Mapping Isoform Abundance and Interactome of the Endogenous TMPRSS2-ERG Fusion Protein with Orthogonal Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry Assays

Abstract

TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion, a molecular alteration driving nearly a half of prostate cancer cases, has been intensively characterized at the transcript level, while limited studies explored the molecular identity and function of the endogenous fusion at the protein level. Here, we developed and applied immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) assays for the measurement of a low-abundance T1E4 TMPRSS2-ERG fusion protein, its isoforms and its interactome in VCaP prostate cancer cells. IP-MS assays quantified total ERG ([~]27,000 copies/cell) and its four unique isoforms, and revealed that the T1E4-ERG isoform accounts for 71% of the total ERG protein in VCaP cells. For the first time, the N-terminal peptide (methionine-truncated and N-acetylated TASSSSDYGQTSK) unique for the T1/E4 fusion was identified and quantified. IP-MS with the C-terminal antibodies identified 29 proteins in the ERG interactome, including SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex subunits and numerous transcriptional co-regulators. Our data also suggested that TMPRSS2-ERG protein-protein interactions were exerted through at least two different regions. Knowledge on the distinct TMPRSS2-ERG protein isoforms and interactomes may facilitate development of more accurate diagnostics and targeted therapeutics of prostate cancer.