Comparison of strong cation exchange and SDS-PAGE fractionation for analysis of multiprotein complexes

Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry-Based Deep Proteome Analysis for Hydrophobic Proteins from Dried Blood Spots Enriched by Sodium Carbonate Precipitation

Dried blood spots (DBS) are widely used for screening molecular profiles, including enzymatic activity. However, hydrophilic proteins present in large amounts in blood inhibit detection of other proteins in DBS by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) without preenrichment. Sodium carbonate precipitation (SCP) can concentrate hydrophobic proteins from DBS and effectively remove soluble hydrophilic proteins. Furthermore, SCP combination with data-independent acquisition (DIA) for quantitative LC-MS/MS enhanced the proteome analysis sensitivity and quantification limits. In this protocol, we have described in detail a simple preenrichment method using SCP and a deep proteome analysis method for LC-MS/MS data using DIA.

Epigenetic Regulation of DNA Repair Pathway Choice by MacroH2A1 Splice Variants Ensures Genome Stability

The inactive X chromosome (Xi) is inherently susceptible to genomic aberrations. Replication stress (RS) has been proposed as an underlying cause, but the mechanisms that protect from Xi instability remain unknown. Here, we show that macroH2A1.2, an RS-protective histone variant enriched on the Xi, is required for Xi integrity and female survival. Mechanistically, macroH2A1.2 counteracts its structurally distinct and equally Xi-enriched alternative splice variant, macroH2A1.1. Comparative proteomics identified a role for macroH2A1.1 in alternative end joining (alt-EJ), which accounts for Xi anaphase defects in the absence of macroH2A1.2. Genomic instability was rescued by simultaneous depletion of macroH2A1.1 or alt-EJ factors, and mice deficient for both macroH2A1 variants harbor no overt female defects. Notably, macroH2A1 splice variant imbalance affected alt-EJ capacity also in tumor cells. Together, these findings identify macroH2A1 splicing as a modulator of genome maintenance that ensures Xi integrity and may, more broadly, predict DNA repair outcome in malignant cells.

Simple and Sensitive Analysis for Dried Blood Spot Proteins by Sodium Carbonate Precipitation for Clinical Proteomics

Dried blood spots (DBS) are widely used for screening biomolecular profiles, including enzymatic activities. However, detection of minor proteins in DBS by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) without pre-enrichment remains challenging because of the coexistence of large quantities of hydrophilic proteins. In this study, we address this problem by developing a simple method using sodium carbonate precipitation (SCP). SCP enriches hydrophobic proteins from DBS, allowing substantial removal of soluble proteins. In combination with SCP, we used quantitative LC-MS/MS proteome analysis in a data-independent acquisition mode (DIA) to enhance the sensitivity and quantification limits of proteome analysis. As a result, identification of 1977 proteins in DBS is possible, including 585 disease-related proteins listed in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man.

The C7orf43/TRAPPC14 component links the TRAPPII complex to Rabin8 for preciliary vesicle tethering at the mother centriole during ciliogenesis

The primary cilium is a cellular sensor that detects light, chemicals, and movement and is important for morphogen and growth factor signaling. The small GTPase Rab11-Rab8 cascade is required for ciliogenesis. Rab11 traffics the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Rabin8 to the centrosome to activate Rab8, needed for ciliary growth. Rabin8 also requires the transport particle protein complex (TRAPPC) proteins for centrosome recruitment during ciliogenesis. Here, using an MS-based approach for identifying Rabin8-interacting proteins, we identified C7orf43 (also known as microtubule-associated protein 11 (MAP11)) as being required for ciliation both in human cells and zebrafish embryos. We find that C7orf43 directly binds to Rabin8 and that C7orf43 knockdown diminishes Rabin8 preciliary centrosome accumulation. Interestingly, we found that C7orf43 co-sediments with TRAPPII complex subunits and directly interacts with TRAPPC proteins. Our findings establish that C7orf43 is a TRAPPII-specific complex component, referred to here as TRAPPC14. Additionally, we show that TRAPPC14 is dispensable for TRAPPII complex integrity but mediates Rabin8 association with the TRAPPII complex. Finally, we demonstrate that TRAPPC14 interacts with the distal appendage proteins Fas-binding factor 1 (FBF1) and centrosomal protein 83 (CEP83), which we show here are required for GFP-Rabin8 centrosomal accumulation, supporting a role for the TRAPPII complex in tethering preciliary vesicles to the mother centriole during ciliogenesis. In summary, our findings have revealed an uncharacterized TRAPPII-specific component, C7orf43/TRAPPC14, that regulates preciliary trafficking of Rabin8 and ciliogenesis and support previous findings that the TRAPPII complex functions as a membrane tether.

