Post-Translational Modifications
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What are Post-Translational Modifications?
Post-translational Modifications are exactly what they sound like: modifications made to the protein after it has been translated from the mRNA sequence. These modifications can include addition of functional groups and changes in protein folding [1]. Alterations in post-translational modifications can lead to misfolded proteins and cause disease. The most common functional group addition is phosphorylation.
Post-translational Modifications are exactly what they sound like: modifications made to the protein after it has been translated from the mRNA sequence. These modifications can include addition of functional groups and changes in protein folding [1]. Alterations in post-translational modifications can lead to misfolded proteins and cause disease. The most common functional group addition is phosphorylation.
G6PD Phosphorylation
Post-translational modifications can be determined using databases such as NetPhos. NetPhos predicts the amino acid sites on your protein of interest that are most likely to be phosphorylated. Below, Figure 1 shows the sites on G6PD that are most likely to be phosphorylated in humans and zebrafish. Most commonly occurring on threonine, serine and tyrosine residues, phosphorylation plays critical roles in the regulation of many cellular processes including: cell cycle, growth, apoptosis and differentiation [2].
Post-translational modifications can be determined using databases such as NetPhos. NetPhos predicts the amino acid sites on your protein of interest that are most likely to be phosphorylated. Below, Figure 1 shows the sites on G6PD that are most likely to be phosphorylated in humans and zebrafish. Most commonly occurring on threonine, serine and tyrosine residues, phosphorylation plays critical roles in the regulation of many cellular processes including: cell cycle, growth, apoptosis and differentiation [2].
Discussion
There seems to be similarity between human and zebrafish model organism G6PD phosphorylation. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these sites have not been confirmed to be phosphorylated. What is shown is merely a prediction based on current research. For my study, I am more interested in the methylated sites. Unlike phosphorylation, DNA methylation is a post-transcriptional modification, not a post-translational modification.
There seems to be similarity between human and zebrafish model organism G6PD phosphorylation. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these sites have not been confirmed to be phosphorylated. What is shown is merely a prediction based on current research. For my study, I am more interested in the methylated sites. Unlike phosphorylation, DNA methylation is a post-transcriptional modification, not a post-translational modification.
References
[1] Nature. (2015). "Post-Translational Modifications". Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/subjects/post-translational-modifications
[2]. Sigma Aldrich. (2018). Post Translational Modifications". Retrieved from https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/proteomics/post-translational-analysis/phosphorylation/post-translational-modification.html
Figures
Header: "Yue Chen| College of Biological Sciences." Retrieved from https://cbs.umn.edu/contacts/yue-chen
Figure 1. Rockland Antibodies and Assays. "PTM Antibodies." Retrieved from https://rockland-inc.com/post-translational-modification-antibodies.aspx
[1] Nature. (2015). "Post-Translational Modifications". Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/subjects/post-translational-modifications
[2]. Sigma Aldrich. (2018). Post Translational Modifications". Retrieved from https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/proteomics/post-translational-analysis/phosphorylation/post-translational-modification.html
Figures
Header: "Yue Chen| College of Biological Sciences." Retrieved from https://cbs.umn.edu/contacts/yue-chen
Figure 1. Rockland Antibodies and Assays. "PTM Antibodies." Retrieved from https://rockland-inc.com/post-translational-modification-antibodies.aspx