GO:0072570 ADP-D-ribose binding: Mechanism, Genes and Research Methods

Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals

Key Takeaways

GO:0072570 (ADP-D-ribose binding) is a molecular function defined as binding to ADP-D-ribose, an ADP-aldose having ribose as the aldose fragment.
ADP-D-ribose is a metabolite generated by NAD+ hydrolysis and by ADP-ribosyltransferase and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activities, and it can act as a signaling molecule.
Proteins that bind ADP-D-ribose include enzymes, transporters, and regulatory factors, and this binding can influence their activity, localization, or stability.
The term is distinct from ADP-ribosylation (a covalent modification) and from binding to other nucleotides such as ATP or NAD+.
Dysregulation of ADP-D-ribose metabolism and binding has been linked to cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders.
CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models are key tools for dissecting the causal roles of ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins.

Description

ADP-D-ribose binding (GO:0072570) is a molecular function that describes the non-covalent interaction of a protein or other macromolecule with ADP-D-ribose, an ADP-aldose having ribose as the aldose fragment. ADP-D-ribose is a product of NAD+ cleavage and a substrate for further modifications, and its binding can modulate protein function, localization, or interactions. This term is part of the Gene Ontology molecular_function aspect and is often used to annotate proteins that sense or respond to ADP-D-ribose levels. Understanding ADP-D-ribose binding is important because it connects cellular metabolism to signaling and stress responses, and it is relevant to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Researchers studying this function need reliable experimental models to test whether candidate genes are causally involved in ADP-D-ribose-dependent processes.

ADP-D-ribose binding At A Glance

GO ID GO:0072570
GO term ADP-D-ribose binding
Ontology molecular_function
Synonym ADP-ribose binding
Definition Binding to ADP-D-ribose, an ADP-aldose having ribose as the aldose fragment.
Major function Non-covalent interaction with ADP-D-ribose, influencing protein activity or interactions.
Related processes NAD+ metabolism, ADP-ribosylation, cellular stress responses.
Example proteins ADP-ribosyltransferases, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases, ADP-ribose hydrolases.

What Is GO:0072570?

In simple terms, ADP-D-ribose binding means a protein physically attaches to ADP-D-ribose without permanently modifying it. The official Gene Ontology definition states: Binding to ADP-D-ribose, an ADP-aldose having ribose as the aldose fragment. This function is distinct from enzymatic ADP-ribosylation, where ADP-ribose is covalently transferred to a target. Proteins annotated with GO:0072570 may bind free ADP-D-ribose or ADP-D-ribose moieties within larger molecules, and this interaction can regulate their activity or interactions.

Why Is ADP-D-ribose binding Important in Cell Biology?

ADP-D-ribose binding is important because ADP-D-ribose is a central metabolite in NAD+ catabolism and a signaling molecule that can affect protein function, DNA repair, and cell survival. Proteins that bind ADP-D-ribose are involved in diverse processes, including calcium signaling, immune responses, and neuronal function, and their dysregulation has been implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. Studying this function helps researchers understand how cells sense and respond to changes in NAD+ metabolism and how these responses can be targeted therapeutically.
ADP-D-ribose is a product of NAD+ hydrolysis and a substrate for ADP-ribosylation, linking metabolism to signaling.
Binding of ADP-D-ribose can regulate enzyme activity, protein-protein interactions, and subcellular localization.
Proteins with ADP-D-ribose binding activity are involved in DNA repair, calcium signaling, and immune responses.
Dysregulation of ADP-D-ribose metabolism is associated with cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic diseases.
ADP-D-ribose binding is distinct from covalent ADP-ribosylation, and both are important for cellular stress responses.
Understanding ADP-D-ribose binding can inform drug discovery targeting NAD+ metabolism and ADP-ribose signaling.
Experimental models such as CRISPR knockouts are essential to establish causal roles of ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins.
ADP-D-ribose binding may influence protein aggregation and neuronal survival in neurodegenerative conditions.

