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Biomedical subjects

Kenneth B Tomer

Publications and source records attributed to Kenneth B Tomer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

In vitro hydroxyapatite adsorbed salivary proteins.

In spite of the present knowledge about saliva components and their respective functions, the mechanism(s) of pellicle and dental plaque formation have hitherto remained obscure. This has prompted recent efforts on in vitro studies using hydroxyapatite (HA) as an enamel model. In the present study salivary proteins adsorbed to HA were extracted with TFA and EDTA and resolved by 2D electrophoresis over a pH range between 3 and 10, digested, and then analysed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. Nineteen different proteins were identified using automated MS and MS/MS data acquisition. Among them, cystatins, amylase, carbonic anhydrase, and calgranulin B, were identified.

Durapatite↗

CEBS object model for systems biology data, SysBio-OM.

MOTIVATION: To promote a systems biology approach to understanding the biological effects of environmental stressors, the Chemical Effects in Biological Systems (CEBS) knowledge base is being developed to house data from multiple complex data streams in a systems friendly manner that will accommodate extensive querying from users. Unified data representation via a single object model will greatly aid in integrating data storage and management, and facilitate reuse of software to analyze and display data resulting from diverse differential expression or differential profile technologies. Data streams include, but are not limited to, gene expression analysis (transcriptomics), protein expression and protein-protein interaction analysis (proteomics) and changes in low molecular weight metabolite levels (metabolomics). RESULTS: To enable the integration of microarray gene expression, proteomics and metabolomics data in the CEBS system, we designed an object model, Systems Biology Object Model (SysBio-OM). The model is comprehensive and leverages other open source efforts, namely the MicroArray Gene Expression Object Model (MAGE-OM) and the Proteomics Experiment Data Repository (PEDRo) object model. SysBio-OM is designed by extending MAGE-OM to represent protein expression data elements (including those from PEDRo), protein-protein interaction and metabolomics data. SysBio-OM promotes the standardization of data representation and data quality by facilitating the capture of the minimum annotation required for an experiment. Such standardization refines the accuracy of data mining and interpretation. The open source SysBio-OM model, which can be implemented on varied computing platforms is presented here. AVAILABILITY: A universal modeling language depiction of the entire SysBio-OM is available at http://cebs.niehs.nih.gov/SysBioOM/. The Rational Rose object model package is distributed under an open source license that permits unrestricted academic and commercial use and is available at http://cebs.niehs.nih.gov/cebsdownloads. The database and interface are being built to implement the model and will be available for public use at http://cebs.niehs.nih.gov.

Database Management Systems↗

Identification of human whole saliva protein components using proteomics.

The determination of salivary biomarkers as a means of monitoring general health and for the early diagnosis of disease is of increasing interest in clinical research. Based on the linkage between salivary proteins and systemic diseases, the aim of this work was the identification of saliva proteins using proteomics. Salivary proteins were separated using two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis over a pH range between 3-10, digested, and then analyzed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF)-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Proteins were identified using automated MS and MS/MS data acquisition. The resulting data were searched against a protein database using an internal Mascot search routine. Ninety spots give identifications with high statistical reliability. Of the identified proteins, 11 were separated and identified in saliva for the first time using proteomics tools. Moreover, three proteins that have not been previously identified in saliva, PLUNC, cystatin A, and cystatin B were identified.

Cystatin B↗

Disposable chromatography for a high-throughput nano-ESI/MS and nano-ESI/MS-MS platform.

