N-acetyl-L-cysteine sensitizes pancreatic cancers to gemcitabine by targeting the NFκB pathway

First-line therapy for pancreatic cancer is gemcitabine. Although tumors may initially respond to the gemcitabine treatment, soon tumor resistance develops leading to treatment failure. Previously, we demonstrated in human MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells that N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a glutathione (GSH) precursor, prevents NFκB activation via S-glutathionylation of p65-NFκB, thereby blunting expression of survival genes. In this study, we documented the molecular sites of S-glutathionylation of p65, and we investigated whether NAC can suppress NFκB signaling and augment a therapeutic response to gemcitabine in vivo. Mass spectrometric analysis of S-glutathionylated p65-NFκB protein in vitro showed post-translational modifications of cysteines 38, 105, 120, 160 and 216 following oxidative and nitrosative stress. Circular dichroism revealed that S-glutathionylation of p65-NFκB did not change secondary structure of the protein, but increased tryptophan fluorescence revealed altered tertiary structure. Gemcitabine and NAC individually were not effective in decreasing MIA PaCa-2 tumor growth in vivo. However, combination treatment with NAC and gemcitabine decreased tumor growth by approximately 50%. NAC treatment also markedly enhanced tumor apoptosis in gemcitabine-treated mice. Compared to untreated tumors, gemcitabine treatment alone increased p65-NFκB nuclear translocation (3.7-fold) and DNA binding (2.5-fold), and these effects were blunted by NAC. In addition, NAC plus gemcitabine treatment decreased anti-apoptotic XIAP protein expression compared to gemcitabine alone. None of the treatments, however, affected extent of tumor hypoxia, as assessed by EF5 staining. Together, these results indicate that adjunct therapy with NAC prevents NFκB activation and improves gemcitabine chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Design, synthesis, and crystal structures of 6-alkylidene-2'-substituted penicillanic acid sulfones as potent inhibitors of Acinetobacter baumannii OXA-24 carbapenemase

Class D β-lactamases represent a growing and diverse class of penicillin-inactivating enzymes that are usually resistant to commercial β-lactamase inhibitors. As many such enzymes are found in multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, novel β-lactamase inhibitors are urgently needed. Five unique 6-alkylidene-2'-substituted penicillanic acid sulfones (1-5) were synthesized and tested against OXA-24, a clinically important β-lactamase that inactivates carbapenems and is found in A. baumannii. Based upon the roles Tyr112 and Met223 play in the OXA-24 β-lactamase, we also engineered two variants (Tyr112Ala and Tyr112Ala,Met223Ala) to test the hypothesis that the hydrophobic tunnel formed by these residues influences inhibitor recognition. IC(50) values against OXA-24 and two OXA-24 β-lactamase variants ranged from 10 ± 1 (4 vs WT) to 338 ± 20 nM (5 vs Tyr112Ala, Met223Ala). Compound 4 possessed the lowest K(i) (500 ± 80 nM vs WT), and 1 possessed the highest inactivation efficiency (k(inact)/K(i) = 0.21 ± 0.02 μM(-1)  s(-1)). Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed a single covalent adduct, suggesting the formation of an acyl-enzyme intermediate. X-ray structures of OXA-24 complexed to four inhibitors (2.0-2.6 Å) reveal the formation of stable bicyclic aromatic intermediates with their carbonyl oxygen in the oxyanion hole. These data provide the first structural evidence that 6-alkylidene-2'-substituted penicillin sulfones are effective mechanism-based inactivators of class D β-lactamases. Their unique chemistry makes them developmental candidates. Mechanisms for class D hydrolysis and inhibition are discussed, and a pathway for the evolution of the BlaR1 sensor of Staphylococcus aureus to the class D β-lactamases is proposed.

