The Sodium Ion Affinity of Glycylglycine

Perspective: intrinsic interactions of metal ions with biological molecules as studied by threshold collision-induced dissociation and infrared multiple photon dissociation

In this perspective, gas-phase studies of group 1 monocations and group 12 dications with amino acids and small peptides are highlighted. Although the focus is on two experimental techniques, threshold collision-induced dissociation and infrared multiple photon dissociation action spectroscopy, these methods as well as complementary approaches are summarized. The synergistic interplay with theory, made particularly powerful by the small sizes of the systems explored and the absence of solvent and support, is also elucidated. Importantly, these gas-phase methods permit quantitative insight into the structures and thermodynamics of metal cations interacting with biological molecules. Periodic trends in how these interactions vary as the metal cations get heavier are discussed as are quantitative trends with changes in the amino acid side chain and effects of hydration. Such trends allow these results to transcend the limitations associated with the biomimetic model systems.

Energetics and mechanisms for decomposition of cationized amino acids and peptides explored using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry

Fragmentation studies of cationized amino acids and small peptides as studied using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry (GIBMS) are reviewed. After a brief examination of the key attributes of the GIBMS approach, results for a variety of systems are examined, compared, and contrasted. Cationization of amino acids, diglycine, and triglycine with alkali cations generally leads to dissociations in which the intact biomolecule is lost. Exceptions include most lithiated species as well as a few examples for sodiated and one example for potassiated species. Like the lithiated species, cationization by protons leads to numerous dissociation channels. Results for protonated glycine, cysteine, asparagine, diglycine, and a series of tripeptides are reviewed, along with the thermodynamic consequences that can be gleaned. Finally, the important physiological process of the deamidation of asparagine (Asn) residues is explored by the comparison of five dipeptides in which the C-terminal partner (AsnXxx) is altered. The GIBMS thermochemistry is shown to correlate well with kinetic results from solution phase studies.

The impact of the electric field of metal ions on the vibrations and internal hydrogen bond strength in alkali metal ion di- and triglycine complexes

Using infrared predissociation spectroscopy of cryogenic ions, we revisit the vibrational spectra of alkali metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+) di- and triglycine complexes. We assign their most stable conformation, which involves metal ion coordination to all C=O groups and an internal NH⋯NH2 hydrogen bond in the peptide backbone. An analysis of the spectral shifts of the OH and C=O stretching vibrations across the different metal ions and peptide chain lengths shows that these are largely caused by the electric field of the metal ion, which varies in strength as a function of the square of the distance. The metal ion–peptide interaction also remotely modulates the strength of internal hydrogen bonding in the peptide backbone via the weakening of the amide C=O bond, resulting in a decrease in internal hydrogen bond strength from Li+ > Na+ > K+.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of infrared multiple photon dissociation spectra of lysine complexes with Zn2+ and Cd2

The gas-phase structures of zinc and cadmium complexes of lysine (Lys) are investigated via a combination of infrared multiple photon dissociation action spectroscopy and ab initio quantum chemical calculations. In order to unambiguously identify the experimentally observed species, [Zn(Lys-H)]⁺ and CdCl⁺(Lys), the action spectra were compared to linear absorption spectra calculated at the B3LYP level of theory, using 6-311+G(d,p) and def2-TVZP basis sets for the zinc and cadmium systems, respectively. Single point energies were also calculated at the B3LYP, B3P86, MP2, and B3LYP-GD3BJ (accounting for empirical dispersion) levels of theory using larger basis sets. Identification of the experimentally formed isomers is possible through good agreement between infrared multiple photon dissociation action spectra and the theoretically predicted spectra. The [Zn(Lys-H)]⁺ complex adopts a tridentate orientation involving the amino acid backbone amine and deprotonated carboxylic acid groups as well as the side-chain amine group, [N_α,CO^-,N_ɛ]. The CdCl⁺(Lys) complex similarly adopts a tridentate chelation involving the amino acid backbone amine and carbonyl groups, as well as the side-chain amine group, [N_α,CO,N_ɛ]. In both cases, the identified complexes are the lowest energy gas-phase structures at all levels of theory.