High-throughput proteomics has typically relied on protein identification based on MALDI-MS peptide maps of proteolytic digests of 2D-gel-separated proteins. This technique, however, requires significant sequence coverage in order to achieve a high level of confidence in the identification. Tandem MS data have the advantage of requiring fewer peptides (2) for high confidence identification, assuming adequate MS/MS sequence coverage. MALDI-MS/MS techniques are becoming available, but can still be problematic because of the difficulty of inducing fragment ions of a singly charged parent ion. Electrospray ionization, however, has the advantage of generating multiply charged species that are more readily fragmented during MS/MS analysis. Two electrospray/tandem mass spectrometry-based approaches, nanovial-ESI-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, are used for high throughput proteomics, but much less often than MALDI-MS and peptide mass fingerprinting. Nanovial introduction entails extensive manual manipulation and often shows significant chemical background from the in-gel digest. LC-MS has the advantages that the chemical background can be removed prior to analysis and the analytes are concentrated during the separation, resulting in more abundant analyte signals. On the other hand, LC-MS can often be time intensive. Here, we report the incorporation of on-line sample clean-up and analyte concentration with a high-throughput, chip-based, robotic nano-ESI-MS platform for proteomics studies.

Angiotensinogen↗

Characterization of glycopeptides from HIV-I(SF2) gp120 by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Previously, we have characterized the HIV-I(SF2) gp120 glycopeptides using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) and nanospray electrospray ionization (ESI). Although we characterized 25 of 26 consensus glycosylation sites, we could not obtain any information about the extent of sialylation of the complex glycans. Sialylation is known to alter the biological activity of some glycoproteins, e.g., infectivity of some human and nonhuman primate lentiviruses is reduced when the envelope glycoproteins are extensively sialylated, and thus, characterization of the extent of sialylation of complex glycoproteins is of biological interest. Since neither MALDI/MS nor nanospray ESI provided much information about sialylation, probably because of suppression effects inherent in these techniques, we utilized online nanocapillary high performance liquid chromatography (nHPLC) with ESI/MS to characterize the sites and extent of sialylation on gp120. Eight of the known 26 consensus glycosylation sites of HIV-ISF2 gp120 were determined to be sialylated. Two of these sites were previously uncharacterized complex glycans. Thirteen high mannose sites were also determined. The heterogeneity of four of these sites had not been previously characterized. In addition, a peptide containing two consensus glycosylation sites, which had previously been determined to contain complex glycans, was also determined to be high mannose as well.

Animals↗

Understanding global changes in histone H1 phosphorylation using mass spectrometry.

Histone post-translational modifications have been implicated in a variety of biological processes such as gene expression, DNA replication, and chromatin assembly. The modifications include methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, and ADP-ribosylation. For several years, we have been investigating the role of histone H1 phosphorylation in transcription using the hormone inducible mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. When mouse cells were exposed to prolonged treatment with dexamethasone, a significant decrease in the level of histone H1 phosphorylation was observed. Traditionally, Western analyses with anti-histone H1 and phospho-specific H1 antibodies were performed to observe changes in phosphorylation levels of the bulk H1 histones. More recently, we have applied electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to the analysis of histone H1 isoforms. Utilizing this approach, we have investigated the phosphorylation state of the specific H1 isoforms before and after prolonged treatment with dexamethasone. Specifically, we could determine that the relative phosphorylation levels of the histone H1.3, H1.4, and H1.5 isoforms decrease after prolonged hormone exposure. Recent advancements in mass spectrometry have proven invaluable toward the analysis of post-translational modifications on proteins. The continued developments in the area of mass spectrometry should provide new insights into not only the function of proteins but also into the basic regulatory mechanisms that control cellular functions.

Animals↗

Characterization of the Streptococcus mutans P1 epitope recognized by immunomodulatory monoclonal antibody 6-11A.

Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 6-11A directed against Streptococcus mutans surface adhesin P1 was shown previously to influence the mucosal immunogenicity of this organism in BALB/c mice. The specificity of anti-P1 serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory IgA antibodies and the subclass distribution of anti-P1 serum IgG antibodies were altered, and the ability of elicited serum antibodies to inhibit S. mutans adherence in vitro was in certain cases increased. MAb 6-11A is known to recognize an epitope dependent on the presence of the proline-rich region of the protein, although it does not bind directly to the isolated P-region domain. In this report, we show that MAb 6-11A recognizes a complex discontinuous epitope that requires the simultaneous presence of the alanine-rich repeat domain (A-region) and the P-region. Formation of the core epitope requires the interaction of these segments of P1. Residues amino terminal to the A-region also contributed to recognition by MAb 6-11A but were not essential for binding. Characterization of the MAb 6-11A epitope will enable insight into potential mechanisms of immunomodulation and broaden our understanding of the tertiary structure of P1.

