Independent transcriptomic and proteomic regulation by type I and II protein arginine methyltransferases

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) catalyze the post-translational monomethylation (Rme1), asymmetric (Rme2a), or symmetric (Rme2s) dimethylation of arginine. To determine the cellular consequences of type I (Rme2a) and II (Rme2s) PRMTs, we developed and integrated multiple approaches. First, we determined total cellular dimethylarginine levels, revealing that Rme2s was ∼3% of total Rme2 and that this percentage was dependent upon cell type and PRMT inhibition status. Second, we quantitatively characterized in vitro substrates of the major enzymes and expanded upon PRMT substrate recognition motifs. We also compiled our data with publicly available methylarginine-modified residues into a comprehensive database. Third, we inhibited type I and II PRMTs and performed proteomic and transcriptomic analyses to reveal their phenotypic consequences. These experiments revealed both overlapping and independent PRMT substrates and cellular functions. Overall, this study expands upon PRMT substrate diversity, the arginine methylome, and the complex interplay of type I and II PRMTs.

Generation and Rearrangement of (1-Hydroxycyclopropyl)- and (1-Hydroxycyclobutyl)carbene

Photolysis of exo-1-(1a,9b-dihydro-1H-cyclopropa[l]phenanthren-1-yl)cyclopropan-1-ol and exo-1-(1a,9b-dihydro-1H-cyclopropa[l]phenanthren-1-yl)cyclobutan-1-ol in benzene-d6 produces (1-hydroxycyclopropyl)- and (1-hydroxycyclobutyl)carbene respectively. It was observed that (1-hydroxycyclopropyl)carbene rearranges to cyclobutanone whereas (1-hydroxycyclobutyl)carbene forms cyclopentanone. Formation of both ketones is attributed to tautomerization of the corresponding enols that arise from ring expansion of the carbenes. Products assignable to intramolecular C–H insertions were not detected in the photolysates.