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M P Lacey

Publications and source records attributed to M P Lacey.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Solid-phase derivatization of tryptic peptides for rapid protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Solid-phase sulfonation of tryptic peptides adsorbed to C18 muZipTips has been carried out to facilitate de novo sequencing with mass spectrometry. Peptides are reacted with the sulfonation reagent while they are still adsorbed to the solid phase. Excess reagent passes through the ZipTip to waste. Washing the products before subsequent elution from the mini-column also affords sample cleanup prior to analysis. Near quantitative N-terminal sulfonation can be achieved reliably at room temperature in only a few seconds. The method has been applied successfully to model peptides and to solution or in-gel digests of proteins. Current sequencing limits are about 100 fmol of protein. Multiplexed sample sulfonation reactions have been carried out with a manual 8-position micropipettor or using centrifugal force to reliably pass reagents and wash solutions over sample-loaded ZipTips. With multiplexing, overall preparation times have been reduced to about 1 min per sample. The solid-phase format facilitates efficient use of precious digest samples by enabling them to be recovered from the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) sample stage after mass fingerprinting, derivatized and re-analyzed by MALDI postsource decay mass spectrometry.

Peptides↗

Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization ion trap mass spectrometry of sulfonic acid derivatized tryptic peptides.

Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-MALDI) and ion trap mass spectrometry have been used to study the fragmentation behavior of native peptides and peptide derivatives prepared for de novo sequencing applications. Sulfonic acid derivatized peptides were observed to fragment more extensively and up to 28 times more efficiently than the corresponding native peptides. Tandem mass spectra of native peptides containing aspartic or glutamic acids are dominated by cleavage on the C-terminal side of the acidic residues. This significantly limits the amount of sequence information that can be derived from those compounds. The MS/MS spectra of native tryptic peptides containing oxidized Met residues show extensive loss of CH(3)SOH and little sequence-specific fragmentation. On the other hand, the tandem mass spectra of derivatized peptides containing Asp, Glu and oxidized Met show much more uniform fragmentation along the peptide backbone. The AP-MALDI tandem mass spectra of some derivatized peptides were shown to be qualitatively very similar to the corresponding vacuum MALDI postsource decay mass spectra, which were obtained on a reflector time-of-flight instrument. However, the ion trap mass spectrometer offers several advantages for peptide sequencing relative to current reflector time-of-flight instruments including improved product ion mass measurement accuracy, improved precursor ion selection and MS(n). These latter capabilities were demonstrated with solution digests of model proteins and with in-gel digests of 2D-gel separated proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Proteomic analysis of the renal effects of simulated occupational jet fuel exposure.

We analyzed protein expression in the cytosolic fraction prepared from whole kidneys in male Swiss-Webster mice exposed 1 h/day for five days to aerosolized JP-8 jet fuel at a concentration of 1000 mg/m3, simulating military occupational exposure. Kidney cytosol samples were solubilized and separated via large-scale, high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and gel patterns scanned, digitized and processed for statistical analysis. Significant changes in soluble kidney proteins resulted from jet fuel exposure. Several of the altered proteins were identified by peptide mass finger-printing and related to ultrastructural abnormalities, altered protein processing, metabolic effects, and paradoxical stress protein/detoxification system responses. These results demonstrate a significant but comparatively moderate JP-8 effect on protein expression in the kidney and provide novel molecular evidence of JP-8 nephrotoxicity. Human risk is suggested by these data but conclusive assessment awaits a noninvasive search for biomarkers in JP-8 exposed humans.