Animals↗

Determination of epitopes by mass spectrometry.

As a response to an infection, the immune system produces antibodies. The determination of the antigenic structure recognized by the antibody through epitope mapping provides information about the interaction between antigen and antibody for the diagnosis of a disease on a molecular level, for characterizing the pathogenesis of the infectious material, and for the development of interfering drugs or preventative vaccines. Here we present the determination of the fine structure of the linear epitope located on the gp41 protein of the human immunodeficiency virus recognized by the monoclonal antibody 2F5. In this approach we coupled the antigen SOSgp140 to the antibody 2F5, which was covalently linked to an Fc-specific antibody immobilized on cyanogen bromide (CNBr)-activated Sepharose beads. Digestion of the antigen with endoproteinase LysC resulted in an affinity-bound peptide whose fine structure was characterized by digestion with carboxypeptidase Y and aminopeptidase M. All steps of this method were monitored by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS). The epitope recognized by 2F5 was identified to be the 16-mer peptide with the sequence NEQELLELDKWASLWN.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of free radicals on hemoglobin from its self-peroxidation using mass spectrometry and immuno-spin trapping: observation of a histidinyl radical.

In an effort to understand the mechanism of radical formation on heme proteins, the formation of radicals on hemoglobin was initiated by reaction with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). The DMPO nitrone adducts were analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS) and immuno-spin trapping. The spin-trapped protein adducts were then subjected to tryptic digestion and MS analyses. When hemoglobin was reacted with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in the presence of DMPO, a DMPO nitrone adduct could be detected by immuno-spin trapping. To verify that DMPO adducts of the protein free radicals had been formed, the reaction mixtures were analyzed by flow injection electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS). The ESI mass spectrum of the hemoglobin/H(2)O(2)/DMPO sample shows one adduct each on both the alpha chain and the beta chain of hemoglobin which corresponds in mass to the addition of one DMPO molecule. The nature of the radicals formed on hemoglobin was explored using proteolysis techniques followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses. The following sites of DMPO addition were identified on hemoglobin: Cys-93 of the beta chain, and Tyr-42, Tyr-24, and His-20 of the alpha chain. Because of the pi-pi interaction of Tyr-24 and His-20, the unpaired electron is apparently delocalized on both the tyrosine and histidine residue (pi-pi stacked pair radical).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of all classes of spin-trapped carbon-centered radicals in soybean lipoxygenase-dependent lipid peroxidations of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids via LC/ESR, LC/MS, and tandem MS.

Using the combined techniques of on-line high performance liquid chromatography/electron spin resonance (LC/ESR) and mass spectrometry (MS), we previously identified spin-trapped adducts of all expected carbon-centered lipid-derived radicals ((*)L(d)) formed in linoleic acid peroxidation. In the present study, spin trapped lipid-derived carbon-centered radicals formed from the reactions of two omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs: linoleic and arachidonic acids) with soybean lipoxygenase in the presence of alpha-[4-pyridyl 1-oxide]-N-tert-butyl nitrone (POBN) were identified using a combination of LC/ESR and LC/MS. All expected lipid-derived carbon-centered radicals in lipoxygenase-dependent peroxidations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were detected and identified by the combination of LC/ESR and LC/MS with confirmation by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The five classes of (*)L(d) formed from both omega-6 PUFAs including lipid alkyl radicals (L(*)), epoxyallyic radicals (OL(*)), dihydroxyallyic radicals ((*)L(OH)(2)), and a variety of R(*) and (*)RCOOH from beta-scission of lipid alkoxyl radicals, gave distinct retention times: POBN/(*)L(OH)(2) approximately 4-6 min, POBN/R(*) and POBN/(*)RCOOH approximately 8-22 min, POBN/L(*) and PBON/OL(*) approximately 25-36 min. The major beta-scission products in peroxidations of omega-6 PUFAs were the pentyl radicals. The ratio of beta-scission products, however, varied significantly depending on pH, [PUFA], as well as [O(2)].

