Biomedical subjects

Julie E Scheffler

Publications and source records attributed to Julie E Scheffler.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Aspartame and aspartame derivatives effect human thrombin catalytic activity.

The study of small Asp-Phe analogs was undertaken since this dipeptide sequence is critical in fibrinogen recognition and catalysis. The inhibition of clotting activity by Asp-Phe-methyl ester (aspartame), formyl-Asp-Phe-methyl ester and acetyl-Asp-Phe was biphasic in all cases, indicating the presence of at least two binding sites. The N-terminally blocked derivatives are stronger inhibitors than aspartame. In contrast, tosyl-Gly-Pro-Arg-p'-nitroanilide hydrolysis was inhibited minimally by Asp-Phe-methyl, ester [Ki(app)=98 mM]. Acetyl-Asp-Phe inhibition of thrombin amidase activity was biphasic, tenfold stronger and appeared to be strongly cooperative. These results are discussed with respect to the inhibition of alpha-thrombin by ATP.

Amidohydrolases↗

PubMed2004

Target class strategies in mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

The cornerstone of proteomics resides in using traditional methods of protein chemistry, to extract and resolve complex mixtures, in concert with the powerful engines of mass spectrometry to decipher peptide and protein identities. The broad utility of proteomics technologies to map protein interactions, understand regulatory mechanisms and identify biomarkers associated with disease states and drug treatments necessitates a targeted biochemical approach tailored to the characteristics of the tissue, fluid or cellular extract being studied. The application of affinity methods in proteomic studies to focus on particular classes of molecules is being used with increasing frequency and comprises the subject of this review. An overview of successfully applied affinity methods is provided, along with speculation on the use of innovative approaches. Sample preparation and processing are critical for proteomics with affinity reagents, as only functional and active proteins can be isolated in most cases. Considerations for methods of sample preparation to optimize affinity capture and release are also discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

A high-yield method to extract peptides from rat brain tissue.

A process to extract and enrich extracellular peptides and proteins from tissues should have broad utility in the burgeoning proteomics field. To address this need, a novel three-step protocol was developed to extract polypeptides from whole tissue samples and enrich the extracellular components. The initial homogenization of rat brain was carried out at neutral pH to optimize protein and peptide stability and solubility. Subsequent covalent chromatography on an activated thiopropyl resin was employed to debulk the tissue extract by selectively removing a substantial fraction of the intracellular protein component under nondenaturing conditions. Finally, extraction with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid was used to selectively precipitate large proteins while enhancing the solubility of smaller proteins and peptides. The fractions from each step in the process were compared to a single extract obtained by homogenization in 0.5 M acetic acid. The recovery and yields of endogenous neuropeptides and an exogenously added peptide were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay and Western blotting, respectively. In summary, the three-step protocol was superior to the extraction of tissue with 0.5 M acetic acid in terms of peptide recovery, enrichment, and sample stability. Enrichment of the extracellular protein compartment from tissues should be valuable in proteomics experiments aimed at identifying biomarkers that can partition into serum.

Animals↗