Aerosols↗

Derivatization procedures to facilitate de novo sequencing of lysine-terminated tryptic peptides using postsource decay matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Guanidination of the epsilon-amino group of lysine-terminated tryptic peptides can be accomplished selectively in one step with O-methylisourea hydrogen sulfate. This reaction converts lysine residues into more basic homoarginine residues. It also protects the epsilon-amino groups against unwanted reaction with sulfonation reagents, which can then be used to selectively modify the N-termini of tryptic peptides. The combined reactions convert lysine-terminated tryptic peptides into modified peptides that are suitable for de novo sequencing by postsource decay matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. The guanidination reaction is very pH dependent. Product yields and reaction kinetics were studied in aqueous solution using either NaOH or diisopropylethylamine as the base. Methods are reported for derivatizing and sequencing lysine-terminated tryptic peptides at low pmole levels. The postsource decay (PSD) MALDI tandem mass spectra of a model peptide (VGGYGYGAK), the homoarginine analog and the sulfonated homoarginine analog are compared. These spectra show the influence that each chemical modification has on the peptide fragmentation pattern. Finally, we demonstrate that definitive protein identifications can be achieved by PSD MALDI sequencing of derivatized peptides obtained from solution digests of model proteins and from in-gel digests of 2D-gel separated proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tandem mass spectrometry methods for definitive protein identification in proteomics research.

Optimized procedures have been developed for the addition of sulfonic acid groups to the N-termini of low-level peptides. These procedures have been applied to peptides produced by tryptic digestion of proteins that have been separated by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis. The derivatized peptides were sequenced using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) post-source decay (PSD) and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry methods. Reliable PSD sequencing results have been obtained starting with sub-picomole quantities of protein. We estimate that the current PSD sequencing limit is about 300 fmol of protein in the gel. The PSD mass spectra of the derivatized peptides usually allow much more specific protein sequence database searches than those obtained without derivatization. We also report initial automated electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry sequencing of these novel peptide derivatives. Both types of tandem mass spectra provide predictable fragmentation patterns for arginine-terminated peptides. The spectra are easily interpreted de novo, and they facilitate error-tolerant identification of proteins whose sequences have been entered into databases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A method for high-sensitivity peptide sequencing using postsource decay matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

A method has been developed for de novo peptide sequencing using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. This method will facilitate biological studies that require rapid determination of peptide or protein sequences, e.g., determination of posttranslational modifications, identification of active compounds isolated from combinatorial peptide libraries, and the selective identification of proteins as part of proteome studies. The method involves fast, one-step addition of a sulfonic acid group to the N terminus of tryptic peptides followed by acquisition of postsource decay (PSD) fragment ion spectra. The derivatives are designed to promote efficient charge site-initiated fragmentation of the backbone amide bonds and to selectively enhance the detection of a single fragment ion series that contains the C terminus of the molecule (y-ions). The overall method has been applied to pmol quantities of peptides. The resulting PSD fragment ion spectra often exhibit uninterrupted sequences of 20 or more amino acid residues. However, fragmentation efficiency decreases considerably at amide bonds on the C-terminal side of Pro. The spectra are simple enough that de novo sequence tagging is routine. The technique has been successfully applied to peptide mixtures, to high-mass peptides (up to 3,600 Da) and to the unambiguous identification of proteins isolated from two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The PSD spectra of these derivatized peptides often allow far more selective protein sequence database searches than those obtained from the spectra of native peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Proteomic analysis of simulated occupational jet fuel exposure in the lung.

We analyzed protein expression in the cytosolic fraction prepared from whole lung tissue in male Swiss-Webster mice exposed 1 h/day for seven days to aerosolized JP-8 jet fuel at concentrations of 1000 and 2500 mg/m3, simulating military occupational exposure. Lung cytosol samples were solubilized and separated via large scale, high resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and gel patterns scanned, digitized and processed for statistical analysis. Significant quantitative and qualitative changes in tissue cytosol proteins resulted from jet fuel exposure. Several of the altered proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting, confirmed by sequence tag analysis, and related to impaired protein synthetic machinery, toxic/metabolic stress and detoxification systems, ultrastructural damage, and functional responses to CO2 handling, acid-base homeostasis and fluid secretion. These results demonstrate a significant but comparatively moderate JP-8 effect on protein expression and corroborate previous morphological and biochemical evidence. Further molecular marker development and mechanistic inferences from these observations await proteomic analysis of whole tissue homogenates and other cell compartment, i.e., mitochondria, microsomes, and nuclei of lung and other targets.