Levodopa deactivates enzymes that regulate thiol-disulfide homeostasis and promotes neuronal cell death: implications for therapy of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss, is attributed to oxidative stress, diminished glutathione (GSH) levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein aggregation. Treatment of PD involves chronic administration of Levodopa (l-DOPA) which is a pro-oxidant and may disrupt sulfhydryl homeostasis. The goal of these studies is to elucidate the effects of l-DOPA on thiol homeostasis in a model akin to PD, i.e., immortalized dopaminergic neurons (SHSY5Y cells) with diminished GSH content. These neurons exhibit hypersensitivity to l-DOPA-induced cell death, which is attributable to concomitant inhibition of the intracellular thiol disulfide oxidoreductase enzymes. Glutaredoxin (Grx) was deactivated in a dose-dependent fashion, but its content was unaffected. Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) reductase (GR) activity was not altered. Selective knockdown of Grx resulted in an increased level of apoptosis, documenting the role of the Grx system in neuronal survival. l-DOPA treatments also led to decreased activities of thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (TR), concomitant with diminution of their cellular contents. Selective chemical inhibition of TR activity led to an increased level of apoptosis, documenting the Trx system's contribution to neuronal viability. To investigate the mechanism of inhibition at the molecular level, we treated the each isolated enzyme with oxidized l-DOPA. GR, Trx, and TR activities were little affected. However, Grx was inactivated in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion indicative of irreversible adduction of dopaquinone to its nucleophilic active-site Cys-22, consistent with the intracellular loss of Grx activity but not Grx protein content after l-DOPA treatment. Overall l-DOPA is shown to impair the collaborative contributions of the Grx and Trx systems to neuron survival.

Inhibition of the class C beta-lactamase from Acinetobacter spp.: insights into effective inhibitor design

The need to develop beta-lactamase inhibitors against class C cephalosporinases of Gram-negative pathogens represents an urgent clinical priority. To respond to this challenge, five boronic acid derivatives, including a new cefoperazone analogue, were synthesized and tested against the class C cephalosporinase of Acinetobacter baumannii [Acinetobacter-derived cephalosporinase (ADC)]. The commercially available carbapenem antibiotics were also assayed. In the boronic acid series, a chiral cephalothin analogue with a meta-carboxyphenyl moiety corresponding to the C(3)/C(4) carboxylate of beta-lactams showed the lowest K(i) (11 +/- 1 nM). In antimicrobial susceptibility tests, this cephalothin analogue lowered the ceftazidime and cefotaxime minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Escherichia coli DH10B cells carrying bla(ADC) from 16 to 4 microg/mL and from 8 to 1 microg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, each carbapenem exhibited a K(i) of <20 microM, and timed electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) demonstrated the formation of adducts corresponding to acyl-enzyme intermediates with both intact carbapenem and carbapenem lacking the C(6) hydroxyethyl group. To improve our understanding of the interactions between the beta-lactamase and the inhibitors, we constructed models of ADC as an acyl-enzyme intermediate with (i) the meta-carboxyphenyl cephalothin analogue and (ii) the carbapenems, imipenem and meropenem. Our first model suggests that this chiral cephalothin analogue adopts a novel conformation in the beta-lactamase active site. Further, the addition of the substituent mimicking the cephalosporin dihydrothiazine ring may significantly improve affinity for the ADC beta-lactamase. In contrast, the ADC-carbapenem models offer a novel role for the R(2) side group and also suggest that elimination of the C(6) hydroxyethyl group by retroaldolic reaction leads to a significant conformational change in the acyl-enzyme intermediate. Lessons from the diverse mechanisms and structures of the boronic acid derivatives and carbapenems provide insights for the development of new beta-lactamase inhibitors against these critical drug resistance targets.

Mutation of the active site carboxy-lysine (K70) of OXA-1 beta-lactamase results in a deacylation-deficient enzyme

