Biomedical subjects

J Shabanowitz

Publications and source records attributed to J Shabanowitz.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

The loss of female sex pheromone after mating in the corn earworm moth Helicoverpa zea: identification of a male pheromonostatic peptide.

Female moths often become depleted of sex pheromone after mating as the various components of virgin behavior are switched off. In examining a potential male contribution to these events in the corn earworm moth Helicoverpa zea, we have characterized a basic polypeptide from the tissues producing (accessory glands) and storing (duplex) the seminal fluids. The peptide evokes the depletion of sex pheromone when injected into virgin females. This pheromonostatic peptide (PSP) is 57 amino acids long and contains a single disulfide bridge. It is blocked at the N terminus with pyroglutamate and at the C terminus by amidation. As little as 23 ng of peptide evokes the near-complete depletion of pheromone in decapitated (neck-ligated) females that had been injected with pheromone biosynthesis-activating neuropeptide. Activity is approximately 15-fold less in intact virgins, showing that the head limits the expression of activity in these injected females. Females mated to surgically impaired males, capable of producing a spermatophore but not transferring spermatozoa or seminal fluids, are depleted of pheromone by injected peptide. Females whose abdominal nerve cords have been severed are not depleted of pheromone after mating. Thus, neural signals either descending or ascending via the nerve cord are required for the depletion of pheromone after mating. PSP, from the seminal fluids, may participate in this process by direct or indirect action on the glandular tissue; if so, it represents an unusual mechanism in insects for the regulation by seminal fluids of postmating reproductive behavior.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Isolation of Ala1-proctolin, the first natural analogue of proctolin, from the brain of the Colorado potato beetle.

Methanolic head and brain extracts of the Colorado potato beetle contain several myotropins, active in the Locusta oviduct motility assay. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC) gave evidence for the presence of three myotropic factors, with retention times close to that of proctolin. Both strongly stimulated the frequency, amplitude and tonus of the myogenic oviduct contractions. Gas phase sequencing and FAB-MS revealed that, besides proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr), two natural proctolin analogues were present. The first one is Ala-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr and is designed as Ala1-proctolin. The threshold concentration for biological activity of Ala1-proctolin was 10(-7) M, compared to 10(-10) M for proctolin itself. Ala1-proctolin is the first identified biological analogue of proctolin. The full nature of the first amino acid of a third proctolin-analogue (x-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) is probably a modified amino acid of which the identity could as yet not be revealed. Our results suggest the existence of a family of proctolin-like peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Structural transitions during bacteriophage HK97 head assembly.

Bacteriophage HK97 builds its head shell from a 42 kDa major head protein, but neither this 42 kDa protein nor its processed, 31 kDa form is found in the mature head. Instead, each of the major head-protein subunits is covalently cross-linked into oligomers of five, six or more by a protein cross-linking reaction that occurs both in vivo and in vitro. Mutants that block prohead maturation lead to the accumulation of one of two types of proheads, termed Prohead I and Prohead II. Prohead I is assembled from about 415 copies of the 42 kDa (384 amino acids) protein subunit and accumulates in infections by mutant amU4. Following assembly, the N-terminal 102 amino acids of each subunit are removed, leaving a prohead shell constructed of 31 kDa subunits, called Prohead II, which accumulates in infections by mutant amC2. During DNA packaging, when the prohead shell expands, all of the head protein subunits become covalently cross-linked to other subunits. Purified Prohead II (or, less completely, Prohead I) becomes cross-linked in vitro in response to any of a number of conditions that induce shell expansion, including conditions commonly used for protein analysis. In vitro cross-linking occurs efficiently in the absence of added cofactors of enzymes, and we propose that cross-linking is catalyzed by shell subunits themselves. Shell expansion is easily monitored by observing a decrease in electrophoretic mobility of Prohead II in agarose gels. Using the mobility shift in agarose gel to monitor expansion and SDS/gel electrophoresis to monitor cross-linking in vitro, we find that expansion precedes and is required for cross-linking, and we propose that expansion triggers the cross-linking reaction. Comparison of peptides isolated from Prohead II and in vitro cross-linked Prohead II shows a single altered major cross-link peptide in which a lysine, originating from lysine169 of the protein sequence, is linked to asparagine356, presumably derived from the neighboring subunit. Examination of the cross-link-containing peptide by mass spectrometry shows that the cross-link bond is an amide between the side-chains of the lysine and the asparagine residues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Amino acid sequence of the minor isomorph of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH-II) of the Mexican crayfish Procambarus bouvieri (Ortmann): presence of a D-amino acid.