Molecular Mechanism of ADP-D-ribose binding

Recognition of ADP-D-ribose by binding pockets
In simple terms: Proteins have specific pockets that fit ADP-D-ribose like a key in a lock.
ADP-D-ribose binding typically occurs through a binding pocket that recognizes the adenine, ribose, and phosphate moieties of ADP-D-ribose. This non-covalent interaction can be transient or stable and may compete with other nucleotides such as NAD+ or ATP. Structural studies of ADP-ribose-binding proteins have revealed conserved residues that coordinate the ligand, and mutations in these residues can abolish binding.
Conformational changes and functional consequences
In simple terms: When ADP-D-ribose binds, it can change the shape of the protein and turn its activity on or off.
Binding of ADP-D-ribose can induce conformational changes that alter enzymatic activity, protein-protein interactions, or subcellular localization. For example, binding may allosterically regulate enzyme function or promote the assembly of signaling complexes. These effects are often context-dependent and can be modulated by other metabolites or post-translational modifications.
Distinction from covalent ADP-ribosylation
In simple terms: ADP-D-ribose binding is like holding a molecule, while ADP-ribosylation is like gluing it onto a protein.
ADP-D-ribose binding (GO:0072570) is a non-covalent interaction, whereas ADP-ribosylation is a covalent modification catalyzed by ADP-ribosyltransferases. Both processes can regulate protein function, but they are mechanistically distinct and annotated by different GO terms. Some proteins can both bind and transfer ADP-ribose, and their dual roles are an active area of research.
Regulation by cellular ADP-D-ribose levels
In simple terms: The amount of ADP-D-ribose in the cell controls how much binding happens.
Cellular ADP-D-ribose levels are determined by the balance of NAD+ hydrolysis, ADP-ribosyltransferase activity, and ADP-ribose hydrolases. Changes in these activities can alter the occupancy of ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins and downstream signaling. Therefore, ADP-D-ribose binding is dynamically regulated by metabolic and stress signals.

Key Genes Involved in GO:0072570 ADP-D-ribose binding

The following genes encode proteins that have been reported to bind ADP-D-ribose or are closely related to ADP-D-ribose metabolism and signaling.
GeneMajor RoleResearch Relevance
PARP1Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; synthesizes poly(ADP-ribose) from NAD+DNA repair, cancer, ADP-ribose binding domains
PARP2Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase involved in DNA repairCancer, genomic stability
ART1ADP-ribosyltransferase that transfers ADP-ribose to proteinsImmune regulation, cell signaling
ART5ADP-ribosyltransferaseSpermatogenesis, cell adhesion
CD38NAD+ glycohydrolase; generates ADP-D-riboseImmune response, metabolism, aging
BST1ADP-ribosyl cyclase; produces ADP-D-riboseImmune function, bone metabolism
TRPM2Ion channel activated by ADP-D-riboseCalcium signaling, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration
NUDT9ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase; hydrolyzes ADP-D-riboseMetabolic regulation, mitochondrial function
MACROD1ADP-ribose hydrolase; removes ADP-ribose from proteinsDNA repair, cancer
MACROD2ADP-ribose hydrolaseCancer, neurodevelopment
TARG1ADP-ribose hydrolaseNeurodegeneration, DNA damage response
PARGPoly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase; degrades poly(ADP-ribose)DNA repair, cell death
ARH1ADP-ribosylhydrolaseProtein modification, signaling
ARH2ADP-ribosylhydrolaseProtein modification, signaling
ARH3ADP-ribosylhydrolase; removes ADP-ribose from proteinsDNA repair, neurodegeneration
SIRT1NAD+-dependent deacetylase; influenced by NAD+ metabolismMetabolism, aging, stress response
SIRT6NAD+-dependent deacetylase and ADP-ribosyltransferaseDNA repair, metabolism, aging
NMNAT1NAD+ biosynthesis enzymeNeurodegeneration, metabolic disorders

How Is ADP-D-ribose binding Regulated?

