peptidyl-arginine methylation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The addition of a methyl group to an arginine residue in a protein. [GOC:mah]

Peptidyl-arginine methylation is a post-translational modification (PTM) that involves the addition of a methyl group to the guanidino nitrogen atom of arginine residues within proteins. This process is catalyzed by a family of enzymes known as protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs).

There are several types of PRMTs, each exhibiting distinct substrate specificity and methylation patterns. Some PRMTs, like PRMT1, predominantly catalyze monomethylation (MMA), while others, like PRMT5, prefer to generate symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).

The biological roles of peptidyl-arginine methylation are extensive and diverse. This modification can:

* **Influence protein-protein interactions:** Methylation can create or disrupt binding sites for other proteins, altering protein complex formation and signaling pathways.
* **Regulate protein stability:** Methylation can affect protein turnover by influencing interactions with proteasomal degradation machinery.
* **Alter protein localization:** Methylation can mediate protein translocation to specific cellular compartments, influencing their functions.
* **Modulate enzymatic activity:** Methylation can directly activate or inhibit the catalytic activity of enzymes.

Peptidyl-arginine methylation is implicated in a broad range of cellular processes, including:

* **Gene transcription:** Methylation of histones, the proteins around which DNA is wrapped, can influence chromatin structure and regulate gene expression.
* **Signal transduction:** Methylation of signaling proteins can modulate downstream signaling pathways, influencing cellular responses to external stimuli.
* **RNA processing:** Methylation of RNA-binding proteins can affect RNA stability, splicing, and translation.
* **Cellular proliferation and differentiation:** Methylation plays roles in cell cycle control and differentiation by influencing the activity of key regulatory proteins.
* **Immune responses:** Methylation of immune signaling proteins can modulate the immune response.

Aberrant peptidyl-arginine methylation has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and autoimmune diseases. This highlights the critical importance of this PTM in maintaining cellular homeostasis and health.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (22)