A Muscle-Specific Enhancer RNA Mediates Cohesin Recruitment and Regulates Transcription In trans

The enhancer regions of the myogenic master regulator MyoD give rise to at least two enhancer RNAs. Core enhancer eRNA (CEeRNA) regulates transcription of the adjacent MyoD gene, whereas DRReRNA affects expression of Myogenin in trans. We found that DRReRNA is recruited at the Myogenin locus, where it colocalizes with Myogenin nascent transcripts. DRReRNA associates with the cohesin complex, and this association correlates with its transactivating properties. Despite being expressed in undifferentiated cells, cohesin is not loaded on Myogenin until the cells start expressing DRReRNA, which is then required for cohesin chromatin recruitment and maintenance. Functionally, depletion of either cohesin or DRReRNA reduces chromatin accessibility, prevents Myogenin activation, and hinders muscle cell differentiation. Thus, DRReRNA ensures spatially appropriate cohesin loading in trans to regulate gene expression.

PRMT5-mediated arginine methylation of TDP1 for the repair of topoisomerase I covalent complexes

Human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases (TDP) hydrolyze the phosphodiester bond between DNA and the catalytic tyrosine of Top1 to excise topoisomerase I cleavage complexes (Top1cc) that are trapped by camptothecin (CPT) and by genotoxic DNA alterations. Here we show that the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 enhances the repair of Top1cc by direct binding to TDP1 and arginine dimethylation of TDP1 at residues R361 and R586. Top1-induced replication-mediated DNA damage induces TDP1 arginine methylation, enhancing its 3'- phosphodiesterase activity. TDP1 arginine methylation also increases XRCC1 association with TDP1 in response to CPT, and the recruitment of XRCC1 to Top1cc DNA damage foci. PRMT5 knockdown cells exhibit defective TDP1 activity with marked elevation in replication-coupled CPT-induced DNA damage and lethality. Finally, methylation of R361 and R586 stimulate TDP1 repair function and promote cell survival in response to CPT. Together, our findings provide evidence for the importance of PRMT5 for the post-translational regulation of TDP1 and repair of Top1cc.

O-GlcNAcase Is an RNA Polymerase II Elongation Factor Coupled to Pausing Factors SPT5 and TIF1β

We describe here the identification and functional characterization of the enzyme O-GlcNAcase (OGA) as an RNA polymerase II elongation factor. Using in vitro transcription elongation assays, we show that OGA activity is required for elongation in a crude nuclear extract system, whereas in a purified system devoid of OGA the addition of rOGA inhibited elongation. Furthermore, OGA is physically associated with the known RNA polymerase II (pol II) pausing/elongation factors SPT5 and TRIM28-KAP1-TIF1β, and a purified OGA-SPT5-TIF1β complex has elongation properties. Lastly, ChIP-seq experiments show that OGA maps to the transcriptional start site/5' ends of genes, showing considerable overlap with RNA pol II, SPT5, TRIM28-KAP1-TIF1β, and O-GlcNAc itself. These data all point to OGA as a component of the RNA pol II elongation machinery regulating elongation genome-wide. Our results add a novel and unexpected dimension to the regulation of elongation by the insertion of O-GlcNAc cycling into the pol II elongation regulatory dynamics.

