even if only one of the peaks was captured by the mass spectrometer (MS), by introducing the Paired-Peaks-Extraction algorithm. Thus, the missing value dilemma of random data-dependent MS/MS acquisition was reduced and the stoichiometry of site-specific CF could be calculated. We systematically evaluated the feasibility of this strategy using standard glycoproteins and then explored urinary samples from healthy individuals and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. In total, 1449 highly reliable core fucose glycosites and their corresponding CF stoichiometries were obtained. Dozens of glycosites that differed significantly in the urine of healthy individuals and HCC patients were disclosed. The developed approach and program presented here may promote studies on core fucosylation and lead to a deeper understanding of their dysregulation in physiological- or pathological processes.

Enrichments of post-translational modifications in proteomic studies

More than 300 different protein post-translational modifications are currently known, but only a few have been extensively investigated because modified proteoforms are commonly present in sub-stoichiometry amount. For this reason, improvement of specific enrichment techniques is particularly useful for the proteomic characterization of post-translationally modified proteins. Enrichment proteomic strategies could help the researcher in the challenging issue to decipher the complex molecular cross-talk existing between the different factors influencing the cellular pathways. In this review the state of art of the platforms applied for the enrichment of specific and most common post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation and glycation, phosphorylation, sulfation, redox modifications (i.e. sulfydration and nitrosylation), methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitinylation, are described. Enrichments strategies applied to characterize less studied post-translational modifications are also briefly discussed.

Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS)-based glycoproteomics in complex biological samples

Protein glycosylation plays a key role in various biological processes and disease-related pathological progression. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based glycoproteomics is a powerful approach that provides a system-wide profiling of the glycoproteome in a high-throughput manner. There have been numerous significant technological advances in this field, including improved glycopeptide enrichment, hybrid fragmentation techniques, emerging specialized software packages, and effective quantitation strategies, as well as more dedicated workflows. With increasingly sophisticated glycoproteomics tools on hand, researchers have extensively adapted this approach to explore different biological systems both in terms of in-depth glycoproteome profiling and comparative glycoproteome analysis. Quantitative glycoproteomics enables researchers to discover novel glycosylation-based biomarkers in various diseases with potential to offer better sensitivity and specificity for disease diagnosis. In this review, we present recent methodological developments in MS-based glycoproteomics and highlight its utility and applications in answering various questions in complex biological systems.

Chemoenzymatic Approach for the Proteomics Analysis of Mucin-Type Core-1 O-Glycosylation in Human Serum

Human serum is a complex body fluid that contains various N-linked and O-linked glycoproteins. Compared with N-linked glycoproteins, the serum O-linked glycoproteins are not well-studied due to their high heterogeneity and their low abundance. Herein, we presented a novel chemoenzymatic method to analyze core-1 type of O-GalNAcylation in human serum. In this approach, the tryptic digest of serum was first subjected to PNGase F treatment to release the N-glycan and was then treated with strong acid to release sialic acid residues from mucin-type O-glycans. In this way, the internal Gal/GalNAc residues were exposed and were oxidized by the galactose oxidase to carry the aldehyde groups. The oxidized O-GalNAcylated peptides were then captured by hydrazide beads and eluted with methoxylamine for LC-MS/MS analysis. The de-N-deglycosylation decreased the abundance of N-glycopeptides, the desialylation simplified the O-glycans and the enzymatic oxidization conferred the enrichment specificity. We have demonstrated that this method was fitted to analyze O-GalNAcylated peptides with high confidence. This method was applied to analyze human serum, which resulted in the identification of 59 O-GalNAc modified peptide sequences corresponding to 38 glycoproteins from 50 μL of serum. This method is expected to have broad applications in the analysis of O-glycoproteome.

Recent advances in methods for the analysis of protein o-glycosylation at proteome level

O-Glycosylation, which refers to the glycosylation of the hydroxyl group of side chains of Serine/Threonine/Tyrosine residues, is one of the most common post-translational modifications. Compared with N-linked glycosylation, O-glycosylation is less explored because of its complex structure and relatively low abundance. Recently, O-glycosylation has drawn more and more attention for its various functions in many sophisticated biological processes. To obtain a deep understanding of O-glycosylation, many efforts have been devoted to develop effective strategies to analyze the two most abundant types of O-glycosylation, i.e. O-N-acetylgalactosamine and O-N-acetylglucosamine glycosylation. In this review, we summarize the proteomics workflows to analyze these two types of O-glycosylation. For the large-scale analysis of mucin-type glycosylation, the glycan simplification strategies including the ''SimpleCell'' technology were introduced. A variety of enrichment methods including lectin affinity chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, hydrazide chemistry, and chemoenzymatic method were introduced for the proteomics analysis of O-N-acetylgalactosamine and O-N-acetylglucosamine glycosylation.