Numerical and experimental demonstrations of the need for caution in the use of zonal gel chromatography for characterizing ligand interactions with small acceptors

Quantitative expressions are presented for the evaluation of equilibrium constants for interactions of the type A + B in equilibrium C from experiments entailing the application of a small zone of acceptor-ligand mixture to a column of gel preequilibrated with ligand solution [J.P. Hummel and W.J. Dreyer (1962) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 63, 530-532]. Only in the event that identical elution volumes pertain to acceptor and complex does the steady-state binding constant (Kss) obtained by that method equal the thermodynamic equilibrium constant (K). Simulated elution profiles are then generated with parameters relevant to gel chromatography of the ATP-Mg2+ system on Sephadex G-10 in order to demonstrate the practical importance of the need for distinction between Kss and K in situations where acceptor and complex do not comigrate. A study of the interaction between soybean trypsin inhibitor and cytochrome c by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-75 is then used to illustrate the feasibility of combining information from Hummel-Dreyer experiments with the theoretical expressions to characterize systems under the more general conditions that the elution volumes of A and C differ. A finding of considerable theoretical interest in relation to the simulation of mass migration behavior is the demonstration that a truncation error is the source of zonal spreading in the theoretical-plate model of chromatography. This truncation error is shown to be the source of spreading generated whenever solution of an abbreviated (diffusion-free) continuity equation involves substituting first differences for first derivatives in the differential equation describing mass transport.     

Small zone gel chromatography of interacting systems: theoretical and experimental evaluation of elution profiles for kinetically controlled macromolecule-ligand reactions

A phenomenological theory of small zone gel chromatography is elaborated for kinetically controlled macromolecule-ligand interactions. Chromatography, direct binding experiments, and rate measurements are used for successful comparison of experimental behavior with theoretical elution profiles for the interaction of MAP-2 with two synthetic peptide fragments from the C-terminal moieties of alpha- and beta-tubulin subunits. The results of this study provide guidelines for interpretation of experimental small zone elution profiles of total ligand.     

Effects of diffusion on the electrophoretic behavior of associating systems: the Gilbert-Jenkins theory revisited

The Gilbert-Jenkins theory predicts the asymptotic shape of moving-boundary sedimentation and electrophoretic patterns and broad zone molecular sieve chromatographic elution profiles for the class of interacting systems, A + B in equilibrium C, in which two dissimilar macromolecules react reversibly to form a complex. A particularly provocative case is the one in which the complex has a greater migration velocity than that of either reactant, each of which has a different velocity. Depending upon conditions, this case predicts, for example, that in the asymptotic limit an ascending electrophoretic pattern or a frontal gel chromatographic elution profile can show two hypersharp reaction boundaries separated by a plateau. This prediction is now confirmed by numerical solution of transport equations which retain the second-order diffusional term and extrapolation of the computed patterns to zero diffusion coefficient. For finite diffusion coefficient, however, the two hypersharp reaction boundaries are separated by a weak negative gradient. These calculations are extended to an examination of the transitions between the three types of patterns admitted by the case under consideration in order to gain physical understanding and to define criteria for recognizing the transitions. Studies of this kind not only establish confidence in the Gilbert-Jenkins theory, but, in addition, they provide new insights which make for more effective application of the theory to real systems.     

Effects of diffusion on the electrophoretic behavior of associating systems: The Gilbert-Jenkins theory revisited

The Gilbert-Jenkins theory predicts the asymptotic shape of moving-boundary sedimentation and electrophoretic patterns and broad zone molecular sieve chromatographic elution profiles for the class of interacting systems, A + B ⇄ C, in which two dissimilar macromolecules react reversibly to form a complex. A particularly provocative case is the one in which the complex has a greater migration velocity than that of either reactant, each of which has a different velocity. Depending upon conditions, this case predicts, for example, that in the asymptotic limit an ascending electrophoretic pattern or a frontal gel chromatographic elution profile can show two hypersharp reaction boundaries separated by a plateau. This prediction is now confirmed by numerical solution of transport equations which retain the second-order diffusional term and extrapolation of the computed patterns to zero diffusion coefficient. For finite diffusion coefficient, however, the two hypersharp reaction boundaries are separated by a weak negative gradient. These calculations are extended to an examination of the transitions between the three types of patterns admitted by the case under consideration in order to gain physical understanding and to define criteria for recognizing the transitions. Studies of this kind not only establish confidence in the Gilbert-Jenkins theory, but, in addition, they provide new insights which make for more effective application of the theory to real systems.     