Supermetallization of peptides and proteins during electrospray ionization

The formation of metal-peptide complexes during electrospray ionization (ESI) is a widely known phenomenon and is often considered to be undesirable. Such effect considerably limits the use of ESI mass spectrometry for the investigation of biologically relevant metal-peptide compounds that are present in the solution and play critical roles in many bioprocesses such as progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In the article, it is demonstrated that under specific conditions such as high temperature of the desolvating capillary, an interesting effect, which can be called as 'supermetallization', occurs. Using a model peptide Αβ amyloid domain 1-16, it was observed that an increase in the temperature of the desolvating capillary results in multiple substitutions of hydrogen atoms by Zn atoms in this peptide. At high temperatures (T ~ 400 °C), up to 11 zinc atoms can be covalently bound to (1-16) Αβ. It was observed that supermetallization of (1-16) Αβ depends on the solvent composition and pH. Supermetallization was also demonstrated for proteins, such as ubiquitin and cytochrome C. That proves that the supermetallization is a general phenomenon for peptides and proteins. For the structural investigation of supermetallized complexes, electron-capture dissociation (ECD) fragmentation was applied. The effect of hydrogen rearranging during ECD was observed. In addition, quantum chemical calculations were used to estimate the possible structures of different supermetallized complexes. These results allow a more deep understanding of the limitations of the use of ESI mass spectrometry for the investigation of biologically relevant metal-peptide complexes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Probing the mechanisms and dynamics of gas phase hydrogen-deuterium exchange reactions of sodiated polyglycines

The rate constants for H-D exchange reactions of sodiated polyglycines (GnNa(+), n = 2-8) and polyalanines (AnNa(+), n = 2, 3 and 5) with ND3 have been measured in the cell of an FT-ICR mass spectrometer. All peptides except G2Na(+) are found to undergo three exchange reactions, all of which are consecutive with no sign of multiple exchanges within a single collision event. This information has been used to construct full mechanistic scenarios with the help of detailed quantum chemical calculations of the possible reaction paths for H-D exchange. The first exchange is always located at the C terminus however with different mechanisms depending upon whether the peptide termini can (larger peptides) or cannot (smaller peptides) interact directly without strong energy penalty. The most favourable mechanisms for the second and third exchanges of the N terminus protons, are found to be different from those for the first for all peptide sizes. The peptide distortions that are necessary in order for some of these reactions to occur are made possible by the energy reservoir provided by the favorable interaction of the peptide ion with ND3. Their occurrence and variety preclude any general relationship between H-D exchange kinetics and the most stable ion structures. There is however a break at G7Na(+) in the kinetics trend, with a first exchange rate which is much smaller than for all other peptide sizes. This break can be directly related to a different structural type in which the C terminus is neither free nor close to the N terminus.

Desorption/ionization efficiencies of triacylglycerols and phospholipids via EASI-MS

Knowledge of the major effects governing desorption/ionization efficiency is required for the development and application of ambient mass spectrometry. Although all triacylglycerols (TAG) have the same favorable protonation and cationization sites, their desorption/ionization efficiencies can vary dramatically during easy ambient sonic-spray ionization because of structural differences in the carbon chain. To quantify this somewhat surprising and drastic effect, we have performed a systematic investigation of desorption/ionization efficiencies as a function of unsaturation and length for TAG as well as for diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols and several phospholipids (PL). Affinities for Na(+) as a function of unsaturation level have also been assayed via comprehensive metadynamics calculations to understand the influence of this phenomenon on the ionization efficiency. The results suggest that dipole-dipole interactions within a carbon chain tuned by unsaturation sites govern ionization efficiency of TAG and PL.

Gas phase hydration of amino acids and dipeptides: effects on the relative stability of zwitterion vs. canonical conformers

This review highlights the effects of explicit water molecules on the structures of amino acids and dipeptides, focusing on the relative stability of canonical vs. zwitterionic conformers.

