Mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation (MARylation) is a regulatory post-translational modification of proteins that controls their functions through a variety of mechanisms. MARylation is catalyzed by mono(ADP-ribosyl) transferase (MART) enzymes, a subclass of the poly(ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP) family of enzymes. Although the role of PARPs and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) in cellular pathways, such as DNA repair and transcription, is well studied, the role of MARylation and MARTs (i.e., the PARP ‘monoenzymes’) are not well understood. Moreover, compared to PARPs, the development of MART-targeted therapeutics is in its infancy. Recent studies are beginning to shed light on the structural features, catalytic targets, and biological functions of MARTs. The development of new technologies to study MARTs have uncovered essential roles for these enzymes in the regulation of cellular processes, such as RNA metabolism, cellular transport, focal adhesion, and stress responses. These insights have increased our understanding of the biological functions of MARTs in cancers, neuronal development, and immune responses. Furthermore, several novel inhibitors of MARTs have been developed and are nearing clinical utility. In this review, we summarize the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of MARTs and MARylation, as well as recent advances in technology that have enabled detection and inhibition of their activity. We emphasize PARP-7, which is at the forefront of the MART subfamily with respect to understanding its biological roles and the development of therapeutically useful inhibitors. Collectively, the available studies reveal a growing understanding of the biochemistry, chemical biology, physiology, and pathology of MARTs.

PARP-7 (TiPARP) is a mono(ADP-ribosyl) transferase whose proteins substrates and biological activities are poorly understood. We observed that PARP7 mRNA levels are lower in ovarian cancer patient samples compared to non-cancerous tissue, but PARP-7 protein nonetheless contributes to several cancer-related biological endpoints in ovarian cancer cells (e.g., growth, migration). Global gene expression analyses in ovarian cancer cells subjected to PARP-7 depletion indicate biological roles for PARP-7 in cell-cell adhesion and gene regulation. To identify the MARylated substrates of PARP-7 in ovarian cancer cells, we developed an NAD+ analog-sensitive approach, which we coupled with mass spectrometry to identify the PARP-7 ADP-ribosylated proteome in ovarian cancer cells, including cell-cell adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins. Specifically, we found that PARP-7 MARylates α-tubulin to promote microtubule instability, which may regulate ovarian cancer cell growth and motility. In sum, we identified an extensive PARP-7 ADP-ribosylated proteome with important roles in cancer-related cellular phenotypes.

Adipogenesis is a complex and tightly regulated process that plays a vital role in multiple aspects of human health. The molecular mechanisms regulating adipogenesis are incompletely understood, although key facets of the signaling and regulatory pathways have been defined. ADP-ribosylation – the process whereby ADP-ribose moieties are covalently transferred from NAD+ to substrate proteins – has been shown to control multiple components of the adipogenic regulatory machinery, including the transcription factor C/EBPb. In order to explore the role of mono(ADP-ribosyl)transferases (MARTs) during adipogenesis, we used an siRNA-mediated knockdown screen in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to determine which MARTs are required for the differentiation of the preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. This screen identified PARP7 the primary candidate. Using a variety of cell-based and biochemical assays, we have identified key aspects of PARP7's involvement throughout adipogenesis. We observed dynamic localization of PARP7 during adipogenesis, moving from the nucleus in early adipogenesis to the cytosol during mid to late adipogenesis. The requirement for PARP7, as determined by knockdown, was most evident in early stages of adipogenesis. Knockdown of PARP7 was rescued by a PPAR g agonist, suggesting that PARP7 acts before the onset of the later stages of adipogenesis leading to mature adipocytes. Together, these findings led us to hypothesize that PARP7 plays a critical role in the nucleus during early adipogenesis. Preliminary data have revealed that PARP7 binds to C/EBPb, a key "first wave" transcription factor that drives adipogenesis, during a time when C/EBPb is poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated by PARP1 in the nucleus. Ongoing investigations are exploring: (1) the mechanisms by which PARP7 binds to C/EBPb; (2) the impact of PARP7 binding on C/EBPb stability; and (3) the biological outcomes of PARP7-C/EBPb interactions. Collectively, these studies provide an avenue to better understand the role of PARP7 in the regulation of adipogenesis. This work is supported by a grant from the NIH/NIDDK (R01 DK069710) and funds from the Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences Endowment to W.L.K., and a predoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association to M.S.S. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:15 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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