The primary structure of the neurohormone crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH-II) was determined by means of enzymatic digestions, manual Edman degradation, and mass spectrometry. CHH-II is a 72 residue peptide (molecular mass 8388 Da), with six cysteines forming three disulfide bridges that connect residues 7-43, 23-39, and 26-52. The peptide has blocked N- and C-termini, and lacks tryptophan, histidine, and methionine. The CHH-I and CHH-II of Procambarus bouvieri have identical sequences and elicit levels of hyperglycemia that are not distinguishable. The difference between the two isomorphs consists in a posttranslational modification of a L-Phe in CHH-I to a D-Phe in CHH-II at the third position from the N-terminus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Internal lysine palmitoylation in adenylate cyclase toxin from Bordetella pertussis.

A number of bacterial protein toxins, including adenylate cyclase (AC) toxin from Bordetella pertussis, require the product of an accessory gene in order to express their biological activities. In this study, mass spectrometry was used to demonstrate that activated, wild-type AC toxin was modified by amide-linked palmitoylation on the epsilon-amino group of lysine 983. This modification was absent from a mutant in which the accessory gene had been disrupted. A synthetic palmitoylated peptide corresponding to the tryptic fragment (glutamine 972 to arginine 984) that contained the acylation blocked AC toxin-induced accumulation of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, whereas the non-acylated peptide had no effect.

Acylation↗

PubMed1994

Identification of a peptide recognized by five melanoma-specific human cytotoxic T cell lines.

Of several thousand peptides presented by the major histocompatibility molecule HLA-A2.1, at least nine are recognized by melanoma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify and to sequence one of these peptide epitopes. Melanoma-specific CTLs had an exceptionally high affinity for this nine-residue peptide, which reconstituted an epitope for CTL lines from each of five different melanoma patients tested. Recognition by multiple CTL lines suggests that this may be a promising candidate for use in peptide-based melanoma vaccines.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Definition of specific peptide motifs for four major HLA-A alleles.

Allele-specific motifs for the human MHC class I molecules, HLA-A1, A3, A11, and A24 were characterized by three complementary approaches. First, amino acid sequence analysis of acid eluted peptide pools from affinity purified class I molecules defined putative motifs 9 or 10 amino acids in length and bearing critical anchor residues at position 2 and at the COOH-terminal. These motifs were distinct, with the exception of the HLA-A3 and A11 motifs that were very similar to each other. Second, the correctness of these putative motifs was verified by analyzing the binding capacity of polyalanine peptide analogues to purified HLA-A molecules. Several alternative anchor residues that were not obvious from the pooled peptide sequencing analysis were identified. Third, sequences of individual peptides eluted from HLA-A1, A11, and A24 were determined by tandem mass spectrometry. Nonamers were the predominant species, although peptides of 8, 10, 11, and 12 amino acids in length were also identified. These peptides displayed anchor residues predicted by the specific motifs at position 2 and at the COOH-terminal, regardless of peptide length. Synthetic versions of the naturally processed peptides were shown to bind to the appropriate HLA-A alleles with IC50 values in the 0.3- to 200-nM range. A rational approach to search Ags with known amino acid sequences for epitopes restricted by some of the most common HLA-A types and of potential clinical importance is now feasible.

Alleles↗

PubMed1994

Sequencing and characterization of trypsin modulating oostatic factor (TMOF) from the ovaries of the grey fleshfly, Neobellieria (Sarcophaga) bullata.

Injection of crude extracts of late vitellogenic ovaries into staged females of the grey fleshfly Neobellieria (Sarcophaga) bullata inhibited oocyte development and biosynthesis of trypsin-like enzymes in the gut. Trypsin synthesis in N. bullata is cyclic and is correlated with egg development, which is discontinuous. A trypsin modulating oostatic factor (Neb-TMOF) was purified from 10,000 vitellogenic ovaries and sequenced by mass spectrometry. Neb-TMOF is a hexapeptide (NH2-NPTNLH-COOH). Injection of the hormone at physiological concentrations (10(-9) M), inhibited trypsin-like synthesis by the midgut of liver-fed female flies, and caused a reduction of the vitellogenin concentration in the hemolymph and of oocyte growth. The role of Neb-TMOF in controlling egg development and the physiological similarities with Aedes-TMOF are discussed.

Aedes↗

PubMed1994

Primary structures of two proteins from the venom of the Mexican red knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithii).

