Biosynthesis and characterization of fuscimiditide, an aspartimidylated graspetide.

TitleBiosynthesis and characterization of fuscimiditide, an aspartimidylated graspetide.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsElashal, HE, Koos, JD, Cheung-Lee, WLing, Choi, B, Cao, L, Richardson, MA, White, HL, A Link, J
JournalNat Chem
Volume14
Issue11
Pagination1325-1334
Date Published2022 Nov
ISSN1755-4349
KeywordsAmino Acid Sequence, Esters, Isoaspartic Acid, Methyltransferases, Peptides, Protein D-Aspartate-L-Isoaspartate Methyltransferase
Abstract

<p>Microviridins and other ω-ester-linked peptides, collectively known as graspetides, are characterized by side-chain-side-chain linkages installed by ATP-grasp enzymes. Here we report the discovery of a family of graspetides, the gene clusters of which also encode an O-methyltransferase with homology to the protein repair catalyst protein L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase. Using heterologous expression, we produced fuscimiditide, a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP). NMR analysis of fuscimiditide revealed that the peptide contains two ester cross-links forming a stem-loop macrocycle. Furthermore, an unusually stable aspartimide moiety is found within the loop macrocycle. We fully reconstituted fuscimiditide biosynthesis in vitro including formation of the ester and aspartimide moieties. The aspartimide moiety embedded in fuscimiditide hydrolyses regioselectively to isoaspartate. Surprisingly, this isoaspartate-containing peptide is also a substrate for the L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase homologue, thus driving any hydrolysis products back to the aspartimide form. Whereas an aspartimide is often considered a nuisance product in protein formulations, our data suggest that some RiPPs have aspartimide residues intentionally installed via enzymatic activity.</p>

DOI10.1038/s41557-022-01022-y
Alternate JournalNat Chem
PubMed ID35982233
PubMed Central ID3954855
Grant ListR01 GM107036 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States