Triuret as a potential hypokalemic agent: Structure characterization of triuret and triuret-alkali metal adducts by mass spectrometric techniques

Triuret (also known as carbonyldiurea, dicarbamylurea, or 2,4-diimidotricarbonic diamide) is a byproduct of purine degradation in living organisms. An abundant triuret precursor is uric acid, whose level is altered in multiple metabolic pathologies. Triuret can be generated via urate oxidation by peroxynitrite, the latter being produced by the reaction of nitric oxide radical with superoxide radical anion. From this standpoint, an excess production of superoxide radical anions could indirectly favor triuret formation; however very little is known about the potential in vivo roles of this metabolite. Triuret's structure is suggestive of its ability to adopt various conformations and act as a flexible ligand for metal ions. In the current study, HPLC-MS/MS, energy-resolved mass spectrometry, selected ion monitoring, collision-induced dissociation, IRMPD spectroscopy, Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and computational methods were employed to characterize the structure of triuret and its metal complexes, to determine the triuret-alkali metal binding motif, and to evaluate triuret affinity toward alkali metal ions, as well as its affinity for Na(+) and K(+) relative to other organic ligands. The most favored binding motif was determined to be a bidentate chelation of triuret with the alkali metal cation involving two carbonyl oxygens. Using the complexation selectivity method, it was observed that in solution triuret has an increased affinity for potassium ions, compared to sodium and other alkali metal ions. We propose that triuret may act as a potential hypokalemic agent under pathophysiological conditions conducive to its excessive formation and thus contribute to electrolyte disorders. The collision- or photo-induced fragmentation channels of deprotonated and protonated triuret, as well as its alkali metal adducts, are likely to mimic the triuret degradation pathways in vivo.

Structure of sodiated octa-glycine: IRMPD spectroscopy and molecular modeling

The structure of the sodiated peptide GGGGGGGG-Na(+) or G(8)-Na(+) was investigated by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy and a combination of theoretical methods. IRMPD was carried out in both the fingerprint and N-H/O-H stretching regions. Modeling used the polarizable force field AMOEBA in conjunction with the replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) method, allowing an efficient exploration of the potential energy surface. Geometries and energetics were further refined at B3LYP-D and MP2 quantum chemical levels. The IRMPD spectra indicate that there is no free C-terminus OH and that several N-Hs are free of hydrogen bonding, while several others are bound, however not very strongly. The structure must then be either of the charge solvation (CS) type with a hydrogen-bound acidic OH, or a salt bridge (SB). Extensive REMD searches generated several low-energy structures of both types. The most stable structures of each type are computed to be very close in energy. The computed energy barrier separating these structures is small enough that G(8)-Na(+) is likely fluxional with easy proton transfer between the two peptide termini. There is, however, good agreement between experiment and computations in the entire spectral range for the CS isomer only, which thus appears to be the most likely structure of G(8)-Na(+) at room temperature.

Interaction of the cesium cation with mono-, di-, and tricarboxylic acids in the gas phase. A Cs+ affinity scale for cesium carboxylates ion pairs

Humic substances (HS), including humic and fulvic acids, play a significant role in the fate of metals in soils. The interaction of metal cations with HS occurs predominantly through the ionized (anionic) acidic functions. In the context of the effect of HS on transport of radioactive cesium isotopes in soils, a study of the interaction between the cesium cation and model carboxylic acids was undertaken. Structure and energetics of the adducts formed between Cs+ and cesium carboxylate salts [Cs+RCOO-] were studied by the kinetic method and density functional theory (DFT). Clusters generated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry from mixtures of a cesium salt (nitrate, iodide, trifluoroacetate) and carboxylic acids were quantitatively studied by CID. By combining the results of the kinetic method and the energetic data from DFT calculations, a scale of cesium cation affinity, CsCA, was built for 33 cesium carboxylates representing the first scale of cation affinity of molecular salts. The structural effects on the CsCA values are discussed.

