GO:0003875 ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity: Mechanism, Genes and Research Methods

Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals

Key Takeaways

GO:0003875 describes the enzymatic activity that removes ADP-ribose from arginine residues on proteins, reversing a specific type of post-translational modification.
The reaction catalyzed is: H2O + N(omega)-(ADP-D-ribosyl)-L-arginyl-[protein] = ADP-D-ribose + L-arginyl-[protein], and the same for free arginine.
This activity is essential for maintaining the ADP-ribosylation cycle, which regulates protein function in health and disease.
ARH1 (ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase 1) is the primary enzyme in humans, and its deficiency leads to enhanced sensitivity to cholera toxin in mice.
Dysregulation of this activity is implicated in cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders.
Studying GO:0003875 requires tools like knockout mice, point mutants, and biochemical assays to measure hydrolase activity.

Description

ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity (GO:0003875) is a molecular function that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ADP-ribose from arginine residues on proteins, releasing ADP-D-ribose and restoring the arginine side chain. This activity is a key component of the ADP-ribosylation cycle, a reversible post-translational modification that regulates protein-protein interactions, enzyme activity, and cellular signaling. The cycle involves the addition of ADP-ribose by ADP-ribosyltransferases and its removal by hydrolases such as ARH1. The importance of this activity extends to human health, as it modulates the effects of bacterial toxins like cholera toxin and diphtheria toxin, and is involved in cancer and immune responses. For researchers, understanding GO:0003875 provides insights into how cells control protein function through reversible ADP-ribosylation, and offers potential therapeutic targets. This article summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanism, genes, and research methods related to GO:0003875, based on authoritative QuickGO data and published literature.

ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity At A Glance

GO ID GO:0003875
GO term ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity
Ontology molecular_function
Synonym ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase activity; protein ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase activity; N(omega)-(ADP-D-ribosyl)-L-arginine ADP-ribosylhydrolase activity
Major function Hydrolysis of ADP-ribose from arginine residues on proteins, reversing ADP-ribosylation
Reaction H2O + N(omega)-(ADP-D-ribosyl)-L-arginyl-[protein] = ADP-D-ribose + L-arginyl-[protein]
Substrate N(omega)-(ADP-D-ribosyl)-L-arginyl-[protein] or free ADP-ribosylarginine
Product ADP-D-ribose and L-arginyl-[protein] or L-arginine
Cofactor No known cofactor required; Mg2+ may be inhibitory

What Is GO:0003875?

GO:0003875 is defined as the catalysis of the reactions: H2O + N(omega)-(ADP-D-ribosyl)-L-arginyl-[protein] = ADP-D-ribose + L-arginyl-[protein], and H2O + N(omega)-(ADP-D-ribosyl)-L-arginine = ADP-D-ribose + L-arginine. In simpler terms, it is an enzyme activity that removes ADP-ribose from arginine residues on proteins or free arginine, effectively reversing a specific type of ADP-ribosylation.

Why Is ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity Important in Cell Biology?

GO:0003875 is crucial because it counteracts ADP-ribosylation, a modification that regulates many cellular processes including DNA repair, transcription, and signal transduction. By removing ADP-ribose from arginine, this activity ensures the reversibility of the modification, allowing cells to respond dynamically to stimuli. Dysregulation of this activity has been linked to diseases such as cancer, where altered ADP-ribosylation cycles contribute to tumorigenesis, and to infectious diseases, where bacterial toxins exploit the cycle.
Regulates the ADP-ribosylation cycle, a key post-translational modification.
Modulates the action of bacterial toxins such as cholera toxin and diphtheria toxin.
Involved in cancer development and progression, with ARH1 showing tumor suppressor-like properties.
Plays a role in immune responses and inflammation.
Essential for normal neurological function; deficiency may lead to neurodegeneration.
Provides a mechanism for reversibility of arginine ADP-ribosylation, enabling dynamic cellular signaling.
Potential therapeutic target for infectious diseases and cancer.
Important for understanding host-pathogen interactions, as some bacterial effectors mimic or inhibit this activity.
Contributes to the regulation of protein function in response to cellular stress.
Studied using knockout models, which reveal its physiological significance.

