What it takes to reduce sitting at work: a pilot study on the effectiveness and correlates of a multicomponent intervention

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and effects of a simple-to-implement multicomponent intervention to reduce sedentary time of office workers.

METHODS

Six groups of eight to ten office workers took part in the two-week Leicht Bewegt intervention. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0, n = 52), after 2 weeks (T1, n = 46), and after 5 weeks (T2, n = 38), including subjective sedentary measures and social-cognitive variables based on the health action process approach (HAPA). Objective sedentary measures were obtained using activPAL trackers.

RESULTS

The intention to reduce sedentary behavior during work increased significantly from T0 to T1. Participants' objective and subjective sitting time decreased significantly from T0 to T1, corresponding to an average decrease per 8-h-workday of 55 min (d = - .66) or 74 min (d = - 1.14), respectively. This reduction persisted (for subjective sitting time) at T2 (d = - 1.08). Participants indicated a high satisfaction with the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The Leicht Bewegt intervention offers a feasible and effective opportunity to reduce sedentary behavior at work. Randomized controlled trials including longer follow-up time periods are needed to validate its benefits in different workplaces.

Preparation and some properties of a polyethyleneimine-agarose metal adsorbent

An adsorbent for metal ions has been prepared by reacting high molecular weight polyethyleneimine (PEI) with a crosslinked and activated agarose gel, Novarose. The synthesis variables, i.e. time, temperature, pH, PEI concentration and PEI/Novarose ratio, were optimized in order to obtain a high metal binding capacity of the adsorbent. The binding capacity for Cu(2+) is 500 micromol/ml packed adsorbent. A number of properties of the adsorbent relevant for metal ion accumulation has been investigated for Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Cd(2+) and Zn(2+). Adsorption capacities, adsorption isotherms, distribution coefficients, recoveries and relative rates of accumulation were determined. The adsorbent can be used for preconcentration and for separation of interfering alkali and alkaline earth metals in analytical applications.

Comparison of the protein adsorption selectivity of salt-promoted agarose-based adsorbents. Hydrophobic, thiophilic and electron donor-acceptor adsorbents

Protein adsorption of human serum onto six different agarose-based chromatographic gels that were representative of the salt-promoted adsorbent family [octyl- and phenyl-Sepharose, mercaptoethanol-divinyl sulfone agarose (T gel), mercaptomethylene pyridine-derivatized agarose gel (MP gel), tricyanoaminopropene-divinyl sulfone agarose (DVS-TCP gel), tricyanoamino-propene-bisoxirane agarose (bisoxirane-TCP gel)] was studied in the presence of moderate or high concentrations of the water structuring salt, sodium sulfate. Study of the protein adsorption selectivity by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed an opposed selectivity for hydrophobic interaction adsorbents and electron donor-acceptor adsorbents. The T gel, MP gel and TCP gels belonged to the electron donor-acceptor adsorbents, displaying a main selectivity for immunoglobulins, whereas octyl-Sepharose belonged to the hydrophobic adsorbents, displaying a main selectivity for 'hydrophobic' proteins. Phenyl-Sepharose for its part was described as an example of a composite selectivity of both families. The conclusion of this work is two-fold: (1) hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) and electron donor-acceptor chromatography (EDAC) have opposed protein selectivities and are both salt-promoted. As a main consequence, it means that high concentrations of a water-structuring salt can promote different types of weak molecular interactions, resulting in different protein adsorption selectivities: (2) thiophilic adsorption chromatography (TAC) should be renamed EDAC as similar protein selectivity is demonstrated for electron donor-acceptor ligand devoid of sulfur atoms.

From gel filtration to adsorptive size exclusion

Adsorption and size exclusion in starch and cross-linked dextran were phenomena discovered in Uppsala in the 1950s [Porath (1979), Biochem. Soc. Trans. 7, 1197; Porath (1981), Current Content 19, 21; Porath (1981), J. Chromatogr. 218, 241; Janson (1987), Chromatographia 23, 361; Laurent (1993), J. Chromatogr. 633, 1]. These discoveries were the background to the development of a variety of affinity chromatographic methods. At present attempts are being made to combine size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with adsorption into a single operation that we call adsorptive SEC (AdSEC).

Residue accessibility, hydrogen bonding, and molecular recognition: metal-chelate probing of active site histidines in chymotrypsins

Subspecies defining the maturation pathway of bovine chymotrypsinogen to alpha-chymotrypsin have been separated in a single chromatographic run by affinity to iminodiacetic acid-Cu(II) [IDA-Cu(II)] immobilized onto Novarose. A major highlight of the elution pattern is that, as maturation proceeds, these subspecies exhibit a correlated increase in affinity toward IDA-Cu(II). This behavior is analyzed by a combination of physicochemical and molecular modeling techniques to assess the contribution of the two histidines present in chymotrypsins, at positions 40 and 57 on the protein surface. Catalytic His-57 features adequate surface accessibility to serve as a ligand to IDA-Cu(II), but its participation is clearly ruled out by specific chemical modification. In contrast, His-40, whose side chain is buried in the crystal structures of both zymogen and mature enzyme, surprisingly proves the most plausible candidate as an electron donor to IDA-Cu(II). This apparent conflict between histidine accessibility and their implication in IDA-Cu(II) recognition has been rationalized on the basis of their flexibility and/or hydrogen-bonding status, with the following outcome. First, histidine constitutes a useful reporter group for subtle protein conformational fluctuations. Second, static accessibility computation alone provides no unequivocal guideline as to whether a protein residue can serve as a ligand. Third, this study is the first to document the occurrence of a screening effect due to hydrogen bonding of an otherwise "accessible" histidine. A significant corollary to this finding would be that the catalytic histidine is rigidly entrapped in a remarkably strong hydrogen-bonding network, a situation that may pertain to mechanistic aspects of catalysis.