Proteomics analysis reveals differentially activated pathways that operate in peanut gynophores at different developmental stages

BACKGROUND

Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea. L) is one of the most important oil crops in the world. After flowering, the peanut plant forms aboveground pegs (gynophores) that penetrate the soil, giving rise to underground pods. This means of reproduction, referred to as geocarpy, distinguishes peanuts from most other plants. The molecular mechanism underlying geocarpic pod development in peanut is poorly understood.

RESULTS

To gain insight into the mechanism of geocarpy, we extracted proteins from aerial gynophores, subterranean unswollen gynophores, and gynophores that had just started to swell into pods. We analyzed the protein profiles in each of these samples by combining 1 DE with nanoLC-MS/MS approaches. In total, 2766, 2518, and 2280 proteins were identified from the three samples, respectively. An integrated analysis of proteome and transcriptome data revealed specifically or differentially expressed genes in the different developmental stages at both the mRNA and protein levels. A total of 69 proteins involved in the gravity response, light and mechanical stimulus, hormone biosynthesis, and transport were identified as being involved in geocarpy. Furthermore, we identified 91 genes that were specifically or abundantly expressed in aerial gynophores, including pectin methylesterase and expansin, which were presumed to promote the elongation of aerial gynophores. In addition, we identified 35 proteins involved in metabolism, defense, hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction, nitrogen fixation, and transport that accumulated in subterranean unswellen gynophores. Furthermore, 26 specific or highly abundant proteins related to fatty acid metabolism, starch synthesis, and lignin synthesis were identified in the early swelling pods.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified thousands of proteins in the aerial gynophores, subterranean gynophores, and early swelling pods of peanut. This study provides the basis for examining the molecular mechanisms underlying peanut geocarpy pod development.

CLPTM1L promotes growth and enhances aneuploidy in pancreatic cancer cells

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 10 different cancers have identified pleiotropic cancer predisposition loci across a region of chromosome 5p15.33 that includes the TERT and CLPTM1L genes. Of these, susceptibility alleles for pancreatic cancer have mapped to the CLPTM1L gene, thus prompting an investigation of the function of CLPTM1L in the pancreas. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that CLPTM1L localized to the endoplasmic reticulum where it is likely embedded in the membrane, in accord with multiple predicted transmembrane domains. Overexpression of CLPTM1L enhanced growth of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro (1.3-1.5-fold; PDAY7 < 0.003) and in vivo (3.46-fold; PDAY68 = 0.039), suggesting a role in tumor growth; this effect was abrogated by deletion of two hydrophilic domains. Affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry identified an interaction between CLPTM1L and non-muscle myosin II (NMM-II), a protein involved in maintaining cell shape, migration, and cytokinesis. The two proteins colocalized in the cytoplasm and, after treatment with a DNA-damaging agent, at the centrosomes. Overexpression of CLPTM1L and depletion of NMM-II induced aneuploidy, indicating that CLPTM1L may interfere with normal NMM-II function in regulating cytokinesis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced staining of CLPTM1L in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 378) as compared with normal pancreatic tissue samples (n = 17; P = 1.7 × 10(-4)). Our results suggest that CLPTM1L functions as a growth-promoting gene in the pancreas and that overexpression may lead to an abrogation of normal cytokinesis, indicating that it should be considered as a plausible candidate gene that could explain the effect of pancreatic cancer susceptibility alleles on chr5p15.33.

BRD4 short isoform interacts with RRP1B, SIPA1 and components of the LINC complex at the inner face of the nuclear membrane

Recent studies suggest that BET inhibitors are effective anti-cancer therapeutics. Here we show that BET inhibitors are effective against murine primary mammary tumors, but not pulmonary metastases. BRD4, a target of BET inhibitors, encodes two isoforms with opposite effects on tumor progression. To gain insights into why BET inhibition was ineffective against metastases the pro-metastatic short isoform of BRD4 was characterized using mass spectrometry and cellular fractionation. Our data show that the pro-metastatic short isoform interacts with the LINC complex and the metastasis-associated proteins RRP1B and SIPA1 at the inner face of the nuclear membrane. Furthermore, histone binding arrays revealed that the short isoform has a broader acetylated histone binding pattern relative to the long isoform. These differential biochemical and nuclear localization properties revealed in our study provide novel insights into the opposing roles of BRD4 isoforms in metastatic breast cancer progression.