ADP-D-ribose binding is regulated by cellular levels of ADP-D-ribose, which are controlled by the balance between NAD+ hydrolysis, ADP-ribosyltransferase activity, and ADP-ribose hydrolases. Stress signals such as DNA damage or oxidative stress can increase ADP-D-ribose production and alter binding to target proteins. Additionally, post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions can modulate the affinity of proteins for ADP-D-ribose.

ADP-D-ribose binding and Human Disease

GeneDisease / BiologyPotential Experimental Model
PARP1Cancer, DNA repair deficiencyKnockout and point mutation models in cancer cell lines
TRPM2Neurodegeneration, oxidative stressKnockout and knock-in models in neurons
ARH3Neurodegenerative disorder with developmental delayKnockout and point mutation models in iPSC-derived neurons
CD38Metabolic and immune disordersOverexpression and knockout models in immune cells
MACROD1Cancer, DNA damage responseKnockout and overexpression models in cancer cells
ADP-D-ribose binding in cancer
Altered ADP-D-ribose metabolism and binding have been implicated in cancer. For example, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) that bind ADP-D-ribose are involved in DNA repair, and their inhibition is a therapeutic strategy in cancers with DNA repair defects. ADP-ribose hydrolases such as MACROD1 and MACROD2 can influence cancer cell survival and are being studied as potential biomarkers.
ADP-D-ribose binding in neurodegeneration
ADP-D-ribose binding proteins such as TRPM2 and ARH3 have been linked to neuronal function and survival. TRPM2 is a calcium-permeable channel activated by ADP-D-ribose, and its dysregulation has been associated with oxidative stress-induced neuronal death. Mutations in ARH3, an ADP-ribose hydrolase, cause a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by developmental delay and seizures.
ADP-D-ribose binding in metabolic and immune disorders
ADP-D-ribose is a product of CD38 and BST1, which are involved in immune responses and metabolism. Changes in ADP-D-ribose levels can affect immune cell function and metabolic homeostasis, and dysregulation has been linked to inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Understanding ADP-D-ribose binding in these contexts may reveal new therapeutic targets.

From ADP-D-ribose binding-Related Genes to Experimental Models

Research QuestionSuitable Model
Does loss of ADP-D-ribose binding affect DNA repair?CRISPR knockout of PARP1 or MACROD1 in cell lines
Does a point mutation in the ADP-D-ribose binding pocket alter channel activity?CRISPR point mutation knock-in of TRPM2 in neurons
Does overexpression of CD38 change cellular ADP-D-ribose levels?CRISPR overexpression of CD38 in immune cells
Does a tagged ADP-D-ribose-binding protein localize differently under stress?Knock-in of a fluorescent tag at the endogenous locus
Does loss of ARH3 cause neurodegeneration?CRISPR knockout of ARH3 in iPSC-derived neurons
Can ADP-D-ribose binding be targeted therapeutically?CRISPR library screening for modifiers of ADP-D-ribose sensitivity

How to Study the ADP-D-ribose binding Process

MethodWhat It MeasuresTypical Application
Isothermal titration calorimetryBinding affinity and stoichiometryValidation of ADP-D-ribose binding to purified proteins
Surface plasmon resonanceReal-time binding kineticsScreening for ADP-D-ribose binders
X-ray crystallographyAtomic structure of binding pocketStructural analysis of ADP-D-ribose complexes
Cryo-electron microscopyStructure of large complexesVisualizing ADP-D-ribose binding in macromolecular assemblies
Fluorescence polarizationBinding affinity in solutionHigh-throughput screening of ADP-D-ribose binders
CRISPR knockout screensGene function in ADP-D-ribose responseIdentifying modifiers of ADP-D-ribose sensitivity
CRISPR activation screensGene overexpression effectsDiscovering regulators of ADP-D-ribose binding
Live-cell imagingSubcellular localization and dynamicsStudying ADP-D-ribose binding under stress
Biochemical binding assays
ADP-D-ribose binding can be measured using biochemical assays such as isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, or fluorescence polarization. These methods provide quantitative measures of binding affinity and specificity. They are often used to validate candidate ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins identified by screening.
Structural biology approaches
X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy can reveal the atomic details of ADP-D-ribose binding pockets and conformational changes. These techniques help identify key residues involved in binding and guide mutagenesis studies.
Cell-based assays
Cellular assays using fluorescently labeled ADP-D-ribose or genetically encoded sensors can monitor ADP-D-ribose levels and binding dynamics in live cells. These approaches are useful for studying how binding is regulated by stress or metabolic signals.
CRISPR screening and functional genomics
CRISPR knockout or activation screens can identify genes that modulate ADP-D-ribose binding or downstream phenotypes. Such screens are powerful for discovering novel regulators and therapeutic targets.