Salt-independent adsorption of human serum proteins on cyanocarbon gels

Electron donor acceptor gels based on cyanocarbons have been tested for human serum protein adsorption in the absence of salt-promotion by water-structuring salt. This phenomenon was compared with a normal adsorption process in the presence of salt. The tricyanoaminopropene-divinyl sulfone-agarose displayed unusual protein adsorption properties as binding could occur both independently or dependently of the salt-promotion. The absence of hydrophobic or ionic character of the salt-independent interaction suggests an electron donor acceptor adsorption mechanism which is shown, for the first time, to occur independently of salt-promotion in aqueous solution. Study of the protein adsorption specificity showed similar protein selectivity for the fractions adsorbed in both conditions.

Cyanocarbons as ligands for electron donor acceptor chromatography of human serum proteins

The adsorption of human serum proteins to mono-, di- and tri-cyanocarbon ligands was studied in the presence of the water-structuring salt Na2SO4. All of the ligands adsorbed proteins to varying degrees when coupled to agarose via a divinylsulfone-derived spacer arm (DVS), whereas an insignificant or very low protein adsorption capacity occurred when the ligands were coupled through the bisoxirane-derived spacer arm. Studies of the DVS-coupled cyanocarbons showed that adsorption capacity increases with the number of cyano substituents carried by the ligand. The selectivity toward human serum proteins appeared to be similar to that of other electron acceptor ligands, but different from that of hydrophobic ligands. Tricyanoaminopropene-DVS-agarose was found to be the most potent protein adsorbent.

Interactions and applications of soluble heterobifunctional affinity chelating polymers in immobilized metal affinity chromatography

The interaction of immobilized metal-chelating adsorbents with a dual heterobifunctional soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) of the form X-PEG-Y is described, where X represents an affinity ligand and Y a chelating agent. The bifunctional PEG derivative used in this study was biotin-PEG-iminodiacetic acid (IDA). Affinity and metal binding constants of this conjugate for copper and avidin were found to be in excellent agreement with the binding affinities of the corresponding unconjugated groups IDA and biotin, respectively. The characteristics of the interaction of this bifunctional derivative is described in terms of its adsorption in immobilized metal affinity chromatographic (IMAC) adsorbents. The results show that this derivative can be reversibly and selectively bound to specific IMAC adsorbents under certain experimental conditions. This immobilized scheme resembles a system where an IMAC adsorbent was transformed into an affinity adsorbent as a result of the interactions of both chelating derivatives, one in solution (biotin-PEG-IDA) and the other on the solid matrix (IMAC adsorbent). Apparently the modified IMAC adsorbents, once the affinity chelating ligands are attached, exhibit characteristics similar to those of covalently bound affinity ligands in affinity chromatographic systems.

Purification of an expressed insect transferrin from cell culture media using high-capacity Ni(2+)-dipicolylamine gel

Vertebrate transferrin is a well characterized iron transport protein. In contrast, little is known concerning the role of transferrin in insects. Yet, study of iron metabolism in insects could give insights into strategies for insect control, particularly for insects that transmit disease.

Purification of recombinant insect transferrin from large volumes of cell culture medium using high capacity Ni(2+)-dipicolylamine gel

We report the purification of secreted recombinant Manduca sexta transferrin from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cell culture medium in a single step using high capacity Ni(2+)-dipicolylamine (DPA)-Novarose gel. Although the original sample was highly diluted (approximately 10 micrograms transferrin/ml medium) and the cell culture medium contained 10% surfactant (Pluronic F68) and a lipid emulsion, we were able to recover the recombinant transferrin (1 mg protein/100 ml) under gentle elution conditions with 70% yield at > 90% homogeneity. This work demonstrates the versatility of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography using a high metal ion capacity gel to purify a recombinant protein and illustrates the potential of this affinity technique for protein separations from large volumes of cell culture media that contain surfactants.

Rapid one-step purification of goat immunoglobulins by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography

A rapid, single step purification of immunoglobulins from goat serum was achieved using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) on a new high capacity gel, Novarose, coupled to tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) chelated with copper. When goat serum was adsorbed to this gel in buffer pH 7 at 11 cm/h (8.6 ml/h), the immunoglobulin fraction was recovered in a decreasing linear pH gradient at about pH 5.5. When the adsorption buffer was adjusted to pH 6.0 and the linear velocity increased to 110 cm/h (221 ml/h), an immunoglobulin fraction of greater than 95% homogeneity was obtained. Protein purity was assessed by silver-stained native and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE). The capacity of the gel for immunoglobulins was 17 mg immunoglobulin/ml at the low flow rate with adsorption at pH 7 and 15 mg immunoglobulin/ml at the high flow rate with adsorption at pH 6. No problems of back pressure or gel compression were observed at the higher linear velocity. The mild elution pH, high flow rate, and synthetic nature of the ligand support make this new metal-chelating gel a powerful alternative to the use of other currently available commercial gels commonly used for immunoglobulin purification.