Class D beta-lactamases hydrolyze beta-lactam antibiotics by using an active site serine nucleophile to form a covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate and subsequently employ water to deacylate the beta-lactam and release product. Class D beta-lactamases are carboxylated on the epsilon-amino group of an active site lysine, with the resulting carbamate functional group serving as a general base. We discovered that substitutions of the active site serine and lysine in OXA-1 beta-lactamase, a monomeric class D enzyme, significantly disrupt catalytic turnover. Substitution of glycine for the nucleophilic serine (S67G) results in an enzyme that can still bind substrate but is unable to form a covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate. Substitution of the carboxylated lysine (K70), on the other hand, results in enzyme that can be acylated by substrate but is impaired with respect to deacylation. We employed the fluorescent penicillin BOCILLIN FL to show that three different substitutions for K70 (alanine, aspartate, and glutamate) lead to the accumulation of significant acyl-enzyme intermediate. Interestingly, BOCILLIN FL deacylation rates (t(1/2)) vary depending on the identity of the substituting residue, from approximately 60 min for K70A to undetectable deacylation for K70D. Tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy was used to confirm that these results are applicable to natural (i.e., nonfluorescent) substrates. Deacylation by K70A, but not K70D or K70E, can be partially restored by the addition of short-chain carboxylic acid mimetics of the lysine carbamate. In conclusion, we establish the functional role of the carboxylated lysine in OXA-1 and highlight its specific role in acylation and deacylation.

The role of a second-shell residue in modifying substrate and inhibitor interactions in the SHV beta-lactamase: a study of ambler position Asn276

Inhibitor-resistant class A beta-lactamases of the TEM and SHV families that arise by single amino acid substitutions are a significant threat to the efficacy of beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations. To better understand the basis of the inhibitor-resistant phenotype in SHV, we performed mutagenesis to examine the role of a second-shell residue, Asn276. Of the 19 variants expressed in Escherichia coli, only the Asn276Asp enzyme demonstrated reduced susceptibility to ampicillin/clavulanate (MIC increased from 50/2 --> 50/8 microg/mL) while maintaining high-level resistance to ampicillin (MIC = 8192 microg/mL). Steady-state kinetic analyses of Asn276Asp revealed slightly diminished k(cat)/K(m) for all substrates tested. In contrast, we observed a 5-fold increase in K(i) for clavulanate (7.4 +/- 0.9 microM for Asn276Asp vs 1.4 +/- 0.2 microM for SHV-1) and a 40% reduction in k(inact)/K(I) (0.013 +/- 0.002 microM(-1 )s(-1) for Asn276Asp vs 0.021 +/- 0.004 microM(-1) s(-1) for SHV-1). Timed electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of clavulanate-inhibited SHV-1 and SHV Asn276Asp showed nearly identical mass adducts, arguing for a similar pathway of inactivation. Molecular modeling shows that novel electrostatic interactions are formed between Arg244Neta2 and both 276AspOdelta1 and Odelta2; these new forces restrict the spatial position of Arg244, a residue important in the recognition of the C(3)/C(4) carboxylate of beta-lactam substrates and inhibitors. Testing the functional consequences of this interaction, we noted considerable free energy costs (+DeltaDeltaG) for substrates and inhibitors. A rigid carbapenem (meropenem) was most affected by the Asn276Asp substitution (46-fold increase in K(i) vs SHV-1). We conclude that residue 276 is an important second-shell residue in class A beta-lactamase-mediated resistance to substrates and inhibitors, and only Asn is able to precisely modulate the conformational flexibility of Arg244 required for successful evolution in nature.

Proteomics of mitochondrial inner and outer membranes

For the proteomic study of mitochondrial membranes, documented high quality mitochondrial preparations are a necessity to ensure proper localization. Despite the state-of-the-art technologies currently in use, there is no single technique that can be used for all studies of mitochondrial membrane proteins. Herein, we use examples to highlight solubilization techniques, different chromatographic methods, and developments in gel electrophoresis for proteomic analysis of mitochondrial membrane proteins. Blue-native gel electrophoresis has been successful not only for dissection of the inner membrane oxidative phosphorylation system, but also for the components of the outer membrane such as those involved in protein import. Identification of PTMs such as phosphorylation, acetylation, and nitration of mitochondrial membrane proteins has been greatly improved by the use of affinity techniques. However, understanding of the biological effect of these modifications is an area for further exploration. The rapid development of proteomic methods for both identification and quantitation, especially for modifications, will greatly impact the understanding of the mitochondrial membrane proteome.

