Biophysical and proteomic characterization strategies for cysteine modifications in Ras GTPases

Methods Mol Biol. 2014:1120:75-96. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-791-4_6.

Abstract

Cysteine is one of the most reactive amino acids and is modified by a number of oxidants. The reactivity of cysteines is dependent on the thiol pK a; however, measuring cysteine pK a values is nontrivial. Ras family GTPases have been shown to contain a free cysteine that is sensitive to oxidation, and free radical-mediated oxidation of this cysteine has been shown to be activating. Here, we present a new technique that allows for measuring cysteine pK a values using a fluorescent detection system with the molecule 4-fluoro-7-aminosulfonylbenzofurazan (ABD-F). In addition, we also describe how to generate several oxidants. Lastly, we describe several mass spectrometry-based experiments and the necessary adjustments to the experiments to detect cysteine oxidation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Benzoxazoles / metabolism
  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Cysteine / metabolism*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Nitrosation
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • ras Proteins / chemistry*
  • ras Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Benzoxazoles
  • Reactive Nitrogen Species
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • benzofurazan
  • ras Proteins
  • Cysteine