Molecular Mechanism of ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity

Substrate Recognition and Binding
In simple terms: The enzyme finds and binds to the modified arginine on proteins.
ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase specifically recognizes N(omega)-(ADP-D-ribosyl)-L-arginine residues on target proteins. The enzyme's active site accommodates the ADP-ribose moiety and the arginine side chain, ensuring specificity for this modification. Substrate specificity studies using turkey erythrocyte hydrolase showed that the enzyme hydrolyzes ADP-ribosylarginine but not ADP-ribosylcysteine or other ADP-ribose derivatives.
Catalytic Hydrolysis
In simple terms: The enzyme cuts the bond between ADP-ribose and arginine, releasing ADP-ribose.
The hydrolysis reaction proceeds via a water molecule attacking the N-glycosidic bond between ADP-ribose and arginine, resulting in the release of ADP-D-ribose and the restoration of the unmodified arginine. This reaction is reversible in vitro under specific conditions, but in cells, it drives the forward reaction to maintain the cycle.
Product Release and Enzyme Turnover
In simple terms: After cutting, the enzyme releases the products and is ready for another round.
Following hydrolysis, ADP-D-ribose and the de-ADP-ribosylated protein are released from the active site. The enzyme can then bind new substrate. The catalytic efficiency and turnover rate have been characterized for ARH1 from various sources, with optimal activity at neutral pH.
Regulation by Cofactors and Inhibitors
In simple terms: Certain molecules can affect how well the enzyme works.
The hydrolase activity does not require divalent cations for catalysis, but Mg2+ and other divalent cations can inhibit the enzyme, possibly by interfering with substrate binding. Additionally, the activity can be regulated by the availability of substrate, which depends on the balance with ADP-ribosyltransferases.

Key Genes Involved in GO:0003875 ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity

The following genes and proteins are directly involved in or regulate ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity (GO:0003875).
GeneMajor RoleResearch Relevance
ARH1 (ADPRH)Primary ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase in humans; catalyzes removal of ADP-ribose from arginineKnockout mice show enhanced sensitivity to cholera toxin; implicated in cancer and neuroprotection
ARH2ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase-like protein; may have similar activityLess characterized; potential redundancy with ARH1
ARH3ADP-ribosylhydrolase that acts on serine-linked ADP-ribosylationDistinct from ARH1; involved in DNA damage response
ART1ADP-ribosyltransferase that adds ADP-ribose to arginine on target proteinsCounterpart to ARH1 in the ADP-ribosylation cycle
ART2ADP-ribosyltransferase, often in immune cellsRegulates immune cell function; balance with ARH1
ART3ADP-ribosyltransferasePotential role in spermatogenesis and cancer
ART4ADP-ribosyltransferaseBlood group antigen; may interact with ARH1
ART5ADP-ribosyltransferaseTestis-specific; function unclear
CT (Cholera toxin)Bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase that modifies Gs alphaARH1 reverses its action; ARH1-KO mice are more sensitive
DT (Diphtheria toxin)Bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase that modifies eEF-2ARH1 may reverse its action
LnaB (Legionella)Phosphoryl-AMPylase that impairs phosphosignallingMimics or interferes with ADP-ribosylation; relevant to host-pathogen studies
GAPDHGlycolytic enzyme; can be ADP-ribosylatedModel substrate for ARH1 activity assays
eEF-2Elongation factor 2; ADP-ribosylated by diphtheria toxinSubstrate for ARH1?
Gs alphaG protein subunit; ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxinARH1 reverses modification, affecting cAMP signaling
Histone proteinsCan be ADP-ribosylated on argininePotential substrates for ARH1 in chromatin regulation
p53Tumor suppressor; can be ADP-ribosylatedARH1 may regulate p53 function
NF-kBTranscription factor; regulated by ADP-ribosylationARH1 may modulate inflammatory responses
PARP1Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; adds ADP-ribose to proteinsIndirectly related; PARP1 adds poly-ADP-ribose, not arginine-specific

How Is ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity Regulated?

The activity of ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase is regulated at multiple levels. Transcriptionally, ARH1 expression can be modulated by cellular stress and inflammatory signals. Post-translationally, the enzyme may be subject to modifications that affect its activity, although specific modifications are not well characterized. The balance between ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) and hydrolases (ARHs) determines the net level of arginine ADP-ribosylation, and this balance is critical for cellular homeostasis. Additionally, the availability of substrate (ADP-ribosylated proteins) and the presence of inhibitors like Mg2+ can influence hydrolase activity.

ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity and Human Disease

GeneDisease / BiologyPotential Experimental Model
ARH1 (ADPRH)Cancer; tumor suppressionARH1 knockout mice; cancer cell lines with ARH1 overexpression or knockdown
ARH1 (ADPRH)Cholera toxin sensitivityARH1 knockout mice; challenge with cholera toxin
ARH1 (ADPRH)Neurological disordersARH1 knockout mice; behavioral tests
LnaB (Legionella)Legionnaires' disease; host-pathogen interactionInfection models with Legionella; LnaB mutants
ART1Immune regulation; cancerART1 knockout mice; tumor models
Cancer
ARH1, the enzyme responsible for GO:0003875, has been implicated in cancer. Reduced ARH1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in certain cancers, and its loss may lead to accumulation of ADP-ribosylated proteins, contributing to genomic instability and tumor progression. Studies in mouse models suggest that ARH1 deficiency enhances susceptibility to carcinogens, highlighting its potential tumor suppressor role.
Infectious Diseases
Bacterial toxins such as cholera toxin and diphtheria toxin exert their effects by ADP-ribosylating host proteins. ARH1 can reverse this modification, thereby limiting toxin action. Mice lacking ARH1 show increased sensitivity to cholera toxin, demonstrating the protective role of this hydrolase. Pathogens like Legionella pneumophila inject effectors such as LnaB that manipulate host ADP-ribosylation, further underscoring the importance of hydrolases in host defense.
Neurological Disorders
ADP-ribosylation is important in neuronal function, and dysregulation of the cycle may contribute to neurodegeneration. ARH1 is expressed in the brain, and its deficiency in mice leads to altered behavior and increased sensitivity to stress, suggesting a role in neurological health.

From ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity-Related Genes to Experimental Models

Research QuestionSuitable Model
What is the physiological role of ARH1?ARH1 knockout mouse
How does ARH1 deficiency affect toxin sensitivity?ARH1 knockout mouse challenged with cholera toxin
What is the catalytic mechanism of ARH1?Point mutations in catalytic residues; recombinant protein assays
How does ARH1 interact with partner proteins?Knock-in of tagged ARH1 (e.g., FLAG, GFP) for co-IP
What is the effect of ARH1 overexpression in cancer?Overexpression of ARH1 in cancer cell lines; xenograft models
Can ARH1 reverse ADP-ribosylation by bacterial effectors?In vitro assays with recombinant ARH1 and LnaB

How to Study the ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity Process

MethodWhat It MeasuresTypical Application
Hydrolase activity assay with radiolabeled substrateEnzymatic activityKinetic studies, inhibitor screening
Anti-ADP-ribosylarginine antibody-based detectionLevels of ADP-ribosylated proteinsMonitoring hydrolase activity in cell lysates
Knockout mouse modelsPhysiological roleToxin sensitivity, cancer susceptibility
CRISPR-Cas9 knockoutGene function in cellsPhenotypic studies, drug resistance
Proteomics (LC-MS/MS)Global ADP-ribosylomeIdentifying substrates and pathways
Fluorescence microscopySubcellular localizationLive-cell imaging of tagged ARH1
Co-immunoprecipitationProtein-protein interactionsIdentifying ARH1 binding partners
Site-directed mutagenesisCatalytic residuesMechanistic studies
Biochemical Assays for Hydrolase Activity
The activity of ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase can be measured using radiolabeled or fluorescent substrates. A common method uses [32P]NAD to generate ADP-ribosylated proteins, followed by incubation with the hydrolase and detection of released ADP-ribose by thin-layer chromatography or HPLC. Alternatively, an antibody-based method using anti-ADP-ribosylarginine antibody can detect the removal of ADP-ribose from proteins.
Genetic Knockout and Knockdown Models
Knockout mice for ARH1 have been generated and characterized, revealing its role in toxin sensitivity and cancer. In cell culture, siRNA or CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to knockdown or knockout ARH1, followed by phenotypic assays.
Proteomics and ADP-ribosylome Analysis
Mass spectrometry-based proteomics can identify proteins modified by ADP-ribosylation and quantify changes upon ARH1 manipulation. Enrichment of ADP-ribosylated peptides using affinity reagents (e.g., Af1521 macrodomain) followed by LC-MS/MS allows global profiling of the ADP-ribosylome.
Imaging and Cellular Localization
Fluorescently tagged ARH1 can be expressed in cells to study its subcellular localization and dynamics. Co-localization with markers of organelles or with ADP-ribosylated proteins can provide insights into its function.

How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:0003875 ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity

Knockout

CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of ARH1 (ADPRH) in cell lines or mice allows researchers to study the loss-of-function phenotype. This is particularly useful for understanding the role of GO:0003875 in toxin sensitivity, cancer, and development. Knockout models have shown that ARH1 deficiency leads to increased sensitivity to cholera toxin.

