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Robert Lam

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Lam.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

A high throughput method for the detection of metalloproteins on a microgram scale.

Proteins that bind transition metals make up a substantial portion of the proteome, and the identification of a metal cofactor in a protein can greatly facilitate its functional assignment and help place it in the context of known cellular pathways. Existing methods for the detection of metalloproteins generally consume large amounts of protein, require expensive equipment, or are very labor intensive, rendering them unsuitable for use in high throughput proteomic initiatives. Here we present a method for the identification of metalloproteins that contain iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and/or zinc that is sensitive, quick, robust, inexpensive, and can be performed with standard laboratory equipment. The assay is based on a combination of chemiluminescence and colorimetric detection methods, it typically consumes only 10 microg of protein, and most common chemical components of protein solutions do not interfere with metal detection. Analysis of 52 protein samples was compared with the results from inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry to verify the accuracy and sensitivity of the method. The assay is conducted in a 384-well format and requires about 3 h for completion, including a 2-h wait; so whole proteomes can be assayed for metal content in a matter of days.

Colorimetry↗
PubMed2004

A high-performance liquid chromatography method for determining transition metal content in proteins.

Transition metals are common components of cellular proteins and the detailed study of metalloproteins necessitates the identification and quantification of bound metal ions. Screening for metals is also an informative step in the initial characterization of the numerous unknown and unclassified proteins now coming through the proteomic pipeline. We have developed a high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantitative determination of the most prevalent biological transition metals: manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc. The method is accurate and simple and can be adapted for automated high-throughput studies. The metal analysis involves acid hydrolysis to release the metal ions into solution, followed by ion separation on a mixed-bead ion-exchange column and absorbance detection after postcolumn derivatization with the metallochromic indicator 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol. The potential interferences by common components of protein solutions were investigated. The metal content of a variety of metalloproteins was analyzed and the data were compared to data obtained from inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The sensitivity of the assay allows for the detection of 0.1-0.8 nmol, depending on the metal. The amount of protein required is governed by the size of the protein and the fraction of protein with metal bound. For routine analysis 50 microg was used but for many proteins 10 microg would be sufficient. The advantages, disadvantages, and possible applications of this method are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Ligand influences on copper molybdate networks: the structures and magnetism of [Cu(3,4'-bpy)MoO(4)], [Cu(3,3'-bpy)(0.5)MoO(4)], and [Cu(4,4'-bpy)(0.5)MoO(4)].1.5H(2)O.

The reactions of a Cu(II) salt, MoO(3), and the appropriate bipyridine ligand yield a series of bimetallic oxides, [Cu(3,4'-bpy)MoO(4)] (1), [Cu(3,3'-bpy)(0.5)MoO(4)] (2), and [Cu(4,4'-bpy)(0.5)MoO(4)].1.5H(2)O (3.1.5H(2)O). The structures of 1-3 exhibit three-dimensional covalent frameworks, constructed from bimetallic oxide layers tethered by the dipodal organoimine ligands. However, the [CuMoO(4)] networks are quite distinct. For structure 1, the layer consists of corner-sharing [MoO(4)] tetrehedra and [CuN(2)O(3)] square pyramids, while the layer of 2 is constructed from [MoO(4)] tetrehedra and binuclear [Cu(2)O(6)N(2)] units of edge-sharing copper square pyramids. The oxide substructure of 3 consists of [MoO(4)] tetrahedra corner-sharing with tetranuclear clusters of edge-sharing [CuO(5)N] octahedra. Crystal data: C(10)H(8)N(2)O(4)CuMo (1), orthorhombic Pbca, a = 12.4823(6) A, b = 9.1699(4) A, c = 19.5647(9) A, V = 2239.4(1) A(3), Z = 8; C(5)H(4)NO(4)CuMo (2), triclinic P, a = 5.439(1) A, b = 6.814(1) A, c = 10.727(2) A, alpha = 73.909(4)(o), beta = 78.839(4)(o); gamma = 70.389(4)(o); V = 357.6(1) A(3), Z = 2; C(10)H(8)N(2)O(8)Cu(2)Mo(2).3H(2)O 3.1.5H(2)O, triclinic P, a = 7.4273(7) A, b = 9.2314(8) A, c = 13.880(1) A, alpha = 71.411(2)(o), beta = 88.528(2)(o), gamma = 73.650(2)(o), V = 863.4(1) A(3), Z = 2. The magnetic properties of 1-3 arise solely from the presence of the Cu(II) sites, but reflect the structural differences within the bimetallic oxide layers. Compound 1 exhibits magnetic behavior consistent with ferromagnetic chains which couple antiferromagnetically at low temperature. Compound 2 exhibits strong antiferromagnetic dimeric interactions, with the magnetic susceptibility data consistent with the Bleaney-Bowers equation. Similarly, the magnetic susceptibility of 3 is dominated by antiferromagnetic interactions, which may be modeled as a linear S = 1/2 Heisenberg tetramer.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Synthesis and Structure of Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6), a Zintl Phase Containing Channels and Chains.

The new Zintl phase dibarium tritin hexaantimonide, Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) has been synthesized, and its structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group -Pnma with a = 13.351(1) Å, b = 4.4100(5) Å, c = 24.449(3) Å, and Z = 4 (T = -50 degrees C). The structure of Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) comprises large channels [010] defined by 30-membered rings constructed from an anionic framework. This framework is built up from Sn-centered trigonal pyramids and tetrahedra, as well as zigzag chains of Sb atoms. Within the channels reside the Ba(2+) cations and additional isolated zigzag Sb-Sb chains. The simultaneous presence of Sn trigonal pyramids and tetrahedra implies that Ba(2)Sn(3)Sb(6) is a mixed-valence compound whose oxidation state notation can be best represented as (Ba(2+))(2)[(Sn(II))(2)(Sn(IV))(Sb(-)(III))(3)(Sb(-)(I))](2)(-)[(Sb(-)(I))(2)](2)(-).

Journal Article↗