Post-translational modifications of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins

In recent years, a wide variety of proteomic approaches using gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry has been developed to detect post-translational modifications. Mitochondria are often a focus of these studies due to their important role in cellular function. Many of their crucial transport and oxidative-phosphorylation functions are performed by proteins residing in the inner and outer membranes of the mitochondria. Although proteomic technologies have greatly enhanced our understanding of regulation in cellular processes, analysis of membrane proteins has lagged behind that of soluble proteins. Herein, we present techniques to facilitate the detection of post-translational modifications of mitochondrial membrane proteins including the isolation of resident membranes as well as electrophoretic and immunological-based methods for identification of post-translational modifications.

Glutaredoxin regulates autocrine and paracrine proinflammatory responses in retinal glial (muller) cells

Protein S-glutathionylation is a reversible redox-dependent post-translational modification. Many cellular functions and signal transduction pathways involve proteins whose cysteine-dependent activities are modulated by glutathionylation. Glutaredoxin (Grx1) plays a key role in such regulation because it is a specific and efficient catalyst of deglutathionylation. We recently reported an increase in Grx1 in retinae of diabetic rats and in rat retinal Müller glial cells (rMC-1) cultured in high glucose. This up-regulation of Grx1 was concomitant with NFkappaB activation and induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This proinflammatory response was replicated by adenoviral-directed up-regulation of Grx1 in cells in normal glucose. The site of regulation of NFkappaB was localized to the cytoplasm, where IkappaB kinase (IKK) is a master regulator of NFkappaB activation. In the current study, inhibition of IKK activity abrogated the increase in ICAM-1 induced by high glucose or by adenoviral-directed up-regulation of Grx1. Conditioned medium from the Müller cells overexpressing Grx1 was added to fresh cultures of Müller or endothelial cells and elicited increases in the Grx1 and ICAM-1 proteins in these cells. These effects correlate with a novel finding that secretion of interleukin-6 was elevated in the cultures of Grx overexpressing cells. Also, pure interleukin-6 increased Grx1 and ICAM-1 in the rMC-1 cells. Thus, Grx1 appears to play an important role in both autocrine and paracrine proinflammatory responses. Furthermore, IKKbeta isolated from Müller cells in normal glucose medium was found to be glutathionylated on Cys-179. Hence Grx-mediated activation of IKK via deglutathionylation may play a central role in diabetic complications in vivo where Grx1 is increased.

Strategic design of an effective beta-lactamase inhibitor: LN-1-255, a 6-alkylidene-2'-substituted penicillin sulfone

In an effort to devise strategies for overcoming bacterial beta-lactamases, we studied LN-1-255, a 6-alkylidene-2'-substituted penicillin sulfone inhibitor. By possessing a catecholic functionality that resembles a natural bacterial siderophore, LN-1-255 is unique among beta-lactamase inhibitors. LN-1-255 combined with piperacillin was more potent against Escherichia coli DH10B strains bearing bla(SHV) extended-spectrum and inhibitor-resistant beta-lactamases than an equivalent amount of tazobactam and piperacillin. In addition, LN-1-255 significantly enhanced the activity of ceftazidime and cefpirome against extended-spectrum cephalosporin and Sme-1 containing carbapenem-resistant clinical strains. LN-1-255 inhibited SHV-1 and SHV-2 beta-lactamases with nm affinity (K(I) = 110 +/- 10 and 100 +/- 10 nm, respectively). When LN-1-255 inactivated SHV beta-lactamases, a single intermediate was detected by mass spectrometry. The crystal structure of LN-1-255 in complex with SHV-1 was determined at 1.55A resolution. Interestingly, this novel inhibitor forms a bicyclic aromatic intermediate with its carbonyl oxygen pointing out of the oxyanion hole and forming hydrogen bonds with Lys-234 and Ser-130 in the active site. Electron density for the "tail" of LN-1-255 is less ordered and modeled in two conformations. Both conformations have the LN-1-255 carboxyl group interacting with Arg-244, yet the remaining tails of the two conformations diverge. The observed presence of the bicyclic aromatic intermediate with its carbonyl oxygen positioned outside of the oxyanion hole provides a rationale for the stability of this inhibitory intermediate. The 2'-substituted penicillin sulfone, LN-1-255, is proving to be an important lead compound for novel beta-lactamase inhibitor design.

