Divergent proteome tolerance against gain and loss of chromosome arms

Using an isogenic human lung cell model with either 3p loss or 3q gain, combined with quantitative mass spectrometry and isotopic labeling, we reveal distinct proteostasis mechanisms for gain- and loss-type aneuploidy. Surprisingly, while compensation for 3q gain is primarily driven by increased degradation of excess protein complex subunits, 3p loss is neither counteracted by global protein degradation nor selectively reduced degradation, but rather by relatively upregulated protein synthesis to maintain protein complex stoichiometry.

Additionally, proteins encoded on 3p exhibit increased thermal stability in loss-type aneuploidy, potentially via their interactions with other proteins from euploid chromosomes. Together, our findings uncover distinct proteomic buffering strategies that enable cells to tolerate either excessive or deficient single-arm aneuploidy.