Purification of major variable-surface glycoproteins from African trypanosomes by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used in a one-step procedure to purify and analyze several different major variable-surface glycoproteins (VSGs) from lysates of African trypanosomes. RP-HPLC was used to fractionate lysates of trypanosomes and the VSG localized to the major peak of the elution profile using a rabbit antiserum to the cross-reacting determinant of the VSG. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of HPLC fractions showed that the purity of isolated VSGs was equivalent to or better than that attained using conventional purification procedures. The elution positions of purified VSGs from a variety of cloned trypanosomes were identical, indicating the presence of a common hydrophobic feature on the surface of these highly polymorphic antigens. Preliminary experiments have shown that purification of VSG from trypanosome lysates may be scaled up to preparative levels. The results show that RP-HPLC is a useful procedure for rapid preparation of highly purified trypanosome VSGs and that analysis of their various molecular forms will be facilitated by the application of HPLC methods.     

Evaluation of equilibrium constants by affinity chromatography

Theoretical expressions are derived for affinity chromatography of systems comprising an acceptor A with one binding site for attachment to a functional group X on the column matrix and one site for interaction with a small ligand B that specifically affects its elution. From a general relationship covering all possible interactions between A, B and X simpler expressions are derived for affinity systems in which only two equilibria operate. Methods are suggested whereby these simpler systems may be characterized in terms of the two pertinent equilibrium constants and the concentration of matrix-bound constituent. The means by which the theory may be adapted to affinity chromatography of acceptors with multiple binding sites for ligand is also illustrated. Results of partition experiments on the Sephadex G-100-lysozyme-d-glucose system in acetate-chloride buffer (I=0.17m), pH5.4, are used to demonstrate the feasibility of evaluating quantitatively affinity-chromatography interactions. Values of 30m(-1) and 1.2x10(6)m(-1) are obtained for the equilibrium constants for the reactions of lysozyme with glucose and Sephadex respectively, there being only an occasional binding site in the polysaccharide matrix (approximately 1 in 10(5) glucose residues). In a second experimental study the phytohaemagglutinin from Ricinus communis is subjected to frontal chromatography on Sepharose 4B in the presence of different concentrations of d-galactose, the results illustrating some of the difficulties and limitations that are likely to be encountered in quantitative studies of affinity-chromatographic systems.     

Fractionation of plasma proteins using dye-ligand chromatography: elution profiles on immobilized green TSK-AF

The fractionation of human plasma by chromatography on immobilized Green TSK-AF was assessed by immunological analysis of the elution profiles of 27 different plasma proteins. A three-step procedure was used to elute proteins from the column. First a low-molarity buffer (30 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, I = 0.053) was applied; then a linear salt gradient (0-1.0 M NaCl in the above buffer) was followed by an additional wash with four bed volumes of 1.0 M NaCl. Tightly bound proteins were finally stripped with 0.5 M NH4SCN. The elution profile of the proteins using this procedure appears to be very reproducible. Comparison with the profile obtained upon chromatography on Cibacron Blue 3GA [Gianazza, E. and Arnaud, P. (1982) Biochem. J. 201, 129-136] indicates significant differences between the binding properties of the two gels. These differences can be used to design a "tandem-chromatography" system which provides an efficient means for the separation of several plasma proteins.     

Quantitative interpretation of concentration-dependent migration in gel chromatography of reversibly polymerizing solutes.

A theoretical expression is derived for concentration dependence of elution volume in the gel chromatography of a non-interacting solute. Experimental results for bovine serum albumin on Sephadex G-100 are shown to be in good agreement with the predicted gel-chromatographic behaviour. The theoretical treatment of concentration dependence is extended to include a solute undergoing rapid reversible polymerization (nA in equilibrium C). Computer simulation of gel-chromatographic data for monomer-dimer systems on Sephadex G-100 is used to illustrate the deficiencies of earlier empirical approaches, and also the potential of the present treatment, of allowing for non-chemical concentration dependence in gel chromatography of polymerizing solutes.     