Overcoming Resistance to β-Lactamase Inhibitors: Comparing Sulbactam to Novel Inhibitors against Clavulanate Resistant SHV Enzymes with Substitutions at Ambler Position 244

Amino acid changes at Ambler position R244 in class A TEM and SHV beta-lactamases confer resistance to ampicillin/clavulanate, a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination used to treat serious infections. To gain a deeper understanding of this resistance phenotype, we investigated the activities of sulbactam and two novel penem beta-lactamase inhibitors with sp2 hybridized C3 carboxylates and bicyclic R1 side chains against a library of SHV beta-lactamase variants at the 244 position. Compared to SHV-1 expressed in Escherichia coli, all 19 R244 variants exhibited increased susceptibility to ampicillin/sulbactam, an important difference compared to ampicillin/clavulanate. Kinetic analyses of SHV-1 and three SHV R244 (-S, -Q, and -L) variants revealed the Ki for sulbactam was significantly elevated for the R244 variants, but the partition ratios, kcat/kinact, were markedly reduced (13 000 --> <or=500). A timed inactivation-mass spectrometry analysis of SHV inhibited by sulbactam showed that SHV-1 beta-lactamase was unmodified at 15 min. A parallel experiment with R244S demonstrated 70 and 88 +/- 3 Da fragments of sulbactam covalently attached to the beta-lactamase. We also observed that the Ki values of penems 1 and 2 were increased for R244 variants compared to those for SHV; however, these inhibitors effectively restored ampicillin susceptibility in vitro. Compared to that of sulbactam, the kcat/kinact values of penems for SHV-1 and R244S were low (<or=2), and unfragmented adducts of each penem were covalently attached to SHV-1 and R244S when studied using the timed inactivation-mass spectrometry method. The R244S mutation affects beta-lactamase inactivators differently, but resistance can be overcome by designing penem inhibitors with strategic chemical properties that improve affinity and impair turnover.

Acute pulmonary hemorrhage during isoflurane anesthesia in two cats exposed to toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum)

CASE DESCRIPTION

Acute pulmonary hemorrhage developed during isoflurane anesthesia in 2 Himalayan cats undergoing routine dental cleaning and prophylaxis.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

The cats were siblings and lived together. In both cats, results of pre-operative physical examinations and laboratory testing were unremarkable. Blood pressure and oxygen saturation were within reference ranges throughout the dental procedure. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes after administration of isoflurane was begun, frothy blood was noticed within the endotracheal tube. Blood was suctioned from the endotracheal tube, and the cats were allowed to recover from anesthesia.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

1 cat initially responded to supportive care but developed a second episode of spontaneous pulmonary hemorrhage approximately 30 hours later and died. The other cat responded to supportive care and was discharged after 4 days, but its condition deteriorated, and the cat died 10 days later. Subsequently, it was discovered that the home was severely contaminated with mold as a result of storm damage that had occurred approximately 7 months previously. Retrospective analysis of banked serum from the cats revealed satratoxin G, a biomarker for Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly referred to as "toxic black mold."

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Findings highlight the potential risk of acute pulmonary hemorrhage in animals living in an environment contaminated with mold following flood damage.

Post-translational modifications of rat liver mitochondrial outer membrane proteins identified by mass spectrometry

The identification of post-translational modifications is difficult especially for hydrophobic membrane proteins. Here we present the identification of several types of protein modifications on membrane proteins isolated from mitochondrial outer membranes. We show, in vivo, that the mature rat liver mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I enzyme is N-terminally acetylated, phosphorylated on two threonine residues, and nitrated on two tyrosine residues. We show that long chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 is acetylated at both the N-terminal end and at a lysine residue and tyrosine residues are found to be phosphorylated and nitrated. For the three voltage-dependent anion channel isoforms present in the mitochondria, the N-terminal regions of the protein were determined and sites of phosphorylation were identified. These novel findings raise questions about regulatory aspects of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I, long chain acyl-CoA synthetase and voltage dependent anion channel and further studies should advance our understanding about regulation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in general and these three proteins in specific.