Animals↗

Detailed characterization of antisense DNA oligonucleotides.

We have developed methods for verification of the structures of novel, chemically synthesized oligonucleotides having alternating methylphosphonate/phosphodiester internucleotide linkages. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry was used to measure the molecular masses of full-length oligonucleotides, failure synthesis products, and degradation products formed by enzymatic and chemical means. These measurements provide detailed structural information, including molecular mass, length, base composition, complete nucleotide sequence, and confirmation of the sugar moieties and internucleotide linkages.

Animals↗

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization for rapid determination of the sequences of biologically active peptides isolated from support-bound combinatorial peptide libraries.

A termination synthesis approach has been developed to encode each resin bead in support-bound combinatorial peptide libraries with the information needed to establish the sequence of the full-length products also contained on the beads. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry was then used to rapidly read the appropriate sequences. In addition to rapid peptide sequencing, the technique allows direct assessment of the quality of the synthetic library, since deletion peptides, side-reaction products and incomplete-deprotection products are readily observed. An anti-gp120 monoclonal antibody was screened against a hexapeptide library, and eight active peptides were isolated. Six of the eight peptides were shown to possess the exact recognition sequence for the antibody.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Antisense DNA oligonucleotides. II: The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for the sequence verification of methylphosphonate oligodeoxyribonucleotides.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry has been used to measure accurately the molecular masses of synthetic methylphosphonate oligodeoxyribonucleotides, up to 18 nucleotides in length. A simple method has been developed for the complete sequence verification of these compounds, which are intractable by classical means. Sequencing from the 5' end of the molecule is possible because of inefficiencies in the synthetic procedure. Complementary information from the 3' end can be obtained by partial hydrolysis of the methylphosphonate backbone.

Base Sequence↗

Matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry of proteins isolated by capillary zone electrophoresis.

A simple method for the off-line coupling of laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is described. Representative mass spectra of subpicomole quantities of proteins isolated from CZE are presented and discussed. The current detection limit for bovine alpha-lactalbumin is 100 fmols injected onto the CZE column. Horse heart myoglobin was demonstrated to be stable in CHES/KCl, a CZE buffer, for at least 1 month, suggesting that some isolates can be safely stored for long time periods prior to LDMS analysis. Protein stability in 0.1% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a common solvent for LDMS, must also be considered. In the special case of porcine pepsinogen, significant (greater than 50%) degradation was observed within 5 min in TFA. In favorable cases, mass measurement accuracies of +/- 0.02% were obtained for protein isolates. Factors limiting mass measurement accuracy are presented. Finally, the possibility of identifying protein isolates, by combining N-terminal sequencing, molecular mass measurements, and selective peptide "mapping" procedures, is discussed.

Electrophoresis↗

Plasma-desorption mass spectrometry of intact enzymes and proenzymes.

The plasma desorption (PD) mass spectra of several enzymes and proenzymes are reported. Chymotrypsin and chymotrypsinogen both yield usable PD mass spectra; however, the single-chain chymotrypsinogen exhibits better sensitivity and less fragmentation than the multi-chain chymotrypsin. Porcine pepsinogen contains 11 more basic residues (lysine and arginine) than porcine pepsin, but this does not lead to an increase in positive ion response. In fact, the additional basic residues may hinder response by increasing the strength of the interaction between the protein and the nitrocellulose surface. A series of subtilisins showed comparable PD mass spectrometric, response despite the fact that they differ considerably in primary sequence. Finally, PD mass spectrometry was used to correct the previously reported mass of a heat-stable protease, a value that we found to be in error by almost 5000 Da.

Animals↗