In-depth proteome analysis of the rubber particle of Hevea brasiliensis (para rubber tree)

The rubber particle is a special organelle in which natural rubber is synthesised and stored in the laticifers of Hevea brasiliensis. To better understand the biological functions of rubber particles and to identify the candidate rubber biosynthesis-related proteins, a comprehensive proteome analysis was performed on H. brasiliensis rubber particles using shotgun tandem mass spectrometry profiling approaches-resulting in a thorough report on the rubber particle proteins. A total of 186 rubber particle proteins were identified, with a range in relative molecular mass of 3.9-194.2 kDa and in isoelectric point values of 4.0-11.2. The rubber particle proteins were analysed for gene ontology and could be categorised into eight major groups according to their functions: including rubber biosynthesis, stress- or defence-related responses, protein processing and folding, signal transduction and cellular transport. In addition to well-known rubber biosynthesis-related proteins such as rubber elongation factor (REF), small rubber particle protein (SRPP) and cis-prenyl transferase (CPT), many proteins were firstly identified to be on the rubber particles, including cyclophilin, phospholipase D, cytochrome P450, small GTP-binding protein, clathrin, eukaryotic translation initiation factor, annexin, ABC transporter, translationally controlled tumour protein, ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, and several homologues of REF, SRPP and CPT. A procedure of multiple reaction monitoring was established for further protein validation. This comprehensive proteome data of rubber particles would facilitate investigation into molecular mechanisms of biogenesis, self-homeostasis and rubber biosynthesis of the rubber particle, and might serve as valuable biomarkers in molecular breeding studies of H. brasiliensis and other alternative rubber-producing species.

Multiple reaction monitoring of multiple low-abundance transcription factors in whole lung cancer cell lysates

Lung cancer-related transcription factors (TFs) were identified by integrating previously reported genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data and were quantified by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in various cell lines. All experiments were performed without affinity depletion or subfractionation of cell lysates. Since the target proteins were expected to be present in low abundance, we experimentally optimized MRM transition parameters with chemically synthesized peptides. Quantitation was based on stable isotope-labeled standard peptides (SIS peptides). Out of 288 MRM measurements (36 peptides representing 28 TFs × 8 cell lines), 241 were successfully obtained within a quantitation limit of 15 amol, 221 measurements (91.7%) showed coefficients of variation (CVs) of ≤ 20%, and 149 (61.8%) showed CVs of ≤ 10%, quantifying as low as 19.4 amol/μg protein for STAT2 with a CV of 6.3% in an A549 cell. Comparisons between MRM measurements and levels of the corresponding mRNAs revealed linear, nonlinear, or no relationship between protein and mRNA levels, indicating the need for an MRM assay. An integrative analysis of MRM and gene expression profiles from doxorubicin-resistant H69AR and sensitive H69 cells further showed that 14 differentially expressed TFs, such as STAT1 and SMAD4, regulated genes associated with drug resistance and cell differentiation-related processes. Thus, the analytical performance of MRM for the quantitation of low abundance TFs suggests its usefulness for biological application.