Scaleup of monoclonal antibody purification using radial streaming ion exchange chromatography

A scaleup study of the radial streaming chromatography (ZetaPrep technique) using hybridoma culture supernatant as model protein solution is described in this article. Lab and pilot cartridges were tested. Scaleup factors were calculated from the lab experiments and compared to the data obtained at pilot level. The procedure consists of three different steps: microfiltration, diafiltration, and the ZetaPrep technique using QAE cartridges. Diafiltration was used to condition the clarified culture supernatant. Calculating the elution volumes for the pilot level (ZetaPrep 800) from the smallest lab cartridge (ZetaPrep 15), a difference between calculated and experimental values of 230% was obtained. The difference between calculated and experimental values using results from ZetaPrep 100, a preparative cartridge, was 120%. At pilot level it is possible to purify 10 L culture supernatant within 3 h including regeneration and reequilibration of the cartridge. This procedure is useful for monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with a low isoelectric point (pl). The pl's of the mAb which was used in this work are in the range 5.4-6.1.     

Isolation of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine from the bull heart

A novel efficient procedure based on silica gel column chromatography has been developed for isolating chromatographically pure diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. For this purpose the lipid extract is treated with aqueous MgCl2, whereas aqueous ammonia is added to the eluent systems. To raise the yield of lipids, a fractional loading of columns with portions of lipid extracts is employed, each loading being followed by partial elution of neutral lipids with chloroform. Optimal phospholipid--silica gel ratio is 1:20 for such a procedure. The presence of cation exchange between the lipid extract and silica gel is confirmed and its influence on the efficacy of phospholipid separation is discussed.     

Pulse response in an immobilized-enzyme column: Theoretical method for predicting elution curves

A theoretical method for predicting the elution profile of a pulse response in an immobilized-enzyme column is proposed. The method is based on a mass balance model, which is extensively used in gel chromatography. To test the method, a pulse of sucrose solution was applied to a column of spherical acrylamide gel in which was entrapped invertase from yeast, and it was eluted with 0.05M acetate buffer at pH 5.0. The elution curves of the substrate and the product were in fairly good agreement with the theoretically calculated ones. The method was extended to the system of reversible as well consecutive reactions.     

Detection of low molecular weight copper(II) and zinc(II) binding ligands in ultrafiltered milks—the citrate connection

Low molecular weight zinc(II) and copper(II) binding ligands were detected in ultrafiltered human, bovine, and goat milk by the application of the method of modified gel chromatography. Human milk contains at least three detectable low molecular weight copper binders, whereas bovine and goat milk contain at least two. All three milks show two copper binding peaks with the same elution volumes. Zinc chromatograms were less specific than copper. Zinc showed only a single detectable low molecular weight binding ligand common to all three milks. Elution volumes for both zinc(II) and copper(II) citrate and picolinate systems were measured. Elution volumes of both copper(II) and zinc(II) citrate complexes are identical to elution volumes of an intense peak observed with all three milks; it is reasonable to assume that at least part of this peak corresponds to citrate. Human milk alone has a relatively intense binding peak for copper(II) at the same elution volume as the glutamate complex. Human and goat milk have another low intensity copper(II) binding ligand peak at the same elution volume; a number of amino acid complexes have binding peaks at this position. No peak characteristic of the zinc(II) or copper(II) picolinate systems could be found with any of the milks.     

Beta-cyclodextrin inhibits the sweet taste suppressing activity of gurmarin by the formation of an inclusion complex with aromatic residues in gurmarin.

Our recent study in mice revealed that the inhibitory activity of gurmarin on the sweet taste responses was reduced significantly by the presence of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). To investigate the mechanism involved in the action of beta-CD, physicochemical experiments were performed on the interaction of CDs with gurmarin examining the effect of CDs on the UV absorption spectrum of gurmarin and on the elution behavior in gel filtration (or exclusion) chromatography. Among the three kinds of cyclodextrins tested, beta-CD induced significant changes in the UV absorption spectrum of gurmarin that were characteristic of those found in the inclusion complex formation of tyrosine and tryptophan with beta-CD. The abnormal retention behavior of gurmarin in gel filtration resulting from hydrophobic interaction with the gel matrix reverted to normal in the presence of beta-CD in the elution buffer. These results suggest that the unique domain of gurmarin, in which five aromatic amino acid residues are all directed outwardly and form a hydrophobic cluster, is a possible site of interaction with the gurmarin-sensitive sweet taste receptor molecules in rodents.     