Arachidonic Acid↗

DNA binding by yeast Mlh1 and Pms1: implications for DNA mismatch repair.

The yeast Mlh1-Pms1 heterodimer required for mismatch repair (MMR) binds to DNA. Here we map DNA binding to N-terminal fragments of Mlh1 and Pms1. We demonstrate that Mlh1 and Pms1 N-terminal domains (NTDs) independently bind to double-stranded and single-stranded DNA, in the absence of dimerization and with different affinities. Full-length Mlh1p alone, which can homodimerize, also binds to DNA. Substituting conserved positively charged amino acids in Mlh1 produces mutator phenotypes in a haploid yeast strain characteristic of reduced MMR. These substitutions strongly reduce DNA binding by the Mlh1 NTD and, to a lesser extent, they also reduce DNA binding by full-length Mlh1 and the Mlh1-Pms1 heterodimer. Replacement of a homologous Pms1 residue has a much smaller effect on mutation rate and does not reduce DNA binding. The results demonstrate that NTDs of yeast Mlh1 and Pms1 contain independent DNA binding sites and they suggest that the C-terminal region of Mlh1p may also contribute to DNA binding. The differential mutator effects and binding properties observed here further suggest that Mlh1 and Pms1 differ in their interactions with DNA. Finally, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that DNA binding by Mlh1 is important for MMR.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Changes in global gene and protein expression during early mouse liver carcinogenesis induced by non-genotoxic model carcinogens oxazepam and Wyeth-14,643.

We hypothesized that the mouse liver tumor response to non-genotoxic carcinogens would involve some common early gene and protein expression changes that could ultimately be used to predict chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. In order to identify a panel of genes to test, we analyzed global differences in gene and protein expression in livers from B6C3F1 mice following dietary treatment with two rodent carcinogens, the benzodiazepine anti-anxiety drug oxazepam (2500 p.p.m.) and the hypolipidemic agent Wyeth (Wy)-14,643 (500 p.p.m.) compared with livers from untreated mice. Male mice were exposed for 2 weeks and 1, 3 or 6 months to oxazepam or Wy-14,643 in an age-matched study design. By histopathological evaluation, no liver preneoplastic foci or tumors were detected at 6 months in treated or control groups. By cDNA microarray analysis [NIEHS Mouse Chip (8700 genes); n = 3 individual livers/group, four hybridizations/sample], expression of 36 genes or 220 genes were changed relative to control livers following 6 months of oxazepam or Wy-14,643 treatment, respectively. To obtain a more comprehensive picture of gene/protein expression changes, we also conducted a proteomics study by 2D-gel electrophoresis followed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry on cytoplasmic, nuclear, and microsomal subcellular fractions of the same liver samples utilized for the cDNA microarray analysis. Real-time PCR, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were utilized for validation and to expand the results to other time points. Cyp2b20, growth arrest- and damage-inducible gene beta (Gadd45beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 2 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (Igfbp5) genes and proteins were upregulated by oxazepam, and Cyp2b20, Cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Igfbp5, Gadd45beta and cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha subunit-like effector A exhibited higher expression after Wy-14,643 treatment. Most of these genes/proteins were also deregulated at 2 weeks. There appeared to be more distinct than common changes in the expression of carcinogenesis-related genes/proteins between the two compounds, suggesting that the major carcinogenic pathways are different for these compounds and may be distinct for different chemical classes.

