Importin alpha binding and nuclear localization of PARP-2 is dependent on lysine 36, which is located within a predicted classical NLS.

Background: The enzymes responsible for the synthesis of poly-ADP-ribose are named poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (PARP). PARP-2 is a nuclear protein, which regulates a variety of cellular functions that are mainly controlled by protein-protein interactions. A previously described non-conventional bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) lies in the amino-terminal DNA binding domain of PARP-2 between amino acids 1-69; however, this targeting sequence has not been experimentally examined or validated.

Identification of lysines 36 and 37 of PARP-2 as targets for acetylation and auto-ADP-ribosylation.

Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-2 (PARP-2) was described to regulate cellular functions comprising DNA surveillance, inflammation and cell differentiation by co-regulating different transcription factors. Using an in vitro and in vivo approach, we identified PARP-2 as a new substrate for the histone acetyltransferases PCAF and GCN5L. Site directed mutagenesis indicated that lysines 36 and 37, located in the nuclear localization signal of PARP-2, are the main targets for PCAF and GCN5L activity in vitro.

Nuclear ADP-ribosylation reactions in mammalian cells: where are we today and where are we going?

Since poly-ADP ribose was discovered over 40 years ago, there has been significant progress in research into the biology of mono- and poly-ADP-ribosylation reactions. During the last decade, it became clear that ADP-ribosylation reactions play important roles in a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological processes, including inter- and intracellular signaling, transcriptional regulation, DNA repair pathways and maintenance of genomic stability, telomere dynamics, cell differentiation and proliferation, and necrosis and apoptosis. ADP-ribosylation reactions are phylogenetically ancient and can be classified into four major groups: mono-ADP-ribosylation, poly-ADP-ribosylation, ADP-ribose cyclization, and formation of O-acetyl-ADP-ribose.

Acetylation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 by p300/CREB-binding protein regulates coactivation of NF-kappaB-dependent transcription.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) have both been demonstrated to play a pathophysiological role in a number of inflammatory disorders. We recently presented evidence that PARP-1 can act as a promoter-specific coactivator of NF-kappaB in vivo independent of its enzymatic activity. PARP-1 directly interacts with p300 and both subunits of NF-kappaB (p65 and p50) and synergistically coactivates NF-kappaB-dependent transcription.