Venom of the Mexican red knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithii) was fractionated by gel filtration over Sephadex G-50 Fine. Small polypeptides present in the second and third peaks were subfractionated by cation exchange and reversed-phase FPLC. One major, basic protein was isolated and sequenced from each G-50 fraction using a gas-phase protein sequencer. Primary structures were completed and confirmed using tandem mass spectrometry and carboxypeptidase digestions. Protein 1 contains 39 residues, including six cysteine residues in three disulfide bonds. It is identical to one of the isoforms of ESTX from the venom of the tarantula Eurypelma californicum. Brachypelma smithii Protein 5 contains 34 residues, including six cysteine residues in three disulfide bonds. Disulfide bond assignments for both proteins are provided. Protein 5 shows most similarity with toxin Tx2-9 from the Brazilian 'armed' spider, but only displays 41% sequence identity. Similarities with other proteins are lower. Proteins 1 and 5 appear unrelated to each other.

Alkylation↗

PubMed1994

p-Chlorotetrafluorophenyl esters of N-protected amino acids.

p-Chlorotetrafluorophenyl (Tfc) esters of protected amino acids and peptides are more reactive than are the well known pentafluorophenyl (Pfp) esters. Two reagents, p-chlorotetrafluorophenyltrifluoroacetate (Tfc-OTfa) and di-(p-chlorotetrafluorophenyl)carbonate (di-Tfc-carbonate), can be used for their syntheses, thereby avoiding use of the allergic dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. This is especially important for bulk preparations. Many Fmoc- and Boc-amino acid-OTfc esters have been synthesized and characterized. The hexadecameric tandem repeat H-(AlaAlaLysPro)4-OH was synthesized using di-Tfc-carbonate for the preparation of Tfc-esters.

Alanine↗

PubMed1993

Direct identification of an endogenous peptide recognized by multiple HLA-A2.1-specific cytotoxic T cells.

An endogenous peptide recognized by a murine T-cell clone specific for the human class I major histocompatibility complex-encoded molecule HLA-A2.1 was identified through the use of microcapillary high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The peptide was associated with HLA-A2.1 on both normal cells and the antigen-processing-mutant cell line T2. This observation demonstrates that a processing mechanism other than that involving the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) proteins 1 and 2 can produce peptides that can be recognized by T cells. The peptide was also recognized by four other independently derived murine HLA-A2.1-specific murine T-cell clones. This suggests that xenogeneic responses are directed at a restricted subset of major histocompatibility complex product-associated peptides. Finally, quantitation of this peptide in cell extracts using mass spectrometry showed it to be among the most dominant HLA-A2.1 associated species on human lymphoid cells. The potential relevance of this observation to models of alloreactivity will be discussed. The methodology described should be generally useful for the identification of peptide epitopes recognized by alloreactive, tumor-specific, and autoimmune T cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Characteristics of endogenous peptides eluted from the class I MHC molecule HLA-B7 determined by mass spectrometry and computer modeling.

Microcapillary HPLC electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was used to sequence 15 peptides eluted from HLA-B7. Sequence alignment implicated four peptide positions in specific interactions with the class I molecule, and their importance was confirmed using synthetic peptides. Because no crystal structure for HLA-B7 was available, computer-assisted modeling was used to understand novel aspects of peptide binding specificity and to accurately predict the effect of defined changes in peptide structure. The results demonstrate that mass-spectrometric sequencing coupled with computer-assisted modeling can be used in the absence of a crystal structure to make accurate predictions concerning requirements for peptide binding to class I molecules. These techniques may be valuable to predict or engineer T cell epitopes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Otoconin-22, the major protein of aragonitic frog otoconia, is a homolog of phospholipase A2.

Otoconia are composites of proteins and inorganic crystals formed in the peripheral portion of the vestibular system of vertebrates. They add mass to the extracellular otoconial membrane, thereby increasing its deflection during linear acceleration. This added mass increases the sensitivity of the underlying sensory maculae. Otoconia provide a promising system to decipher the interaction of protein and mineral during the growth and maintenance of biominerals. We have purified the major protein of the aragonitic otoconia of Xenopus laevis, which we call otoconin-22, and determined its amino acid sequence and carbohydrate composition. The 127 residues are 37% identical to the phospholipase A2 from Crotalus atrox. We propose that otoconin-22 from X. laevis is homologous to phospholipase A2 and has a similar tertiary structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Mass spectrometry and characterization of Aedes aegypti trypsin modulating oostatic factor (TMOF) and its analogs.