Animals↗

Effects of TCDD upon IkappaB and IKK subunits localized in microsomes by proteomics.

Biochemical studies have shown that microsomes represent an important subcellular fraction for determining 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) effects. Proteomic analysis by two-dimensional gel-mass spectrometry of liver microsomes was undertaken to gain new insight into the actions of TCDD in male and female rats. Proteomic analysis showed TCDD induced several xenobiotic metabolism enzymes as well as a protein at 90kDa identified by mass spectrometry as IkappaB kinase beta/IKK2. This observation led to the discovery of other NF-kappaB binding proteins and kinases in microsomes and effects by TCDD. Western blotting for IKK and IkappaB family members in microsomes showed a distinct pattern from cytosol. IKK1 and IKK2 were both present in microsomes and were catalytically active although, unlike cytosol, IKKgamma/NEMO was not detectable. TCDD exposure produced an elevation in cytosolic and microsomal IKK activity of both genders. The NF-kappaB binding proteins IkappaBbeta and IkappaBgamma were prevalent in microsomes, while IkappaBalpha and IkappaB epsilon proteins were absent. TCDD treatment produced hyperphosphorylation of microsomal IkappaBbeta in both sexes with females being most sensitive. In cytosol, IkappaBalpha, IkappaBbeta, and IkappaB epsilon, but not IkappaBgamma, were clearly observed but were not changed by TCDD. Overall, proteomic analysis indicated the presence of NF-kappaB pathway members in microsomes, selectively altered by dioxin, which may influence immune and inflammatory responses within the liver.

Animals↗

Characterization of the initial carbon-centered pentadienyl radical and subsequent radicals in lipid peroxidation: identification via on-line high performance liquid chromatography/electron spin resonance and mass spectrometry.

The previously reported combination of an on-line high-performance liquid chromatography (LC)/electron spin resonance (ESR) system with mass spectrometric analysis (MS) created a unique technique to identify a variety of lipid-derived radicals ((.)L(d)) formed from in vitro lipid peroxidation (Iwahashi et al. [20]). To improve the sensitivity, resolution, and reliability of this method for in vitro and in vivo studies, we have investigated the effects of mobile phase pH, modifiers, and columns on the chromatographic separation of linoleic acid-derived radical adducts. Using tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 0.1% glacial acetic acid (HOAc) in an H(2)O/acetonitrile (ACN) mobile phase greatly increased the resolution and retention reproducibility of lipid radical adducts in LC/ESR. In addition, these modifications allowed the elimination of an ESR tuning problem and the synchronization of UV and ESR detection of radical adducts in on-line LC/ESR, neither of which had been possible previously. Analyte purity was therefore increased, thus increasing the reliability of radical detection via on-line LC/ESR as well as radical identification via MS analysis. For the first time, POBN adducts of linoleic carbon-centered pentadienyl radicals (L(.)) were detected and identified. The optimization of chromatography in the LC/ESR and MS combination provided a reliable and sensitive way for the detection and identification of expected radical adducts in vitro and in vivo.

Alkadienes↗

Immunological identification of the heart myoglobin radical formed by hydrogen peroxide.

This study reports the detection of protein free radicals using the specific free radical reactivity of nitrone spin traps in conjunction with nitrone-antibody specificity. Polyclonal antibodies were developed that bind to protein adducts of the nitrone spin-trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). The antibodies were used to detect DMPO protein adducts produced on horse myoglobin resulting from self-peroxidation. Western blot analysis demonstrates that myoglobin forms the predominant radical-derived nitrone adduct in rat heart supernatant.

Animals↗

Protein oxidation of cytochrome C by reactive halogen species enhances its peroxidase activity.