Preparation of human cerebrospinal fluid for proteomics biomarker analysis

The analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome in recent years has resulted in a valuable repository of data for targeting and diagnosing a variety of diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Human ventricular CSF contains numerous proteins that are unique to CSF due in part to the interaction of the biofluid with the brain. This allows researchers to obtain information from a region that would otherwise be inaccessible except through invasive surgery or during autopsy. Characterization of the CSF proteome requires that strict care be taken so that sample integrity and fidelity are maintained to ensure data reproducibility. Standardized methods in sample collection, storage, preparation, analysis, and data mining must be used for meaningful information to be obtained. The following method describes a simple and robust approach for preparing CSF samples for analysis via reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

Using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to detect proteins and protein-protein complexes

In this study, we combined surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) with HgTe nanostructures as matrix for the detection of several proteins (α1-antitrypsin, trypsin, IgG, protein G) and their complexes. We investigated the effects of several parameters (the concentration and nature of surfactants and metal ions, the pH, and concentration of the analytes in the sample matrixes) on the sensitivity of the detection of these proteins and their complexes. The presence of stabilizing Brij 76 surfactant and Zn(II) ions allowed the detection of weak protein complexes, such as α1-antitrypsin-trypsin and IgG-protein G complexes, at the picomole level. We observed multiply charged states at m/z 72,160 ([α1-antitrypsin + trypsin + H](+)) and 86,585 ([IgG + protein G + 2H](2+)) for the α1-antitrypsin-trypsin and IgG-protein G complexes, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, detection of weak protein complexes and determination of their stoichiometry have not been demonstrated previously when a combination of SALDI-MS and nanostructures were used. This simple and reproducible SALDI-MS approach using HgTe nanostructures holds great potential for the detection of other proteins and their complexes.

Liquid-phase-based separation systems for depletion, prefractionation and enrichment of proteins in biological fluids and matrices for in-depth proteomics analysis--an update covering the period 2008-2011

This review article expands on the previous one (Jmeian, Y. and El Rassi, Z. Electrophoresis 2009, 30, 249-261) by reviewing pertinent literature in the period extending from early 2008 to the present. Similar to the previous review article, the present one is concerned with proteomic sample preparation (e.g. depletion of high-abundance proteins, reduction of the protein dynamic concentration range, enrichment of a particular subproteome), and the subsequent chromatographic and/or electrophoretic prefractionation prior to peptide separation and identification by LC-MS/MS. This review article differs from the first version published in Electrophoresis 2009, 30, 249-261 by expanding on capturing/enriching subglycoproteomics by lectin affinity chromatography. Ninety-eight articles published in the period extending from early 2008 to the present have been reviewed. By no means is this review article exhaustive: its aim is to give a concise report on the latest developments in the field.

Integrated proteomic profiling of cell line conditioned media and pancreatic juice for the identification of pancreatic cancer biomarkers

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, for which serological biomarkers are urgently needed. Most discovery-phase studies focus on the use of one biological source for analysis. The present study details the combined mining of pancreatic cancer-related cell line conditioned media and pancreatic juice for identification of putative diagnostic leads. Using strong cation exchange chromatography, followed by LC-MS/MS on an LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometer, we extensively characterized the proteomes of conditioned media from six pancreatic cancer cell lines (BxPc3, MIA-PaCa2, PANC1, CAPAN1, CFPAC1, and SU.86.86), the normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line HPDE, and two pools of six pancreatic juice samples from ductal adenocarcinoma patients. All samples were analyzed in triplicate. Between 1261 and 2171 proteins were identified with two or more peptides in each of the cell lines, and an average of 521 proteins were identified in the pancreatic juice pools. In total, 3479 nonredundant proteins were identified with high confidence, of which ∼ 40% were extracellular or cell membrane-bound based on Genome Ontology classifications. Three strategies were employed for identification of candidate biomarkers: (1) examination of differential protein expression between the cancer and normal cell lines using label-free protein quantification, (2) integrative analysis, focusing on the overlap of proteins among the multiple biological fluids, and (3) tissue specificity analysis through mining of publically available databases. Preliminary verification of anterior gradient homolog 2, syncollin, olfactomedin-4, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, and collagen alpha-1(VI) chain in plasma samples from pancreatic cancer patients and healthy controls using ELISA, showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) of these proteins in plasma from pancreatic cancer patients. The combination of these five proteins showed an improved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to CA19.9 alone. Further validation of these proteins is warranted, as is the investigation of the remaining group of candidates.