Rapid and efficient isolation of transferrin and ferritin from Manduca sexta

We report methods for the rapid purification of two iron-binding proteins from larval hemolymph of Manduca sexta. Ferritin was purified in two steps by density gradient ultracentrifugation. To accomplish this, we utilized the relatively high level of ferritin present in the hemolymph of this animal and augmented the density of the protein in vivo by injection of iron sulfate. Nitrocellulose blots analyzed by laser densitometry showed hemolymph from iron-injected insects contained about 0.4 mg of ferritin per ml (approximately 0.7% of total hemolymph protein); of this, 62% was found as pure ferritin in the pellet formed during ultracentrifugation. Following the density ultracentrifugation, we purified transferrin from the hemolymph subphase by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography using a new gel, Novarose-SE1000/40 coupled to dipicolylamine (DPA) chelated with nickel. Higher capacity Ni2+DPA-gel permitted good resolution of transferrin in the first chromatography; a lower capacity of the same gel allowed purification of transferrin in a second step. Overall transferrin recovery was 52%. Larval hemolymph contained 0.770 mg transferrin/ml, representing about 1.3% of the total protein.

Amphiphilic agarose-based adsorbents for chromatography. Comparative study of adsorption capacities and desorption efficiencies

A number of hydrophobic derivatives attached to cross-linked agarose were studied as protein adsorbents. Differences in the adsorption and desorption behaviour were determined as functions of type and concentration of selected salts. Whereas octyl- and phenyl-Sepharose adsorb serum albumin preferentially, pyridyl-S-agarose shows a much stronger preferential affinity for IgG in the presence of high concentrations of lyotropic salts, such as sulphates. In contrast to pyridyl-S-agarose, a large portion of proteins remained fixed to octyl- and phenyl-Sepharose after extensive washing with 1 M NaOH.

Engineering of a metal coordinating site into human glutathione transferase M1-1 based on immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography of homologous rat enzymes

Rat glutathione transferase (GST) 3-3 binds to Ni(II)-iminodiacetic acid (IDA)-agarose, whereas other GSTs that are abundant in rat liver do not bind to this immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) adsorbent. Rat GST 3-3 contains two superficially located amino acid residues, His84 and His85, that are suitably positioned for coordination to Ni(II)-IDA-agarose. This particular structural motif is lacking in GSTs that do not bind to the IMAC matrix. Creation of an equivalent His-His structure in the homologous human GST M1-1 by protein engineering afforded a mutant enzyme that displays affinity for Ni(II)-IDA-agarose, in contrast to the wild-type GST M1-1. The results identify a distinct site that is operational in IMAC and suggest an approach to the rational design of novel integral metal coordination sites in proteins.

Immobilization of beta-galactosidase on metal-chelate-substituted gels

The use of copper, zinc, iron, nickel and calcium in three different chelating gels was investigated for preparing immobilized beta-galactosidase. The chelated ligands [Cu(2+)-iminodiacetate (IDA), Cu(2+)-Tris(carboxymethyl)ethylenediamine (TED), Ni(2+)-IDA and Fe(3+)-IDA] absorbed the protein so strongly that it can be considered a true immobilization. The obtained enzyme derivatives were investigated with regard to activity and stability. Enzymic activity was highly preserved in general for the TED derivates (90% when compared with that for Cu(2+)-TED). The immobilized Ni2+ derivatives were more stable to high temperature and to storage than the Cu2+ derivatives. Temperature-stability of the immobilized enzyme was very much improved by adding a strong metal-chelating gel such as carboxymethylated tetraethylenepentamine-agarose. The gel could be re-used and reloaded after elution with chelator. beta-Galactosidase from Escherichia coli was purified using immobilized-metal-ion-chelate chromatography (i.m.a.c.). The potential use of beta-galactosidase immobilized on i.m.a.c. gels for technical purposes is discussed.

Isolation and purification of amyloglucosidase from Halobacterium sodomense

Amyloglucosidase from Halobacterium sodomense was purified by a combination of hydrophobic interaction chromatography and immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography at analytical and preparative scale with 75% recovery. The enzyme was found to be a dimer of two different subunits with molecular weights of 72,000 and 82,000 D, respectively, combining in a 175,000 D native protein. The specific activity, KM, and amino acid composition of the enzyme was determined.

Purification and determination of the binding site of lactate dehydrogenase from chicken breast muscle on immobilized ferric ions

Lactate dehydrogenase from chicken breast muscle was purified to homogeneity in one step by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme was used to localize the binding site to immobilized Fe(III) ions. After cyanogen bromide degradation and digestion with trypsin, small enzyme fragments capable of binding to immobilized Fe(III) ions were obtained. It is proposed that several histidyl groups are involved in the binding.

Purification of a novel heterodimer from shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) serum by gel-immobilized metal chromatography

1. Resolution of the fraction of sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) serum that was soluble in 50% saturated ammonium sulfate by gel-immobilized metal-affinity chromatography allowed the isolation of a novel disulfide-bonded heterodimer of intact mass 70 kDa. 2. Following reduction, the molecule could be resolved into two chains of apparent mass 36 and 24 kDa. 3. The molecules were glycoproteins as determined by an observed reduction in molecular weight following enzymatic glycosylation. 4. The two separate chains were related to one another on the basis of amino-acid composition analysis and by comparison of the N-terminal amino acids (seven out of 10 identities). 5. The exact relationship of this molecule to characterized heterodimers of higher vertebrates is unknown. 6. Cross-linked agarose-acetate was synthesized and proved to be an efficient concentrating agent and also a hydrophobic interaction adsorbant.

Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography

The introduction of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography, directed toward specific protein side chains, has opened a new dimension in protein purification. This review covers the principles and practice of IMAC that can be performed under very mild, nondenaturing conditions. IMAC is particularly suitable for preparative group fractionation of complex extracts and biofluids, but can also be used in high-performance mode: "HP-IMAC." Single-step purifications of 1000-fold or more may allow isolation of a particular protein from crude extracts on a milligram or gram scale. With respect to separation efficiency, IMAC compares well with biospecific affinity chromatography, and the immobilized metal ion ligand complexes are more likely to withstand wear and tear than are antibodies or enzymes. The enormous potential of IMAC and related metal affinity techniques is only in the initial stages of being explored and exploited. Synthesis of IMA adsorbents, and various modes of performing IMAC are discussed and exemplified with selected applications. Advantages and disadvantages are listed. Effective means of counteracting the few undesirable effects that can occur are suggested.

Selective adsorption of immunoglobulins and glucosylated proteins on phenylboronate-agarose

Aminophenylboronate-substituted agarose in 20 mM N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulphonic acid, pH 8.5, selectively adsorbs immunoglobulins and complement factors C3 and C4 from human serum. The selectivity of binding is strongly influenced by the presence of magnesium chloride in the sample buffer. Adsorbed immunoglobulins are quantitatively eluted by sorbitol, but only partially by ethylene glycol or methylcellosolve. Aniline-agarose of a similar degree of substitution shows only weak adsorption of serum proteins under similar experimental conditions, thus indicating the important contribution of the boronate moiety to this interaction. Immunoglobulin adsorption seems not to be due to the cis-diol complexation used extensively for the chromatographic determination of non-enzymatically glucosylated proteins. Hydrophobic and pi-pi interactions with the aromatic structure of the ligand seem also to contribute to protein binding. The behaviour of aminophenylboronate-liganded agarose is, in some respects, rather similar to that of the so-called "thiophilic adsorbents".

Surface topography of histidine residues in lysozymes

Several avian and mammalian c-type lysozymes were chromatographed on chelated (to iminodiacetate) and immobilized transition metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) under a variety of experimental conditions. The varied affinity of evolutionary variants of the lysozyme family for chelated metal ions, IDA-M(II), can be rationalized primarily in terms of the presence, multiplicity and microenvironments of histidine residues. The chromatographic resolution of some of these closely related proteins attests to the analytical power of immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography.

Thiophilic adsorbents for RIA and ELISA procedures

Three types of agarose derivatives have been prepared and investigated as adsorbents for radioimmunoassay and ELISA analysis. The analytical systems were evaluated using beta 2 microglobulin as a model. After a competitive reaction between the immunocomponents in solution, the formed immune complexes were adsorbed onto the adsorbent in the presence of 0.5 M potassium sulfate in 0.1 M Tris, pH 7.5. The binding constant between the interaction site on human IgG and the adsorbent 3-(2-pyridylthio)-2-hydroxypropylagarose (Py-S-gel) was determined to be 1.5 x 10(7) M-1 and the binding capacity was 20 mg/ml gel. The immune complex was desorbed by deleting potassium sulfate from the buffer, and only 0.5% of the total applied protein remained after washing the adsorbent with 0.5 M NaOH. The same adsorbent can be used repetitively with different systems.

Cascade-mode multiaffinity chromatography. Fractionation of human serum proteins

The group-resolving power of cascade-mode multiaffinity column chromatography (CASMAC), was demonstrated with human serum as a model mixture. More than 99% of the serum proteins were adsorbed in the same high salt-containing buffer on a tandem column consisting of (1) immobilized Zn2+ on triscarboxymethyl diamine gel followed by (2) thiophilic (T) gel, (3) Zn2+ bound to the new tridentate chelating adsorbent dipicolylamine (DPA) agarose, (4) hexyl-thioether C6-S agarose and (5) Ni(2+)-DPA agarose. After the adsorption step the immobilized metal ion affinity gels were attached to the top of tandem columns of other adsorbents (T gel, Sephadex G-25 for desalting and Mono-Q) and the elution conditions were selected such that further group separation was achieved. High resolution, high recovery, easy manipulation and high capacity are characteristic features of the cascade process with these adsorbents. The advantage of CASMAC is particularly striking when, with a given number of adsorbents, the overall number of operations involving adsorption, desorption, washing, buffer change and substance concentration can be effectively minimized.

Further characterization of carboxymethylated aspartic acid agarose. Purification of human alpha 2-macroglobulin and hemopexin

alpha 2-Macroglobulin and hemopexin were purified by affinity chromatography on a recently introduced chelating matrix, i.e., carboxymethylated aspartic acid agarose, coupled with cobalt(II). Adsorption was performed at neutral pH and the proteins were eluted by lowering the pH to 5.0. An alternative method for desorption as well as comparison with iminodiacetic acid agarose coupled with cobalt(II) is also described.

Purification of factor VIII:c coagulant activity from rat liver nonparenchymal cell culture medium by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography

The purification of factor VIII:c coagulant activity on the basis of its affinity for calcium is described. For this purpose, use was made of a recently introduced chelating matrix, i.e., carboxymethylated aspartic acid agarose, coupled with calcium--thereby creating a gel with specificity comparable with biospecific affinity chromatography. In a single step factor VIII:c activity was purified from rat liver nonparenchymal cell culture medium with a purification factor of 85-fold. The material exhibits a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Purification of insect vitellogenin and vitellin by gel-immobilized ferric chelate

Vitellogenin and vitellin of Manduca sexta and some other insect species were purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. Ferric ion was chosen as the immobilized metal ion. Agarose-bound carboxymethylpicolylamine was used as the chelating adsorbent for the ferric ion. Vitellogenin and vitellin, both phosphorylated lipoproteins, were shown to bind specifically to the iron. The general applicability of immobilized ferric ion affinity chromatography for the purification of insect vitellogenin and vitellin is suggested.

Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography of serum albumins

The interaction of several serum albumins with chelated (iminodiacetate, IDA) and immobilized (agarose-IDA) metal ions, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+, was studied. There was no retention of human, bovine, porcine, murine and avian albumins on IDA-Zn(II) and IDA-Co(II) columns. However, all albumins studied, i.e., those of: man, cow, pig, dog, rabbit, rat, mouse, chicken and pigeon were retained on IDA-Cu(II) columns, and all except dog albumin were retained also on IDA-Ni(II). The recognition of albumins by chelated and immobilized transition metals seems to be related to an affinity for the imidazole side chains. It is postulated that one to three imidazoles is involved in this interaction, under the employed experimental conditions (pH 7.0; 1 M sodium chloride). There is no evidence for any significant contribution of tryptophan or cysteine (Cys 34) residues to the chromatographic event. The retention of defatted albumin and albumin oligomers (human), on IDA-Cu(II) columns was not significantly different from that of non-defatted albumin or albumin monomer, respectively.

Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. Effect of solute structure, ligand density and salt concentration on the retention of peptides

The adsorption characteristics of a variety of synthetic peptide hormones and di-, tri- and tetrapeptides on Cu(II) immobilized on two commercially available high-performance chelating gels run under various experimental conditions are described. Methods for determining the concentration of immobilized Cu(II) in situ are also described. The Cu(II)-charged columns exhibit a net negative charge as judged from the significantly higher retention of some basic peptides in the absence of NaCl in the equilibration and elution buffers. At higher NaCl concentrations (2-4 M), aromatic interactions seem to be superimposed on the metal ion affinity characteristics of the peptides. The relationship between resolution of peptides and the concentration of immobilized Cu(II) ions has also been established for the Chelating Superose gel where 40 mumol Cu(II) ml-1 gel apparently gives the optimum resolution. The nature of the gel matrix also plays a role in the resolution of some peptides, the extent of which is difficult to predict. The results obtained also suggest that peptides containing aromatic and hydroxy amino acids are retarded more than those which lack them. Moreover, these same amino acids apparently strengthen the existing strong binding of peptides containing His, Trp or Cys to a Chelating Superose-Cu(II) column. Dipeptides with C-terminal His (i.e., X-His) are neither bound nor retarded on a column of Chelating Superose-Cu(II) whereas those having the structure His-X are strongly bound. Some tri- and tetrapeptides containing His were also found not to bind to the column. The underlying cause of this anomalous adsorption behaviour is discussed and is ascribed to "metal ion transfer" arising from the relatively higher affinity of such peptides towards immobilized Cu(II) ions than the chelator groups (iminodiacetate) which are covalently bound to the gel matrix.

Amino acid side chain interaction with chelate-liganded crosslinked dextran, agarose and TSK gel. A mini review of recent work

Protein adsorption and retention data collected from recent chromatographic studies on hydrophilic gels substituted with chelate-bonded metal ions are discussed. Attempts are made to interpret the adsorption behavior in terms of molecular events caused by the affinity for the immobilized metal ions.

Protein chromatography with pyridine- and alkyl-thioether-based agarose adsorbents

In an attempt to identify the part of the ligand of 3-(2-pyridylthiol)-2-hydroxypropylagarose that is responsible for the specific adsorption of immunoglobulins and alpha 2-macroglobulin from serum, nine agarose derivatives were prepared: (I) 3-(N-2-iminopyridyl)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (II) 3-(4-pyridylthio)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (III) 3-(2-pyridylthio-N-oxide)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (IV) 3-(2-pyridylthio)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (V) 3-(ethylthio)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (VI) 3-(n-butylthio)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (VII) 3-(2-aminoethylthio)-2-hydroxypropyl-, (VIII) 3-(2-hydroxyethylthiol)-2-hydroxypropyl- and (IX) 3-(N-2-pyridyl-2-one)-2-hydroxypropylagarose. The selective adsorption of the above serum proteins to these derivatives was analysed by chromatography. The electron distributions were calculated for three of the investigated pyridine derivatives in order to establish whether there is any relationship between the electron distribution in the molecule and the absorption properties of the pyridine derivatives. By optimizing the preparation methods for the different derivatives, the possible side-reactions were minimized and checked. The adsorbed serum proteins were determined by the Ouchterlony technique and electrophoresis. The concentration of human serum albumin in the different fractions was determined by conventional radioimmunological methods. These data make it possible to classify the adsorbents according to their selectivity and hydrophobic thiophilic behaviour.

Differential salt-promoted chromatography for protein purification

A range of hydrophobic-type adsorbents for protein chromatography has been screened for the binding, at high salt concentrations, of 10 enzymes from a bacterial extract. Adsorbents were chosen for tandem chromatography, in which the first adsorbent removed much of the protein, and the second and subsequent columns bound the desired enzymes. Simple schemes for isolating Zymomonas mobilis and yeast alcohol dehydrogenases are described, in which the enzymes are affinity eluted by NAD+.

Purification of human serum amyloid P component (SAP) by calcium affinity chromatography

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) has been purified from human serum by means of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC). It was selectively concentrated on carboxymethylated aspartic acid agarose (CM-Asp-agarose) loaded with calcium and, employing very mild conditions, purified to electrophoretical and immunological homogeneity in a single step amounting to about 1900-fold purification. As a purification method our procedure thus compares well with bio-specific affinity chromatography.

