Quantitative ultramicroanalysis of amino acids in the form of their DNS-derivatives. 3. Analysis of natural amino acids. Characteristics of the method

Thin layer chromatography of dansyl and dinitrophenyl derivatives of amino acids. A review

The dinitrophenyl (DNP) derivatives of amino acids have found continual application in protein sequencing since Sanger used them for the first time for the sequencing of insulin. Dansyl derivatives of amino acids have been widely used in protein sequencing because of their fluorescent nature. The success of protein sequencing largely depends upon correct identification of such derivatives. The choice for the method of identification is related to cost, the availability of instrumentation and to the sensitivity needed for the analysis. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is simple and has several advantages over other chromatographic methods. Therefore the literature after 1972 is reviewed for TLC analysis of dansyl- and DNP-amino acids, the two important amino acid derivatives required for identifying protein sequences. Additionally, the literature on the TLC resolution of enantiomeric mixtures of dansyl amino acids is reviewed. Application of various adsorbents, composition of solvent systems and other experimental conditions together with successful resolution data have been discussed. TLC provides a direct and inexpensive method for the resolution of enantiomers, and is fast becoming a sensitive instrumentalized quantitative analytical technique.

Micropreparative electrophoresis of globin chains on cellulose acetate film in structural identification of abnormal human hemoglobins

A simple and rapid micropreparative method for isolating 5 to 30 nmol of globin chain, followed by structural identification of abnormal human hemoglobins, is described. The method is based on the electrophoretic separation of globins on ordinary Cellogel films under denaturating conditions with subsequent cutting out of the protein zones and solubilization of Cellogel and the electrophoretic buffer components in a specially selected solvent in which the globin chain undergoes quantitative precipitation. The method makes it possible to simplify and speed up the structural identification of commonly occurring abnormal hemoglobins. The advantages and limitations of the method are discussed along with its potential uses in structural protein chemistry.

A new hemoglobin variant: Hb Dagestan alpha 60(E9) Lys leads to Glu

An electrophoretically I-like hemoglobin variant was detected during a survey for abnormal hemoglobins in Dagestan (USSR). Neither clinical nor hematological abnormalities were seen in the carrier for this mutant hemoglobin. Structural studies demonstrated a previously undescribed substitution of alpha 60 (E9) Lys leads to Glu.

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of amino acids and peptide-hormone hydrolysates in the picomole range

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic system for the separation of amino acids and peptide-hormone hydrolysates is described. A modified high-pressure liquid chromatography (Hewlett-Packard, model 1010B) equipped with an automatic gradient-generating system, and the applications of fluorescamine and ion-exchange resins of particle size 8 +/- 2 mum permit the detection of amino acids in the picomole range with good resolution. Compared with conventional amino acid analyzers, the times for separation are reduced by a factor of 3--4.