Monoclonal anti-AMP-antibodies reveal broad and diverse AMPylation patterns in cancer cells

Abstract

AMPylation is a post-translational modification that modifies amino acid side chains with adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Recent progress in the field reveals an emerging role of AMPylation as a universal regulatory mechanism in infection and cellular homeostasis, however, generic tools to study AMPylation are required. Here, we describe three monoclonal anti-AMP antibodies (mAbs) from mouse which are capable of protein backbone independent recognition of AMPylation, in denatured (Western Blot) as well as native (ELISA, IP) applications, thereby outperforming previously reported tools. These antibodies are highly sensitive and specific for AMP modifications, highlighting their potential as tools for new target identification, as well as for validation of known targets. Interestingly, applying the anti-AMP mAbs to various cancer cell lines reveals a previously undescribed broad and diverse AMPylation pattern. In conclusion, the anti-AMP mABs will aid the advancement of understanding AMPylation and the spectrum of modified targets.