Evaluation of the interaction of peptides with Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) by high-performance immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography

High-performance immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography was utilized to evaluate the adsorption properties of 67 synthetic, biologically active, peptides ranging in size from 5 to 42 residues. The metal ions, Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II), were immobilized by iminodiacetic acid (IDA) coupled to TSK gel 5PW (10 microns). Two types of gradient elution (imidazole and pH) were used to evaluate peptide retention by the metal ions. A decreasing pH gradient and an increasing imidazole gradient eluted the peptides in similar order. IDA-Cu(II) and IDA-Zn(II) showed very similar selectivities for the peptides analyzed; however, IDA-Zn(II) displayed a weaker affinity for the peptides. IDA-Ni(II) showed a slightly different pattern of selectivity. Peptide adsorption effects contributed by the metal-free gel matrix were found to be relatively minor. The concentration and type of salt included in the mobile phase could affect the relative affinities of the peptides for the immobilized metal ions. Retention coefficients were assigned to individual amino acid residues by multiple linear regression analysis. Histidine showed the largest positive correlation with retention, followed by aromatic amino acid residues. Modified N-terminal residues resulted in negative contributions to retention. Analyses of peptide amino acid composition alone allowed prediction of peptide retention behavior on immobilized metal ion affinity columns.

Purification of two muscle enzymes by chromatography on immobilized ferric ions

Two enzymes, glycogen phosphorylase and lactate dehydrogenase, were purified simultaneously in a single step. Ferric ions immobilized on a chelating gel were used as the adsorbent. Adsorption and desorption steps were accomplished by changes in buffer composition. The recoveries were better than 80% and the capacities were about 5 mg of protein per milliliter of adsorbent. The procedure worked well both on a small and on a preparative scale. The homogeneity of the purified enzymes was checked by FPLC.

Surface topography of histidine residues: a facile probe by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography

Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) has been explored as a probe into the topography of histidyl residues of a protein molecule. An evaluation of the chromatographic behavior of selected model proteins--thioredoxin, ubiquitin, calmodulin, lysozyme, cytochrome c, and myoglobin on immobilized transition metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+)--allows establishment of the following facets of the histidyl side chain distribution: (i) either interior or surface; (ii) when localized on the surface, accessible or unaccessible for coordination; (iii) single or multiple; (iv) when multiple, either distant or vicinal. Moreover, proteins displaying single histidyl side chains on their surfaces may, in some instances, be resolved by IMAC; apparently, the microenvironments of histidyl residues are sufficiently diverse to result in different affinities for the immobilized metal ions. IMAC, previously introduced as an approach to the fractionation of proteins, has become also, upon closer examination, a facile probe into the topography of histidyl residues. This is possible because of the inherent versatility of IMAC; an appropriate metal ion (M2+) can be selected to suit the analytical purpose and a particular chromatographic protocol can be applied (isocratic pH, falling pH, and imidazole elution).

Covalent chromatography and salt-promoted thiophilic adsorption

Covalent chromatography on 3-(2-pyridyl disulfido)-2-hydroxypropyl agarose, abbreviated PyS2, turns out to involve more complex interactions than has been supposed heretofore. Unexpectedly, the sorption is highly salt dependent. The relative affinities for serum proteins have therefore been determined in the absence and presence of different types of salts at different salt concentrations and with different degrees of ligand substitution on the adsorbent. In the presence of water-structuring salts the PyS2-gel shows an adsorption pattern for serum proteins resembling that of the "thiophilic" T-gel (J. Porath; F. Maisano, and M. Belew (1985) FEBS Lett. 185, 306-310). Superimposed on thiophilic adsorption we have found, as expected, covalent attachment of thiol-containing proteins. Also the thiol-disulfide exchange increases from 4-5% in the absence of potassium sulfate or sodium chloride up to about 40% of the applied serum proteins when such a water-structuring salt is present. We have thus shown that the interaction of a protein with the ligand is greatly facilitated by a water-structuring salt--and in this case the product is a covalently as well as a thiophilically immobilized protein. A cautious interpretation of protein interaction phenomena is justified whenever ligands containing sulfide, disulfide, or pi-electron-rich structures such as aromatic moieties are involved.

Purification and characterization of CS2, a sialic acid-specific haemagglutinin of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

CS2 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were purified and characterized. The surface haemagglutinins (fimbriae) were detached by sonication from a strain producing only the CS2 fimbriae. Isolation was carried out by gel filtration on a Sepharose 4B column. After depolymerization, the fimbriae subunits were purified on a Sephacryl S-300 column in 8.0 M-guanidinium chloride. From 1 litre of medium, 4-6 mg of purified fimbriae was obtained. We found that CS2 fimbriae were completely dissociated by saturated guanidinium chloride into subunits with a molecular mass of 16.5 kDa. CS2 fimbriae was sialic acid-specific, since sialic acids were the most potent inhibitors, and neuraminidase treatment of erythrocytes abolished haemagglutination. Both fimbriae and fimbrial subunits were found to bind to bovine erythrocytes. The binding of subunits to erythrocytes could be inhibited with low concentrations of sialyl-lactose.

High-performance immobilized-metal-ion affinity chromatography of peptides and proteins

The present status of the undeveloped branch of high-performance immobilized-metal-ion affinity chromatography (HPIMAC) is reviewed. As demonstrated, high resolution of peptides and protein mixtures can be obtained. Under specified conditions, more than 1000 runs can be made repeatedly on a single column without much change in pattern or recovery. Occasionally, 10(3)- to 10(4)-fold purification of a protein can be obtained in a single chromatographic run.