Mycotoxin adducts on human serum albumin: biomarkers of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum

OBJECTIVE

Despite the growing body of evidence showing adverse health effects from inhalation exposure to the trichothecene-producing mold Stachybotrys chartarum, controversy remains. Currently, there are no reliable assays suitable for clinical diagnosis of exposure. We hypothesized that satratoxin G (SG) -albumin adducts may serve as biomarkers of exposure to this fungus.

DESIGN

We studied the formation of adducts of SG with serum albumin in vitro using Western blots and mass spectrometry (MS) and searched for similar adducts formed in vivo using human and animal serum.

RESULTS

Samples of purified human serum albumin that had been incubated with increasing concentrations of SG showed concentration-dependent albumin bands in Western blots developed with anti-SG antibodies. MS analysis found that as many as 10 toxin molecules can be bound in vitro to one albumin molecule. The sequencing of albumin-adduct tryptic peptides and the analysis of pronase/aminopeptidase digests demonstrated that lysyl, cysteinyl, and histidyl residues are involved in the formation of these adducts. Serum samples from three patients with documented exposure to S. chartarum similarly revealed lysine-, cysteine-, and histidine-SG adducts after exhaustive digestion, affinity column enrichment, and MS analysis. These adducts were also found in the sera from rats exposed to the spores of S. chartarum in contrast to control human subjects and control animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These data document the occurrence of SG-albumin adducts in both in vitro experiments and in vivo human and animal exposures to S. chartarum.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

SG-amino acid adducts may serve as reliable dosimeter biomarkers for detection of exposure to S. chartarum.

Probing active site chemistry in SHV beta-lactamase variants at Ambler position 244. Understanding unique properties of inhibitor resistance

Inhibitor-resistant class A beta-lactamases are an emerging threat to the use of beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (e.g. amoxicillin/clavulanate) in the treatment of serious bacterial infections. In the TEM family of Class A beta-lactamases, single amino acid substitutions at Arg-244 confer resistance to clavulanate inactivation. To understand the amino acid sequence requirements in class A beta-lactamases that confer resistance to clavulanate, we performed site-saturation mutagenesis of Arg-244 in SHV-1, a related class A beta-lactamase found in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Twelve SHV enzymes with amino acid substitutions at Arg-244 resulted in significant increases in minimal inhibitory concentrations to ampicillin/clavulanate when expressed in Escherichia coli. Kinetic analyses of SHV-1, R244S, R244Q, R244L, and R244E beta-lactamases revealed that the main determinant of clavulanate resistance was reduced inhibitor affinity. In contrast to studies in the highly similar TEM enzyme, we observed increases in clavulanate k(inact) for all mutants. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of clavulanate inhibited SHV-1 and R244S showed nearly identical mass adducts, arguing against a difference in the inactivation mechanism. Testing a wide range of substrates with C3-4 carboxylates in different stereochemical orientations, we observed impaired affinity for all substrates among inhibitor resistant variants. Lastly, we synthesized two boronic acid transition state analogs that mimic cephalothin and found substitutions at Arg-244 markedly affect both the affinity and kinetics of binding to the chiral, deacylation transition state inhibitor. These data define a role for Arg-244 in substrate and inhibitor binding in the SHV beta-lactamase.

A targeted proteomic approach for the analysis of rat liver mitochondrial outer membrane proteins with extensive sequence coverage

Membrane proteins play an important role in cellular function. However, their analysis by mass spectrometry often is hindered by their hydrophobicity and/or low abundance. In this article, we present a method for the mass spectrometric analysis of membrane proteins based on the isolation of the resident membranes, isolation of the proteins by gel electrophoresis, and electroelution followed by enzymatic digestion by both trypsin and proteinase K. With this method, we have achieved 82-99% sequence coverage for the membrane proteins carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (LCAS), and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), isolated from rat liver mitochondrial outer membranes, including the transmembrane domains of these integral membrane proteins. This high sequence coverage allowed the identification of the isoforms of the proteins under study. This methodology provides a targeted approach for examining membrane proteins in detail.