The sodium ion affinities of cytosine and its methylated derivatives

The sodium ion affinities of cytosine (Cyt), 5-methylcytosine (5MeCyt) and 1-methylcytosine (1MeCyt) have been determined by experimental and quantum chemical methods. Na(+)-bound heterodimers were produced carrying one cytosine or methylated cytosine ligand (designated as C) and one peptide or amino acid reference base (designated as Pep); the Pep molecules included the peptides GlyLeu, GlyPhe, SerGly, and PheGly, and the amino acid His. The dissociation kinetics of these C--Na(+)--Pep ions were determined by collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) and converted to relative and absolute Na(+) affinities via kinetic method approaches. Relative Na(+) affinities increase in the order (kJ/mol): GlyLeu (0) < Cyt (3) < GlyPhe (4) < SerGly (6) < 5MeCyt (8) < PheGly (11) < 1MeCyt (13) < His (17). Anchoring the relative values of the nucleobases to the absolute affinities of the reference bases leads to absolute Na(+) affinities of 214 +/- 8, 219 +/- 8, and 224 +/- 8 kJ/mol for Cyt, 5MeCyt, and 1MeCyt, respectively. Ab initio calculations were used to confirm these results. The computed affinities of Cyt (213 kJ/mol) and 1MeCyt (217 kJ/mol) are in very good agreement with the experiments. These values unambiguously correspond to Na(+) complexes with the keto form of cytosine and its methyl derivatives. Ab initio calculations on tautomerization mechanisms in the gas versus condensed phase are used to discuss why the sodiated keto isomers were formed in the present electrospray ionization (ESI) experiments, but the enol isomers in previous fast atom bombardment (FAB) experiments.

[Nepsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine] as a potential biomarker in neurological diseases: new detection method and fragmentation pathways

Protein aggregates are characteristic of a number of diseases of the central nervous system such as diseases of polyQ expansion. Covalent bonds formed by the action of transglutaminase are thought to participate in the stabilization of these aggregates. Transglutaminase catalyzes the formation of cross-links between the side chains of glutaminyl and lysyl residues of polypeptides. Identification of the isodipeptide N(epsilon)-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine (iEK) in terminal proteolytic digests of neuronal aggregates would demonstrate participation of transglutaminase in neurological diseases. In order to identify and quantify the iEK present in the brain of patients with neurological disease, a method combining liquid chromatography and multistep mass spectrometry was developed. Because isobaric peptides of iEK could be present in the digest of aggregated proteins, the choice of fragment diagnostic ions was crucial. These ions were identified by mass spectrometry on sodiated iEK, which was derivatized on the carboxylic functions and terminal amines in order to improve sensitivity. Deuterated molecules as well as (13)C(6)- and (15)N(2)-isotopomers were used to derive filiations in the multistep fragmentations. The main fragmentation patterns have been identified, so that two ions (m/z 396 [MH - 56-42 u](+) and 350 [MH - 56-88 u](+)) are shown to be adequate markers for quantitation experiments. In order to gain a better understanding of the fragmentation processes, detailed quantum chemical calculations have been performed at levels which are expected to provide good accuracy. A thorough study has been carried out with a reduced model in which only the 'active' part of the molecule is retained. This allowed obtaining full mechanistic details on the pathways leading to a number of observed fragments. In particular, it has been shown that losses of 87 and 88 u from A(+) = [MH - 56 u](+) are competitive. Computations on the entire derivatized isodipeptide have been used to validate the use of the smaller model in order to obtain reliable energetics and mechanisms.

Generation of [La(peptide)]3+ complexes in the gas phase: determination of the number of binding sites provided by dipeptide, tripeptide, and tetrapeptide ligands

Gas-phase complexes [La(peptide)](3+) containing 2-4 amino-acid residues have been investigated by electrospraying solutions containing La(3+) and the peptide; only complexes in which the peptide contained an arginine residue were observed. Using the coordination number of eight for La(3+) [Shi, T.; Hopkinson, A. C.; Siu, K. W. M. Chem. Eur. J. 2007, 13, 1142-1151] and the relative abundances of the hydrates [La(peptide)(H(2)O)(n)](3+), the number of binding sites provided by the peptides was deduced: Leu-Trp-Met-Arg, 7; Met-Arg-Phe-Ala, 6; Gly-Arg-Gly, 4; Gly-Gly-Arg 4; and Met-Arg, 4. Density Functional Theory calculations show that the zwitterionic form of Gly-Gly-Arg preferentially binds La(3+) through four coordination sites-the two amide oxygens and the two carboxy oxygens.