Protein interaction with immobilized ligands: quantitative analyses of equilibrium partition data and comparison with analytical chromatographic approaches using immobilized metal affinity adsorbents

Quantitative or analytical affinity chromatography has been successful primarily for the analysis of biologically determined macromolecular affinity relationships. Quantitative approaches are also needed to better characterize simpler, chemically defined immobilized ligands with potential for selective interaction with specific, predetermined protein surface groups. Protein interaction with immobilized metal is a rather selective and versatile, high-affinity adsorption technique for which there is little quantitative information. Using model protein interactions with immobilized Cu2+ ions, we have compared analytical frontal affinity chromatographic methods to a simple, nonchromatographic protocol for the rapid determination of quantitative affinity relationships. Values obtained for the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) and binding capacity (Lt) characterizing the interaction of lysozyme with immobilized Cu2+ were quite similar by frontal analysis (Kd = 37-42 X 10(-6) M; Lt = 6.8-7.4 X 10(-6) mol protein/ml gel) and by equilibrium binding analyses (Kd = 33 +/- 4.7 X 10(-6) M; Lt = 5.8-6.1 X 10(-6) mol protein/ml gel; 14 determinations). The interaction of ovalbumin with immobilized Cu2+ was characterized by an affinity (Kd = 4.2-4.8 X 10(-6) M) and capacity (Lt = 1.5-2.1 X 10(-6) mol protein/ml gel) which were also the same regardless of the method for affinity analysis. These values indicate that the total protein bound at saturation corresponds to as much as 17% of the total immobilized Cu2+ ions (approximately 40 X 10(-6) mol/ml gel). Thus, depending on the fraction of total immobilized Cu2+ available for interaction with a given protein (e.g., lysozyme), the number of individual immobilized ligands actively participating as well as those rendered unavailable upon individual protein binding events may be greater than 1. Linear Scatchard plots obtained for both lysozyme and ovalbumin (purified) suggest the presence of only a single type of immobilized Cu2+-protein interaction operative under the experimental conditions employed. However, Scatchard analyses of data obtained by the nonchromatographic equilibrium binding method also demonstrated the ability to simultaneously resolve the contribution of two components whose presence was predicted by frontal chromatography. Our results support the validity and utility of equilibrium binding data analyzed according to the equations outlined by Scatchard and others as an alternative to analytical chromatographic methods.

High-performance immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography of peptides: analytical separation of biologically active synthetic peptides

The separation of more than 30 biologically active synthetic peptides and their analogs on a high-performance immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography column is described. The metal chelating gel (TSK gel chelate-5PW) contains iminodiacetic acid (IDA) covalently coupled to a hydrophilic, resin-based matrix with a bead diameter of 10 micron. The retention of the peptides on Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) ions immobilized on the chelating gel showed that some of them can be separated by isocratic elution while the majority of them are retained and are separated into distinct fractions by elution with a linear imidazole gradient or with a continuously decreasing pH gradient. Of the three immobilized metal ions investigated here, the IDA-Cu(II) chelate column gave the best resolution irrespective of the type of gradient used. This is amply illustrated by the resolution of angiotensins I and II and their seven synthetic analogs. The results obtained here serve as guidelines for the future exploitation of this separation method for the efficient fractionation of a wide variety of peptides on an analytical or preparative scale.

Thiophilic adsorption: a comparison of model protein behavior

A newly recognized type of protein-ligand interaction phenomenon has resulted in the preparation of simple, nonionic, and highly specific gel derivatives for selective adsorption chromatography. The essential structure of the immobilized ligand can be represented as agarose-CH2CH2SO2CH2CH2SCH2CH2OH, which was prepared by using mercaptoethanol to derivatize [0.9-1.0 mmol (g of dry gel)-1] divinyl sulfone activated agarose (thiophilic or T-gel). Proteins interacting with this ligand are provisionally termed "thiophilic" to recognize their affinity for the definitive sulfone-thioether constituents. To better understand the experimental variables affecting adsorption efficiency and selectivity, several well-characterized proteins with diverse physicochemical features have been evaluated for thiophilic properties. Thiophilic interaction chromatography was investigated as a function of pH as well as the type and concentration of water-structure-forming salts required to promote adsorption. The model proteins characterized varied distinctly in their individual thiophilic affinities. At acidic pH values, a salt-independent adsorption process was observed. Furthermore, a minimum in the salt-promoted thiophilic adsorption tendency at pH 5-6 was found, with varying magnitude, for each of the model proteins evaluated. Recovery of adsorbed proteins routinely varied from 90% to 100%. There does not appear as yet to be any easily recognized physicochemical property associated with either thiophilic or nonthiophilic behavior. These results suggest that thiophilic interaction chromatography is a process that utilizes a previously unrecognized protein-ligand interaction mechanism. We suggest that salt allows the protein into close proximity with the sulfone-thioether group where short-range forces are effective.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A one-step purification method for monoclonal antibodies based on salt-promoted adsorption chromatography on a 'thiophilic' adsorbent

A convenient and fast method for the purification of mouse monoclonal antibodies from the culture media of cloned cells or from ascites fluids by means of salt-promoted chromatography on a 'thiophilic' adsorbent is described. The adsorbent has a capacity to adsorb about 20 mg/ml of immunoglobulins and a broad specificity towards immunoglobulins derived from various animal species irrespective of the type or subclass to which they belong. The recovery of the purified IgG is better than 90% while that for IgM is considerably less, probably due to dissociation occurring during the adsorption-desorption process. This one-step procedure also leads to a considerable concentration of dilute solutions of immunoglobulins. Moreover, the purified Igs are eluted by an essentially salt-free buffer at near neutral pH thus obviating the need for post-treatment of the sample before storage or subsequent conjugation to enzymes for use in immunoassays. This purification method is also well suited for large-scale operations since sample preparation requires only the addition of 0.5 M K2SO4 to the ascited fluid or cell culture medium. The degree of purification obtained is, in certain instances, comparable to that obtained by biospecific affinity chromatography based on antigen-antibody interactions. In contrast to immunosorption and desorption methods, however, there is no risk of contamination of the immunoglobulins purified on the 'thiophilic' adsorbent by foreign proteins.