Reactive halogen species (RHS; X(2) and HOX, where X represents Cl, Br, or I) are metabolites mediated by neutrophil activation and its accompanying respiratory burst. We have investigated the interaction between RHS and mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c) by using electrospray mass spectrometry and electron spin resonance (ESR). When the purified cyt c was reacted with an excess amount of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) at pH 7.4, the peroxidase activity of cyt c was increased by 4.5-, 6.9-, and 8.6-fold at molar ratios (HOCl/cyt c) of 2, 4, and 8, respectively. In comparison with native cyt c, the mass spectra obtained from the HOCl-treated cyt c revealed that oxygen is covalently incorporated into the protein as indicated by molecular ions of m/z = 12,360 (cyt c), 12,376 (cyt c + O), and 12,392 (cyt c + 2O). Using tandem mass spectrometry, a peptide (obtained from the tryptic digests of HOCl-treated cyt c) corresponding to the amino acid sequence MIFAGIK, which contains the methionine that binds to the heme, was identified to be involved in the oxygen incorporation. The location of the oxygen incorporation was unequivocally determined to be the methionine residue, suggesting that the oxidation of heme ligand (Met-80) by HOCl results in the enhancement of peroxidase activity of cyt c. ESR spectroscopy of HOCl-oxidized cyt c, when reacted with H(2)O(2) in the presence of the nitroso spin trap 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP), yielded more immobilized MNP/tyrosyl adduct than native cyt c. In the presence of H(2)O(2), the peroxidase activity of HOCl-oxidized cyt c exhibited an increasing ability to oxidize tyrosine to tyrosyl radical as measured directly by fast flow ESR. Titration of both native cyt c and HOCl-oxidized cyt c with various amounts of H(2)O(2) indicated that the latter has a decreased apparent K(m) for H(2)O(2), implicating that protein oxidation of cyt c increases its accessibility to H(2)O(2). HOCl-oxidized cyt c also displayed an impaired ability to support oxygen consumption by the purified mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, suggesting that protein oxidation of cyt c may break the electron transport chain and inhibit energy transduction in mitochondria.

Cytochrome c Group↗

Identification of components of protein complexes using a fluorescent photo-cross-linker and mass spectrometry.

This study describes a novel method for improving the specific recognition, detection, and identification of proteins involved in multiprotein complexes. The method is based on a combination of coimmunoprecipitation, chemical cross-linking, and specific fluorescent tagging of protein components in close association with one another. Specific fluorescent tagging of the protein complex components was achieved using the cleavable, fluorescent cross-linker sulfosuccinimidyl 2-(7-azido-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetamido) ethyl-1,3'-dithiopropionate (SAED). Following dissociation and separation by SDS-PAGE, the fluorescently tagged proteins are then visualized by UV illumination, excised, and, following in-gel digestion, identified by mass spectrometry. In this study, a complex of the HIV-envelope protein gp120 and its cellular receptor CD4 was used as a model system. The sensitivity of detection of fluorescent SAED-labeled proteins in SDS gels, and the sensitivity of the mass spectrometric identification of fluorescent proteins after in-gel digestion, is in the range of a few hundred femtomoles of protein. This sensitivity is comparable to that achieved with silver-staining techniques, but fluorescence detection is protein independent and no background interference occurs. Furthermore, fluorescence labeling is significantly more compatible with mass spectrometric identification of proteins than is silver staining. The first application of this strategy was in the investigation of the mechanism of spermiation, the process by which mature spermatids separate from Sertoli cells. For the coimmunoprecipitation experiment, an antibody against paxillin, a protein involved in spermatid-Sertoli cell junctional complexes, was used. More components of the paxillin protein complex were visible by fluorescence detection of SAED-labeled proteins than were visible on comparable silver-stained gels. Mass spectrometric analysis of the fluorescently labeled proteins identified integrin alpha6 precursor as a protein associated in a complex with paxillin. The identification of integrin alpha6 precursor was confirmed by Western blot analysis and verifies the applicability of this novel approach for identifying proteins involved in protein complexes.

Animals↗