Insights into the post-translational methylation of arginine from studies of guanidinium-water nanodroplets.
Highly solvated methylated guanidinium ions ([Me nGuan(H2O)m](+); n=0-4 and 6; m=1->50), which model the various post-translationally methylated states of arginine, were generated in the electrospray ionization (ESI) source of an unmodified commercial tandem mass spectrometer. The dehydration processes of highly solvated [Me nGuan(H2O)21](+) ions were monitored by using energy-dependent ESI MS. These data, together with supporting calculations, provide a detailed picture of the interplay of methylation and hydration, and both the calculations and the experimental evidence suggest a specific structural basis for the observed effects. The ramifications for biochemical binding events that are controlled by the post-translational methylation of arginine to give dimethylarginines are discussed.
McQuinn
Keri
K
Department of Chemistry, The University of Victoria, PO Box 3065, Victoria, BC, Canada.
McIndoe
J Scott
JS
Hof
Fraser
F
D001120:Arginine / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D005740:Gases / Q000737:chemistry; D019791:Guanidine / Q000737:chemistry*; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D008745:Methylation; D008956:Models, Chemical; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D005740:Gases; D014867:Water; D001120:Arginine; D019791:Guanidine