InterPro: IPR017138 Arginine-tRNA-protein transferase, predicted, prokaryotic

Arginine-tRNA-protein transferase catalyses the post-translational conjugation of arginine to the N terminus of a protein. In eukaryotes, this functions as part of the N terminus rule pathway of protein degradation by conjugating a destabilising amino acid to the N-terminal aspartate or glutamate of a protein, targeting the protein for ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. N-terminal cysteine is sometimes modified [1]. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cys20, 23, 94 and/or 95 are thought to be important for activity [2]. Of these, only Cys 94 appears to be completely conserved in this family.

This group represents a predicted arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase, prokaryotic type found only in bacteria. It requires mercaptoethanol and an univalent cation. Peptides and proteins containing an N-terminal glutamate, aspartate or cysteine residue can act as acceptors.