# Exploration of the cellular citrullome using novel mass spectrometry tools

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2020 · $11,766

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
 There is growing evidence linking cancers and other diseases to the dysregulation of arginine deimination,
or citrullination. This small post-translational modification (PTM) abates the charge on the arginine sidechain
changing the local chemical environment. I hypothesize that citrullination patterns are variant among cell types,
including cancerous and inflamed tissue lines, and therefore represent specific biomarkers. On that account, the
long-term goal of this proposal is to determine specific citrullinated arginine residues in order to make inferences
on the role this PTM plays on various forms of breast cancer tissue and, consequently, to uncover unambiguous
biomarkers for novel diagnostics. To explore this, I have synthesized various chemical probes which will select
for citrulline residues. These probes are unique in that they can then be used to enrich, visualize, and quantify
citrulline-containing peptides. Concerning the identity of specific sites of citrullination, this probe will be used in
conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomic samples will be prepared using tissue samples supplied
by my collaborators as well as the University of Massachusetts Medical School Tissue and Tumor Bank. From
here, I will begin to compile a directory of markers associated with various cancers, autoimmune, and
inflammatory diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10248287
- **Project number:** 5F32GM128231-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Ari Salinger
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $11,766
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2020-11-25

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10248287

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10248287, Exploration of the cellular citrullome using novel mass spectrometry tools (5F32GM128231-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10248287. Licensed CC0.

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