Conformational analysis of alkali metal complexes of aspartate dianion and their interactions in gas phase

The gas-phase geometry optimizations of mono and dinuclear complexes of dianionic species of aspartic acid, asp(2-) with lithium, sodium and potassium cations were carried out using density functional calculation at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. The metal ion affinities (MIAs) of asp(2-) species and its complexes [asp-M](-), M=Li(+), Na(+) and K(+) were determined using the vibrational frequency calculations at the same level of theory. The most stable complex conformer for aspartate complexes with Li(+), Na(+) and K(+) alkali cations were found as a tri-coordinated form. All complexations of [asp-M](-) and [asp-M(2)] complexes were found to be exothermic reactions. Relative bond distances between the alkali metal cation M(+) and the binding atoms of aspartate ion in [asp-M](-) and [asp-M(2)] complexes are in decreasing order: K(+)>Na(+)>Li(+).

The sodium ion affinities of simple di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides

The sodium ion affinities (binding energies) of nineteen peptides containing 2-4 residues have been determined by experimental and computational approaches. Na(+)-bound heterodimers with amino acid and peptide ligands (Pep(1), Pep(2)) were produced by electrospray ionization. The dissociations of these Pep(1)-Na(+)-Pep(2) ions to Pep(1)-Na(+) and Pep(2)-Na(+) were examined by collisionally activated dissociation to construct a ladder of relative affinities via the kinetic method. The accuracy of this ladder was subsequently ascertained by experiments using several excitation energies for four peptide pairs. The relative scale was converted to absolute affinities by anchoring the relative values to the known Na(+) affinity of GlyGly. The Na(+) affinities of AlaAla, HisGly, GlyHis, GlyGlyGly, AlaAlaAla, GlyGlyGlyGly, and AlaAlaAlaAla were also calculated at the MP2(full)/6-311 + G(2d,2p) level of ab initio theory using geometries that were optimized at the MP2(full)/6-31G(d) level for AlaAla or HF/6-31G(d) level for the other peptides; the resulting values agree well with experimental Na(+) affinities. Increasing the peptide size is found to dramatically augment the Na(+) binding energy. The calculations show that in nearly all cases, all available carbonyl oxygens are sodium binding sites in the most stable structures. Whenever side chains are available, as in HisGly and GlyHis, specific additional binding sites are provided to the cation. Oligoglycines and oligoalanines have similar binding modes for the di- and tripeptides, but differ significantly for the tetrapeptides: while the lowest energy structure of GlyGlyGlyGly-Na(+) has the peptide folded around the ion with all four carbonyl oxygens in close contact with Na(+), that of AlaAlaAlaAla-Na(+) involves a pseudo-cyclic peptide in which the C and N termini interact via hydrogen bonding, while Na(+) sits on top of the oxygens of three nearly parallel C=O bonds.

Fingerprint Vibrational Spectra of Protonated Methyl Esters of Amino Acids in the Gas Phase

Infrared spectra of the protonated monomers of glycine, alanine, valine, and leucine methyl esters are presented. These protonated species are generated in the gas phase via matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) within the cell of a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer (FTICR) where they are subsequently mass selected as the only species trapped in the FTICR cell. Alternatively, they have also been generated by electrospray ionization and transferred to a Paul ion-trap mass spectrometer where they are similarly isolated. In both cases IR spectra are then derived from the frequency dependence of the infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) in the mid-infrared region (1000-2200 cm(-1)), using the free electron laser facility Centre de Laser Infrarouge d'Orsay (CLIO). IR bands are assigned by comparison with the calculated vibrational spectra of the lowest energy isomers using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. There is in general good agreement between experimental IRMPD spectra and calculated IR absorption spectra for the lowest energy conformer which provides evidence for conformational preferences. The two different approaches to ion generation and trapping yield IRMPD spectra that are in excellent agreement.