How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:0072570 ADP-D-ribose binding

Knockout

CRISPR knockout of genes encoding ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins can reveal their loss-of-function phenotypes. For example, knocking out PARP1 or MACROD1 can test their roles in DNA repair and cell survival. Knockout models are essential for establishing causality in ADP-D-ribose-dependent processes.

Point Mutation

CRISPR point mutation can introduce specific amino acid changes in ADP-D-ribose binding pockets to dissect the contribution of binding versus other functions. For example, mutating key residues in TRPM2 can test whether ADP-D-ribose binding is required for channel activation.

Knock-in

CRISPR knock-in can add tags or reporters to endogenous ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins to study their localization, interactions, and dynamics in real time. This approach preserves native regulation and is useful for imaging and proteomics.

Overexpression

CRISPR overexpression can increase the levels of ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins to study gain-of-function effects or to amplify signaling pathways. Overexpression models are particularly useful for studying proteins with low endogenous expression.

How EDITGENE Supports ADP-D-ribose binding Research

Researchers studying ADP-D-ribose binding-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in a specific process, such as DNA repair, calcium signaling, or neurodegeneration. CRISPR-based models provide a robust way to test these hypotheses by precisely manipulating the genome.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for ADP-D-ribose binding research.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADP-D-ribose binding

ADP-D-ribose binding is a molecular function (GO:0072570) defined as binding to ADP-D-ribose, an ADP-aldose having ribose as the aldose fragment.
Genes such as PARP1, PARP2, CD38, BST1, TRPM2, NUDT9, MACROD1, MACROD2, and ARH3 encode proteins that bind or metabolize ADP-D-ribose.
The Gene Ontology ID for ADP-D-ribose binding is GO:0072570.
ADP-D-ribose binding is a non-covalent interaction, while ADP-ribosylation is a covalent modification where ADP-ribose is transferred to a target protein.
Dysregulation of ADP-D-ribose binding has been linked to cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders.
Common methods include isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, X-ray crystallography, and CRISPR screens.
Yes, CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models are powerful tools to dissect the roles of ADP-D-ribose-binding proteins.
TRPM2 is an ion channel activated by ADP-D-ribose, and this binding is important for calcium signaling and oxidative stress responses.
CD38 is an enzyme that generates ADP-D-ribose from NAD+, thereby influencing ADP-D-ribose levels and binding to target proteins.
Studying ADP-D-ribose binding helps understand NAD+ metabolism, DNA repair, immune responses, and neurodegeneration, and can inform drug discovery.

Conclusion

ADP-D-ribose binding (GO:0072570) is a key molecular function that connects NAD+ metabolism to diverse cellular processes. Proteins that bind ADP-D-ribose play critical roles in DNA repair, calcium signaling, and immune responses, and their dysregulation is implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. CRISPR-based models are essential for establishing causal relationships and for developing therapeutic strategies targeting ADP-D-ribose signaling.

References

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  3. 3. Horner AJ. 2016. Retrieval of bindings between task-irrelevant stimuli and responses can facilitate behaviour under conditions of high response certainty.. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 69(3):561-73 PMID: 26085119
  4. 4. D'Acunto CW et al.. 2014. The complex understanding of Annexin A1 phosphorylation.. Cell Signal 26(1):173-8 PMID: 24103589
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