Point Mutation

Introducing point mutations in the catalytic domain of ARH1 can help identify essential residues for hydrolase activity. For example, mutating the predicted catalytic glutamate or aspartate can abolish activity, providing insights into the mechanism. Such mutants can be expressed in ARH1-null cells to assess their ability to rescue phenotypes.

Knock-in

Knock-in of tagged ARH1 (e.g., FLAG, HA, or GFP) at the endogenous locus enables studies of protein localization, interaction, and dynamics under physiological conditions. This approach avoids artifacts from overexpression and allows for precise regulation.

Overexpression

Overexpression of ARH1 in cell lines or transgenic mice can be used to study gain-of-function effects, such as enhanced reversal of ADP-ribosylation or protection against toxins. This is useful for testing therapeutic potential.

How EDITGENE Supports ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity Research

Researchers studying ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in a specific phenotype, such as toxin resistance or tumor suppression. This requires precise genetic manipulation, which can be achieved through CRISPR-based knockout, point mutation, knock-in, or overexpression models. EDITGENE provides comprehensive services to generate such models, enabling rigorous functional studies.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity research.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity

It is an enzymatic activity (GO:0003875) that removes ADP-ribose from arginine residues on proteins, reversing a post-translational modification.
The primary gene is ARH1 (ADPRH), which encodes the enzyme. Other related genes include ARH2 and ARH3, though they have distinct specificities.
ARH1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of ADP-ribose from arginine, regulating the ADP-ribosylation cycle and protecting against bacterial toxins.
It can be measured using radiolabeled substrates, antibody-based detection, or mass spectrometry to quantify ADP-ribose removal.
ARH1 deficiency is linked to increased sensitivity to cholera toxin, cancer susceptibility, and potential neurological disorders.
Yes, CRISPR knockout, point mutation, knock-in, and overexpression models are powerful tools to study ARH1 function.
It is a reversible post-translational modification cycle where ADP-ribosyltransferases add ADP-ribose to proteins and hydrolases like ARH1 remove it.
Studies suggest ARH1 may have tumor suppressor properties, as its loss is associated with increased cancer susceptibility in mice.
Cholera toxin ADP-ribosylates Gs alpha; ARH1 reverses this modification. ARH1-knockout mice are more sensitive to the toxin.
Substrates include ADP-ribosylated arginine residues on proteins such as Gs alpha, eEF-2, and histones, as well as free ADP-ribosylarginine.

Conclusion

ADP-ribosylarginine-[protein] hydrolase activity (GO:0003875) is a critical enzymatic function that maintains the reversibility of arginine ADP-ribosylation, a key post-translational modification. Through its primary enzyme ARH1, it regulates cellular responses to toxins, contributes to cancer suppression, and influences neurological function. Understanding this activity provides insights into basic cell biology and offers potential therapeutic avenues for infectious diseases and cancer. Researchers can leverage CRISPR-based models and biochemical assays to further dissect its roles.

References

  1. 1. Ishiwata-Endo H et al.. 2020. ARH1 in Health and Disease.. Cancers (Basel) 12(2) PMID: 32092898
  2. 2. Wang T et al.. 2024. Legionella effector LnaB is a phosphoryl-AMPylase that impairs phosphosignalling.. Nature 631(8020):393-401 PMID: 38776962
  3. 3. Osago H et al.. 2008. A new detection method for arginine-specific ADP-ribosylation of protein -- a combinational use of anti-ADP-ribosylarginine antibody and ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase.. J Biochem Biophys Methods 70(6):1014-9 PMID: 18160133
  4. 4. Takada T et al.. 1994. ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolases.. Mol Cell Biochem 138(1-2):119-22 PMID: 7898453
  5. 5. Watanabe K et al.. 2018. Enhanced sensitivity to cholera toxin in female ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase (ARH1)-deficient mice.. PLoS One 13(11):e0207693 PMID: 30500844
  6. 6. Moss J et al.. 1997. ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolases and ADP-ribosyltransferases. Partners in ADP-ribosylation cycles.. Adv Exp Med Biol 419:25-33 PMID: 9193633
  7. 7. Moss J et al.. 1988. Purification and characterization of ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase from turkey erythrocytes.. Biochemistry 27(15):5819-23 PMID: 3179279
  8. 8. Moss J et al.. 1986. Amino acid specific ADP-ribosylation: substrate specificity of an ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase from turkey erythrocytes.. Biochemistry 25(19):5408-14 PMID: 3778868
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