Gel chromatography on a Sepharose 4B column: earlier elution of protein-sodium dodecyl sulfate complexes of low Stokes radii

A procedure is described for the determination of the Stokes radius of a detergent micelle by gel chromatography. It was observed that different lots of Sepharose 4B can exhibit a wide variation in the permeation of their gel pores. It is shown that this variation is due to differences in their pore size distribution. It has been observed that protein-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) complexes of high Stokes radii eluted on a Sepharose 4B column with Stokes radii lower than the theoretical, as it has been previously reported but that protein-SDS complexes of low Stokes radii (less than 70 A), contrary to what might have been expected, eluted with Stokes radii higher than the theoretical. Evidence was obtained that their anomalous elution is due to an interaction of the detergent SDS with the gel pores of small diameter.     

Rapid analysis of the interactions between drugs and human serum albumin (HSA) using high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC)

This study used a combination of zonal elution and frontal affinity chromatography on immobilized human serum albumin (HSA) high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) column to examine the association constants of various compounds that have been studied by equilibrium dialysis or ultra filtration. A standard plot was generated from retention factors of reference compounds using zonal elution chromatography against association constants of reference compounds using frontal affinity chromatography. The linear relationship was established (r2=0.9993) between retention factors and association constants of reference compounds. This standard plot was later used for rapid determination of association constants of various drugs which show low to medium binding affinity to HSA. Association constants of those drugs from this study were compared to that of more generally used methods (i.e., equilibrium dialysis or ultra filtration) from literature and resulted in a relatively high correlation (r2=0.945) value. This combination of zonal elution and frontal affinity chromatography method for determining association constants showed several advantages against traditional methods. Depending on drugs of interest, an association constant of drug to HSA can be measured as fast as 1.5 min. Other notable advantages include an ease of automation and its ability to distinguish association constants of chiral compounds at the same time. The same approach could be used for studying interaction of other drugs and proteins and should further improve overall drug screening process.     

The interaction between heparin and Lys49 phospholipase A2 reveals the natural binding of heparin on the enzyme

We have studied at a molecular level the interaction of heparins on bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I), a phospholipase A2 toxin. The protein was monitored using gel filtration chromatography, dynamic light scattering (DLS), circular dichroism (CD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence emission (ITFE) spectroscopy. The elution profile of the protein presents a displacement of the protein peak to larger complexes when interacting with higher concentration of heparin. The DLS results shows two Rh at a molar ratio of 1, one to the distribution of the protein and the second for the action of heparin on BthTx-I structures, and a large distribution with the increase of protein. The interaction is accompanied by significant changes in the CD spectra, showing two common features: a decrease in signal at 208 nm (3 and 6 kDa heparins) and an isodichroic point near 226 nm (3 kDa heparin). FTIR spectra indicate that only a few amino acid residues are involved in this interaction. Alterations in the ITFE by binding heparins suggest that the initial binding occurs on the ventral face of BthTx-I. Together, these results add an experimental and structural basis on the action mechanism of the heparins over the phospholipases A2 and provide a molecular model to elucidate the interaction of the enzyme-heparin complex at a molecular level.     

Scanning molecular sieve chromatography of interacting protein systems. Simulation of large zone behavior for self-associating solutes undergoing rapid chemical equilibration under kinetic control

Theoretical large zone reaction boundaries for molecular sieve chromatography have been simulated by computer for a self-associating solute undergoing rapid chemical equilibration under kinetic control. These patterns show that the kinetically-controlled reaction rate between the mobile and stationary phases is the principal determinant of the elution boundary profile in molecular sieve chromatography. The overall chemical reaction rate in the mobile phase was found to have a much greater role in a rapidly equilibrating system than did the effect of axial dispersion within the gel matrix.     

Dye-ligand affinity systems.