Trypsin modulating oostatic factor (TMOF), a decapeptide that directly inhibits the biosynthesis of trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like enzymes in epithelial cells of mosquito midgut and indirectly inhibits vitellogenesis in anautogenous females, has been sequenced by Fourier transform mass spectrometry analysis. The peptide has a primary amino acid sequence of NH2-Tyr-Asp-Pro-Ala-(Pro)6-COOH and probably exhibits left-handed helical conformation as was shown by computer stereoview simulation. The factor is metabolized very rapidly (half-life of 1.6 h) in intact mosquitoes when injected after the blood meal. Inhibition of trypsin biosynthesis was followed in ligated abdomens, which synthesize trypsin but do not metabolise TMOF. At concentrations of 3 x 10(-9) M and 6.8 x 10(-6) M, TMOF inhibited 50 and 90% of trypsin-like enzyme biosynthesis, respectively. Several analogs of varying chain lengths were synthesized and evaluated for biological activity using dose-response curves. Switching the positions of Tyr and Asp at the N-terminus reduced the activity of the hormone, indicating that the N-terminus is important for biological activity. Removal of two to five prolines at the C-terminus also reduced activity, indicating that both the N- and C-termini are important. Synthesis of trypsin-like isozyme was followed in several insect species using [1,3-3H]diisopropyl-fluorophosphate (DFP) in the presence of tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone. Marked reduction of [1,3-3H]diisopropyl-phosphoryl-trypsin-like derivatives was noted after TMOF treatment, as assessed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These results indicate that the biosynthesis of trypsin-like enzyme in mosquitoes and other insects may be regulated by sequence-related TMOFs.

Aedes↗

PubMed1993

Structure and expression of chloroplast-localized porphobilinogen deaminase from pea (Pisum sativum L.) isolated by redundant polymerase chain reaction.

Porphobilinogen (PBG) deaminase catalyzes the polymerization of four PBG monopyrrole units into the linear tetrapyrrole hydroxymethylbilane necessary for the formation of chlorophyll and heme in plant cells. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed based on amino acid sequence data (generated by mass spectrometry) for purified PBG deaminase from pea (Pisum sativum L.) chloroplasts. These primers were used in TaqI polymerase-catalyzed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to produce partial cDNA and nuclear genomic fragments encoding the enzyme. Subsequently, a 1.6-kb cDNA was isolated by screening a cDNA library constructed in lambda gt11 from leaf poly(A)+ RNA with the PCR products. The cDNA encodes an approximately 40-kD polypeptide containing a 46-amino acid NH2-terminal transit peptide and a mature protein of 323 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of the mature pea enzyme is similar to PBG deaminases from other species and contains the conserved arginine and cysteine residues previously implicated in catalysis. Northern blot analysis indicates that the pea gene encoding PBG deaminase is expressed to varying levels in chlorophyll-containing tissues and is subject to light induction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

Mass spectrometry of proteins and peptides: sensitive and accurate mass measurement and sequence analysis.

The study of proteins and peptides by mass spectrometry has been advanced by the development of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and electrospray ionization. Proteins with masses > 100 kDa may be measured accurately at picomole sensitivities. Sequence analysis of peptides in mixtures at subpicomole quantities is possible by tandem mass spectrometry. Practical applications of the new technology to biological research are illustrated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Invariant chain peptides in most HLA-DR molecules of an antigen-processing mutant.

Class II major histocompatibility complexes bind peptides in an endosome-like compartment. When the class II null cell line 721.174 was transfected with class II DR3 genes, DR molecules were produced in normal amounts. However, the DR molecules were abnormally conformed and unstable because deletion of an antigen-processing gene had impaired intracellular formation of most class II-peptide complexes. Yet, 70 percent of the DR molecules still bore peptides, 80 percent of which were 21- to 24-amino acid fragments of the class II-associated invariant chain. These peptides were rare on DR3 from control cells. Thus, a defect in the main antigen-processing pathway revealed a process in which DR molecules bind long peptides derived from proteins present in the same compartment.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1992

Renaturation and partial peptide sequencing of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) activator from rabbit skeletal muscle.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) activator was purified 2000-fold from skeletal muscle, and proteins which co-purified with the activator were analysed after SDS/PAGE by renaturation and partial sequencing. Activity for tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation of MAP kinase was present in two bands of approx. 48 and 46 kDa, which have sequence similarity to small GTP-binding protein p25 GDP dissociation inhibitor and protein kinases (PBS2, SPK1+, STE7, BYR1) respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