Distinct lysine methylation profiles of outer membrane protein B in virulent and avirulent Rickettsiae revealed by LCMS

摘要

The outer membrane protein B (OmpB) from Rickettsiae is highly methylated at lysine residues. While in avirulent strains OmpB is exclusively monomethylated, the virulent strains show extensive di- and tri-methylation. There is a correlation between high levels of di- /tri-methylation and Rickettsial virulence. Site -specific comparison between avirulent and virulent strains indicates diverse and dynamic changes in lysine methylation, revealing information not obtainable by protein- level analysis. Systematic and site -specific profiling of lysine methylation in OmpB can help understand its roles in Rickettsial invasion and pathogenesis, and potentially lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.