Global redox proteome and phosphoproteome analysis reveals novel mode of Akt regulation

A major knowledge gap in cell signalling is defining the crosstalk between multiple types of post-translational modification (PTM). Here, we take a multi-omic approach (redox proteome, phosphoproteome and total proteome) to delineate signalling networks in adipocytes modulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein phosphorylation. Our integrative analysis of these datasets revealed widespread and complex crosstalk between oxidative stress-induced cysteine oxidation and phosphorylation-based signalling. In particular, we demonstrate dysregulation in the kinase substrate relationships of Akt, mTOR and AMPK. Furthermore, we identify that Cys60 and Cys77 in the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of Akt are required for its recruitment to the plasma membrane, its subsequent activation, and its regulation by redox. These multi-omics datasets provide insight into how redox signalling driven by oxidative stress interacts with protein phosphorylation and should serve as a useful resource for dissecting oxidative stress-induced PTMs and understanding their contribution to a variety of diseases.