ADP-Ribosylation of Proteins: Enzymology and Biological Significance (Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics Molekularbiologie, Biochemie und Biophysik)

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the molecular and biological consequences of the posttranslational modification of proteins with ADP-ribose monomers and polymers. Part one focusses on chromatin-associated poly ADP-ribosylation reactions which have evolved in higher eukaryotes as modulators of chromatin functions. The significance of poly ADP-ribosylation in DNA repair, carcinogenesis, and gene expression during terminal differentiation is discussed in detail. Part two reviews mono ADP-ribosylation reactions which are catalyzed by prokaryotic and eukaryotic enzymes. Prominent consideration is given to the action of bacterial toxins, such as cholera toxin, pertussis toxin, and diphtheria toxin. These toxins have emerged as novel tools for the molecular probing of proteins involved in signal transduction and protein biosyntheses.