Dye-ligands have been considered as one of the important alternatives to natural counterparts for specific affinity chromatography. Dye-ligands are able to bind most types of proteins, in some cases in a remarkably specific manner. They are commercially available, inexpensive, and can easily be immobilized, especially on matrices bearing hydroxyl groups. Although dyes are all synthetic in nature, they are still classified as affinity ligands because they interact with the active sites of many proteins mimicking the structure of the substrates, cofactors, or binding agents for those proteins. A number of textile dyes, known as reactive dyes, have been used for protein purification. Most of these reactive dyes consist of a chromophore (either azo dyes, anthraquinone, or phathalocyanine), linked to a reactive group (often a mono- or dichlorotriazine ring). The interaction between the dye ligand and proteins can be by complex combination of electrostatic, hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding. Selection of the supporting matrix is the first important consideration in dye-affinity systems. There are several methods for immobilization of dye molecules onto the support matrix, in which usually several intermediate steps are followed. Both the adsorption and elution steps should carefully be optimized/designed for a successful separation. Dye-affinity systems in the form of spherical sorbents or as affinity membranes have been used in protein separation.     

Purification of the phosphofructokinase regulatory factors

In this paper, the existence and purification of two species of phosphofructokinase regulatory factor activity are reported. The purification procedure included liver homogenization and ultracentrifugation, a 93 degrees C heat step on the supernate, precipitation with ammonium sulfate, DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and Sephadex G-75 (fine) chromatography. Two discrete regions of factor activity were eluted from the DEAE-cellulose column with a 0 to 0.5 M linear NaCl gradient. The lesser anionic fraction was not significantly retarded by DEAE-cellulose at pH 7.6, and was referred to as factor A. The more anionic form, factor B, eluted at about 0.2 M NaCl. The presence of two active fractions was confirmed by separation of factor activity (prior to DEAE-cellulose chromatography) into two discrete species by preparative isoelectric focusing on granulated gel. The isoelectric points were approximately 7.0 for factor B and 8.5 for factor A. Factor A and factor B exhibited quite different elution volumes, i.e., apparent molecular weights, when applied to a Sephadex G-75 column. Rechromatography on a Sephadex G-75 column was used for further purification and estimation of native molecular weight. The gel filtration method yielded a molecular weight of 13,800 +/- 1,800 for factor A. Factor A activity eluted as a symmetrical protein peak of constant specific activity, suggesting a homogeneous preparation. For factor B, the absorption at 280 nm and activity profile did not directly overlap. When the peak absorbance at 280 nm was considered, a molecular weight range of 39,000 +/- 4,000 was found, and on the basis of activity the molecular weight range was 36,000 +/- 4,000. After the final Sephadex G-75 chromatographic step, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis of each SDS-treated factor preparation indicated that factor A, after visualization by silver staining, was homogeneous, with a subunit molecular weight of approximately 12,000. The factor B preparation consisted of two major polypeptides (11,000 and 18,000). The data appeared to support the conclusions that factor B was a dimer of the 18,000-Da subunit, and that the major contaminant was a tetramer of the 11,000-Da subunit.     

Cooperative elution of oligoadenylic acid in polyU immobilized chromatography.

Characterization of polyU immobilized chromatography was performed in order to use this technique as an analytical device. A method of analysis of the elution profile related to thermodynamic parameters was also developed. Sites of attachment of polyU to agarose gel activated by cyanogen bromide were studied using uridine diphosphate and adenine. Independent equilibrium dialysis of ApA for different states of polyU, in solution and immobilized in gel, were carried out. These results show that the immobilized polyU is attached to agarose only at the 5′-terminal phosphate groups and behaves as it does in solution. Column chromatography of ApA with the immobilized polyU was performed at several temperatures and concentrations. To analyze the elution profile, the theory of cooperative binding of oligonucleotides to polynucleotides was extended to the frame-work of plate theory. A computer simulation for the elution profiles was performed using thermodynamic parameters obtained by equilibrium dialysis. This simulation duplicated the experimental results. This fact shows that the peculiar leading form of elution profile is due to the cooperative binding. The thermodynamic parameters of the polyU–ApA system were obtained from the “peak trajectory.”