Protein arginine methylation: a pivotal factor and a target for novel HIV-therapeutics, other viruses and multiple diseases

Abstract

Post-translational modifications occur on an array of proteins in a majority of organisms. These modifications range from the addition of small biomolecules to large sugar moieties and induce functional and/or structural alterations that extend the functional repertoire of proteins. While the importance of phosphorylation in key cellular events is now widely accepted, less is known about the effects of protein methylation. This review focuses on the post-translational modification, protein methylation and, in particular, the role of protein arginine methylation. Recent findings of the role arginine methylation plays in HIV-1 replication, other viral diseases and a wide range of human diseases are summarized. We explore how elucidating this important cellular mechanism, can lead to an improved understanding of HIV-1, viral illnesses and other human diseases. Finally, we discuss the potential of protein arginine methylation as a worthwhile novel therapeutic target in the combat against a range of viral infections and other human diseases.