Phosphorylation of rat liver mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I: effect on the kinetic properties of the enzyme

Hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-IL) isolated from mitochondrial outer membranes obtained in the presence of protein phosphatase inhibitors is readily recognized by phosphoamino acid antibodies. Mass spectrometric analysis of CPT-IL tryptic digests revealed the presence of three phosphopeptides including one with a protein kinase CKII (CKII) consensus site. Incubation of dephosphorylated outer membranes with protein kinases and [gamma-32P]ATP resulted in radiolabeling of CPT-I only by CKII. Using mass spectrometry, only one region of phosphorylation was detected in CPT-I isolated from CKII-treated mitochondria. The sequence of the peptide and position of phosphorylated amino acids have been determined unequivocally as FpSSPETDpSHRFGK (residues 740-752). Furthermore, incubation of dephosphorylated outer membranes with CKII and unlabeled ATP led to increased catalytic activity and rendered malonyl-CoA inhibition of CPT-I from competitive to uncompetitive. These observations identify a new mechanism for regulation of hepatic CPT-I by phosphorylation.

Mass spectrometric detection of protein, lipid and heme components of cytochrome c oxidase from R. sphaeroides and the stabilization of non-covalent complexes from the enzyme

The cytochrome c oxidase enzyme from the Rhodobacter sphaeroides bacteria exists as a complex of four peptide subunits, two hemes, and a variety of lipids and metal ions held together by non-covalent forces. While the native enzyme functions as an associated unit, this complex usually dissociates during MALDI- TOF analysis. Through the use of matrix additives such as sucrose, the complete complex and partial complexes can be stabilized in the MALDI-TOF experiment. The dissociation of the complex allows for the detection of the components of the enzyme. The direct detection of associated lipids from an aqueous solution of the intact enzyme may eliminate the need for enzyme disruption and lipid extraction. The partial dissociation of multisubunit enzymes in such experiments may allow for the determination of subunit-subunit and subunit-lipid interactions

Additives for the stabilization of double-stranded DNA in UV-MALDI MS

Molecular complexes such as double-stranded oligonucleotides contain non-covalent bonds that are difficult to maintain in the MALDI experiment. Quantifiers are introduced in order to evaluate, summarize, and compare spectra from experiments in which additives are used to stabilize duplex oligonucleotides. Compounds known to complex with and stabilize duplex molecules can be useful as additives in MALDI. Spermine and methylene blue, present at concentrations similar to the matrix, are detected, bound to the duplex. When peptides are used as additives, the duplex is stabilized when the peptide is present at an amount less than that of the duplex.

Improved MALDI-MS analysis of oligonucleotides through the use of fucose as a matrix additive

With the development of matrix additives, the MALDI-MS analysis of oligonucleotides has improved greatly. When the monosaccharide fucose is combined with the matrix, the homogeneity of the MALDI target, signal strength, and signal duration are increased. The sensitivity of the MALDI experiment increases, allowing for improved detection of components in a complex mixture of oligonucleotides, such as that encountered in sequencing experiments. The addition of fucose to the matrix also causes a reduction in the extent of fragmentation of oligonucleotides.

5-Methoxysalicylic acid and spermine: a new matrix for the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis of oligonucleotides

5-Methoxysalicylic acid (MSA) is demonstrated to be a useful matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry of oligonucleotides, when desorption/ionization without fragmentation is desired. When MSA is combined with the additive spermine, the need for desalting is reduced. The MSA/spermine matrix yields linear TOF mass spectra with improved resolution, less fragmentation, and less intense alkali ion adduct peaks than those spectra obtained using 3-hydroxypicolinic acid and 6-aza-2-thiothymine with spermine or diammonium hydrogen citrate as additives. Instrumental conditions are discussed to improve the spectral resolution, specifically the use of longer delay times in the delayed-extraction ion source.