Interaction of proteins with immobilized Cu2+. Quantitation of adsorption capacity, adsorption isotherms and equilibrium constants by frontal analysis

The interaction of lysozyme, ovalbumin, bovine and pig serum albumins with Cu2+ immobilized on Chelating Sepharose Fast Flow or TSK gel chelate-5PW was studied by frontal analysis at various initial concentrations of these solutes. The chromatographic data so obtained served as a basis for evaluating some relevant affinity chromatography parameters by adapting previously reported equations to this system. The TSK-based adsorbent had lower adsorption capacity for all the model proteins compared to the agarose-based adsorbent, due primarily to its lower porosity which has a marked influence on the accessibility of the immobilized ligand to the proteins. On the other hand, the TSK-based adsorbent offers almost ideal conditions for studying adsorption equilibria under column chromatographic conditions. The adsorption capacity of these adsorbents for the model proteins ranges from about 0.6 to 7 mumol/ml, equivalent to 40-100 mg/ml, of adsorbent. The following equilibrium constants for the interaction of the proteins with immobilized Cu2+ were obtained: lysozyme, 1.8.10(4); ovalbumin, 1.5.0(5); BSA, 1.7.10(5); PSA, 3.7.10(5) and imidazole, 8.10(3) M-1. Despite the comparatively low affinity of imidazole for the adsorbent, it is an effective competing ligand, at comparatively high concentrations, for adsorbed proteins primarily because all adsorption sites are available to it. The results obtained suggest that about 1/3 to 1/2 of the potential adsorption sites on the model proteins are involved in forming coordination complexes with Cu2+ immobilized to covalently bound iminodiacetate groups on insoluble gel matrices.

Facile resolution of alpha-fetoproteins and serum albumins by immobilized metal affinity chromatography

We have explored immobilized metal affinity chromatography as a means of resolving alpha-fetoprotein from its homologous albumin, a problem perennially encountered in the purification of an alpha-fetoprotein or its detection. Human alpha-fetoprotein and human serum albumin were chromatographed on immobilized iminodiacetic acid charged with either Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, or Zn2+. Neither human alpha-fetoprotein nor human serum albumin displayed any affinity for Co2+ and Zn2+. However, both proteins were bound to Cu2+ and were partially resolved by affinity elution with imidazole. By contrast, human alpha-fetoprotein and human serum albumin were completely resolved on immobilized Ni2+. Similar results were obtained using bovine alpha-fetoprotein and bovine serum albumin. The resolution of an alpha-fetoprotein from serum albumin should aid the purification of alpha-fetoprotein from a biological fluid containing overwhelming quantities of albumin, for example, serum. Importantly, the separation of human alpha-fetoprotein from human serum albumin may improve and help maintain the accuracy of immunoassays for alpha-fetoprotein, making the chromatography on immobilized Ni2+ a valuable diagnostic tool.

Thiophilic adsorption of immunoglobulins--analysis of conditions optimal for selective immobilization and purification

Immunoglobulins have been selected by their general affinity for adjacent sulfone-thioether sulfur groups as a useful model system for the characterization of thiophilic interaction chromatography. Mercaptoethanol coupled to divinylsulfone-activated agarose (thiophilic or T-gel) provided an affinity matrix for the efficient and reversible immobilization of the immunoglobulins. The adsorption/desorption process was investigated as a function of protein concentration, temperature, flow rate, and pH in different concentrations of ammonium sulfate. Immobilization of these proteins was (as a function of pH) found to be both dependent and independent of the adsorption-promoting effects of water-structure-forming salts. Buffer conditions are recommended for the selective adsorption of immunoglobulins from unfractionated human serum. These results indicate that thiophilic interaction chromatography provides a new and effective alternative for the immobilization and purification of immunoglobulins and other proteins under conditions known to preserve structure and biological activity.

Selective adsorption of phosphoproteins on gel-immobilized ferric chelate

Ferric ions are very strongly adsorbed to iminodiacetic acid substituted agarose. This firmly immobilized complex acts as a selective immobilized metal affinity adsorbent for phosphoproteins. Chromatography based on this principle is illustrated by the adsorption-desorption behavior of egg yolk phosvitin before and after dephosphorylation as well as by the change in the chromatographic pattern before and after enzymic phosphorylation of selected histones. The strength of binding is dependent on the phosphate content. The difference in binding before and after phosphorylation of a single amino acid residue is demonstrated. Affinity elution can be accomplished by inclusion in the buffer of phosphoserine or a displacing metal ion such as Mg2+.

Epidermal growth factor from deer (Cervus elaphus) submaxillary gland and velvet antler

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like activity was isolated for the first time from the submaxillary gland (SMG) and the velvet antler of red deer (Cervus elaphus) by a combination of Sephadex gel or DEAE-Sephacel and IMAC columns in succession. The semipurified cervine EGF-like activity (cEGF), with specific activity of 4.7 ng/micrograms protein from the velvet tissues, can generate a completely parallel competitive binding curve against mouse EGF in both radioreceptor assay (RRA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Mitogenic activity of EGF from both tissues was demonstrated by stimulating the incorporation of [3H]thymidine in two different cell lines of fibroblast culture in a dose-dependent manner. The velvet layer may be the site of EGF synthesis outside the SMG.