S-glycosylation-based cysteine profiling reveals regulation of glycolysis by itaconate

Nat Chem Biol. 2019 Oct;15(10):983-991. doi: 10.1038/s41589-019-0323-5. Epub 2019 Jul 22.

Abstract

Itaconate has been recently recognized as an anti-inflammatory metabolite involved in the pathogen-macrophage interface. Due to its weak electrophilicity, itaconate could modify cysteines of the protein KEAP1 and glutathione, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the substrates of itaconate modification in macrophages have not been systematically profiled, which largely impedes the understanding of its roles in immune responses. Here, we developed a specific thiol-reactive probe, 1-OH-Az, for quantitative chemoproteomic profiling of cysteine modifications by itaconate, and provided a global portrait of its proteome reactivity. We found that itaconate covalently modifies key glycolytic enzymes and impairs glycolytic flux mainly through inhibition of fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA). Moreover, itaconate attenuates the inflammatory response in stimulated macrophages by impairing the glycolysis. Our study provides a valuable resource of protein targets of itaconate in macrophages and establishes a negative-feedback link between glycolysis and itaconate, elucidating new functional insights for this anti-inflammatory metabolite.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cysteine / metabolism*
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / genetics
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Glycolysis / drug effects*
  • Glycolysis / physiology
  • Glycosylation
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mice
  • Proteome
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • Succinates

Substances

  • Proteome
  • Succinates
  • ALDOA protein, human
  • Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase
  • Cysteine
  • itaconic acid