Bonding energetics in clusters formed by cesium salts: a study by collision-induced dissociation and density functional theory

In relation to the interaction between (137)Cs and soil organic matter, electrospray mass spectrometry experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out on the dissociation of positively charged adducts formed by cesium nitrate and cesium organic salts attached to a cesium cation [Cs(CsNO(3))(CsA)](+) (A = benzoate, salicylate, hydrogen phthalate, hydrogen maleate, hydrogen fumarate, hydrogen oxalate, and hydrogen malonate ion). These mixed clusters were generated by electrospray from methanol solutions containing cesium nitrate and an organic acid. Collision-induced dissociation of [Cs(CsNO(3))(CsA)](+) in a quadrupole ion trap gave [Cs(CsNO(3))](+) and [Cs(CsA)](+) as major product ions. Loss of HNO(3) was observed, and also CO(2) loss in the case of A = hydrogen malonate. Branching ratios for the dissociation into [Cs(CsNO(3))](+) and [Cs(CsA)](+) were treated by the Cooks' kinetic method to obtain a quantitative order of bonding energetics (enthalpies and Gibbs free energies) between Cs(+) and the molecular salt (ion pair) CsA, and were correlated with the corresponding values calculated using DFT. The kinetic method leads to relative scales of Cs(+) affinities and basicities that are consistent with the DFT-calculated values. This study brings new data on the strong interaction between the cesium cation and molecular salts CsA.

The low energy tautomers and conformers of the dipeptides HisGly and GlyHis and of their sodium ion complexes in the gas phase

The low-lying conformers of the dipeptides HisGly and GlyHis, and of their sodium cation complexes, have been studied with a combination of Monte Carlo search with the Amber force field and local geometry optimization at the ab initio HF/6-31G(d) level, completed with MP2(full)/6-311+G(2d,2p) energetics at the HF/6-31G(d) geometries. For each dipeptide, both the N(delta)-H and N(epsilon)-H tautomers of the imidazole side chain of His were considered. For each of the four isomeric dipeptides, 20-30 conformers were fully characterized at the ab initio level. All low energy structures are found to involve H-bonding at the N(delta) position of imidazole, either as a N-H donor or a N acceptor, depending upon the tautomer. In three out of the four species, the most stable conformer involves a C-terminus carboxylic acid in its less favorable trans conformation, in order to maximize intramolecular H bonding. It turns out that the lowest energy tautomer of HisGly is N(epsilon)-H, while that of GlyHis is N(delta)-H. This result argues in favor of the diversity of His tautomeric states in peptides and proteins. The sodium cation complexes of both GlyHis and HisGly have been studied as well, again considering both tautomers in each case. In three out of the four species, the most stable structure involves chelation of sodium by the two carbonyl oxygens and the imidazole ring. On the contrary, the sodium complex of the N(delta)-H tautomer of HisGly favors chelation to the peptidic carbonyl oxygen, the imidazole ring and the amino terminus. In the N(epsilon)-H tautomers of both peptides, the most favorable binding site of imidazole is the N(delta) nitrogen, while in the N(delta)-H tautomers, it is the pi cloud which provides side chain interaction. As a result, both GlyHisNa+ and HisGlyNa+ favor the N(epsilon)-H tautomer of His, in contrast to what was found for the free peptides.

Interaction of Co+ and Co2+ with Glycine. A Theoretical Study

Cobalt cations are open shell systems with several possible electronic states arising from the different occupations of the 3d and 4s orbitals. The influence of these occupations on the relative stability of the coordination modes of the metal cation to glycine has been studied by means of theoretical methods. The structure and vibrational frequencies have been determined using the B3LYP method. Single-point calculations have also been carried out at the CCSD(T) level. The most stable structure of Co(+)-glycine is bidentate, with the Co(+) cation interacting with the amino group and the carbonyl oxygen of neutral glycine, and the ground electronic state being (3)A. For Co(2+)-glycine, the lowest energy structure corresponds to the interaction of the metal cation with the carboxylate group of the zwitterionic glycine, the ground electronic state being (4)A''.