Rapid, quantitative high-performance liquid column chromatography of pseudouridine

A rapid, precise, and accurate chromatographic method for the determination of pseudo-uridine (ψ) in urine by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed. The ribonucleosides were first isolated with an affinity gel containing immobilized phenylboronic acid. The response for ψ was linear well above and below the range necessary to determine urinary ψ. Good precision was obtained for both matrix-dependent and matrix-independent samples. Supporting experimental data are presented on precision, recovery, chromatographic methods, sample cleanup and application to the analysis of urine samples from normal males and females, and patients with advanced colon cancer. In a comparison of 40 normals with 10 colon cancer patients, 9 of the 10 patients had a ψ: creatinine (Cr) ratio greater than + 2σ for the normal population. This HPLC method is now being used extensively in our laboratory as a routine method for determination of ψ in urine from patients with various types of cancer and in chemotherapy response studies. Data are presented on the dynamics of ψ excretion by normal males and females. When the excretion of ψ was normalized with the excretion of creatinine, it was noted that samples collected at random have the same ψ: Cr ratio value as for the 24-h total collection, thus, allowing the use of random samples. The constancy of the ψ: Cr ratio implies that RNA turnover is constant and ψ excretion is independent of diet. Base values are presented for the ψ: Cr     

Determination of molsidomine in plasma by high-performance liquid column chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for the analysis of the anti-anginal compound 5-ethoxycarbonyl-3-morpholinosydnonimine (Molsidomine) in human and dog plasma. The drug was extracted from plasma into chloroform and the analysis was carried out on a reversed-phase column, the column effluent being monitored by UV absorption at 312 nm. The method is sensitive (2 ± 0.3 ng/ml) and specific. The method was applied to a study in which human volunteers received an aqueous solution of the drug and then, on a separate occasion, a tablet formulation. Peak plasma levels of 20–30 ng/ml (tablet) and 10–19 ng/ml (aqueous solution) were obtained following a 2-mg oral dose.     

Preparative high-performance liquid partition chromatography of proteins.

Methods for preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc) of proteins are described. Both normal and reverse-phase chromatography were studied and adapted to the fractionation of proteins in quantities of up to 50 mg. Lichrosorb Diol was used as a “normal phase” for chromatography of hydrophobic proteins. Lichrosorb RP-8 was used for reversephase chromatography of proteins.     

Preparative ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography of bacterial ribosomal proteins

We have developed analytical and preparative ion-exchange HPLC methods for the separation of bacterial ribosomal proteins. Proteins separated by the TSK SP-5-PW column were identified with reverse-phase HPLC and gel electrophoresis. The 21 proteins of the small ribosomal subunit were resolved into 18 peaks, and the 32 large ribosomal subunit proteins produced 25 distinct peaks. All peaks containing more than one protein were resolved using reverse-phase HPLC. Peak volumes were typically a few milliliters. Separation times were 90 min for analytical and 5 h for preparative columns. Preparative-scale sample loads ranged from 100 to 400 mg. Overall recovery efficiency for 30S and 50S subunit proteins was approximately 100%. 30S ribosomal subunit proteins purified by this method were shown to be fully capable of participating in vitro reassembly to form intact, active ribosomal subunits.     

Microanalysis for MDR1 ATPase by high-performance liquid chromatography with a titanium dioxide column

MDR1 is clinically important because it is involved in multidrug resistance of cancer cells and affects the pharmacokinetics of various drugs. Because MDR1 harnesses adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis for transporting drugs, examining the effect on ATPase activity is imperative for understanding the interactions between drugs and MDR1. However, conventional assay systems for ATPase activity are not sensitive enough for screening drugs using purified MDR1. Here we report a novel method to measure ATPase activity of MDR1 using high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a titanium dioxide column. The amount of adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) produced by the ATPase reaction was determined within 2 min with a titanium dioxide column (4.6 mm ID x 100 mm). The relationship between ADP amount and chromatogram peak area was linear from 5 pmol to 10 nmol. This method made it possible to reduce the amount of purified MDR1 required for a reaction to 0.5 ng, about 1/20th of the conventional colorimetric inorganic phosphate detection assay. This method is sensitive enough to detect any subtle changes in ATPase activity of MDR1 induced by drugs and can be applied to measure ATPase activity of any protein.     

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.     

Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of hydrophobic proteins and fragments thereof

Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) resolution and recovery of cytochrome P-450 and bovine rhodopsin, both integral membrane proteins, and large peptides derived from P-450 LM₂ were enhanced by utilizing ternary solvents. Surprisingly, most test materials eluted later in the gradient when using mixtures of acetonitrile and propanol in the mobile phase compared to using either solvent alone. Of the supports tested, the best recovery of hydrophobic cytochrome P-450 LM₄ was experienced on the less retentive CN-bonded phase. Two alternate solvents for HPLC of polypeptides are proposed: (1) 0.02–0.1 m hexafluoroacetone/NH₃, pH 7.2 for highly acidic peptides; and (2) 6 m formic acid/0.13 m trimethylamine, pH 1.5, vs 4 m formic acid/0.09 m trimethylamine in propanol for relatively insoluble peptides. Anomalous side reactions between formic acid and peptides can cause HPLC peak broadening, increased retention, and decreased resolution. These deleterious effects are thought to be due in part to formyl esterification of serine and threonine residues and appear to be reversible by aminoethanol treatment.     

Ionic-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography of Escherichia coli ribosomal small-subunit proteins

Ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography was applied to the separation of proteins from the 30S ribosomal subunit. The proteins present in each peak have been identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The purification has been made using either unmodified proteins or proteins specifically labeled at their SH group. The results clearly show that the method can be used to purify and identify ribosomal proteins.     

Anion-exchange chromatography of proteins on AG MP-1 using high-performance liquid chromatography equipment

That the macroporous anion-exchange resin AG MP-1 can be used with HPLC equipment and common aqueous buffers for the chromatography of proteins is shown. The utility of this system is illustrated by the partial purification and complete resolution of the three protein synthesis elongation factors from each other, starting with a crude extract of Escherichia coli. The factors were purified 10- to 30-fold in a yield of 50 to 90% with a single 60-min chromatographic program of increasing NaCl concentration. Other proteins from various biological sources were purified with similar results. Thus, it appears that AG MP-1 is useful, at least in some applications, for the rapid, reproducible, and economical purification of proteins using HPLC equipment.     

Analysis method for lipoproteins by high-performance liquid chromatography with sulfopropyl-ligand column and magnesium ion-containing eluents

We have developed a new analysis method for lipoproteins in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography using a sulfopropyl-ligand column with eluents containing magnesium nitrate. The magnesium ion anchors lipoproteins to the ligands on the column gel. Lipoproteins are eluted from the column with a magnesium nitrate concentration gradient and detected by postcolumn reaction using a reagent containing cholesterol esterase and cholesterol oxidase. High-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein were eluted in order from the column. The within-assay and between-assay coefficients of variation for cholesterol concentration in lipoproteins were 1.1-3.7 and 1.3-5.8%, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the values of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol obtained by the new method and those obtained by an enzymatic method using an automated chemical analyzer were 0.940, 0.979, and 0.909, respectively. The new method was successfully applied to the analysis of plasma lipoproteins of patients with hyperlipidemia.     

Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of proteins: The separation of hemoglobin chain variants

The potential of reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for the separation of closely related proteins has been investigated. Using an octadecasilyl silica stationary phase and a propanol/pyridine formate solvent system normal α- and β-chains of human hemoglobin have been separated from several of their respective mutant chains which differ by single amino acid residues only. The results suggest that reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is a powerful tool for the separation of medium-sized proteins with minimal structural difference.     

Determination of rifabutin by high-performance liquid chromatography using on-line concentration and column switching

A simple HPLC method has been developed that allows the sensitive determination of rifabutin (RBT) in human serum using on-line concentration and column switching. After pretreatment of the serum with acetonitrile and centrifugation, the samples were applied to a concentration column (CC) (Zorbax CN). Washing with phosphate buffer-methanol removed most of the contaminating substances. Via a six-port valve the CC was switched to the analytical mode. RBT was separated on a Chromspher RP 8 column (acetonitrile-phosphate buffer pH 7.4/sodium chloride) and determined photometrically at 278 nm. The lower limit of quantification for 200 μl serum precipitated with 200 μl acetonitrile and after injection of 2×150 μl was 33 μg/l and linearity was observed up to 27 mg/l. Different modes of sample application (single, repeated, and different injection volume portions), as well as washing time, cycle time and different CC materials were investigated.     

Purification of liver and hepatoma membrane proteins by high-performance liquid chromatography

This paper documents the recovery of selected proteins from hepatic plasma membranes. Initial purification, achieved by a series of stepwise extractions, facilitates the subsequent purification by HPLC. Examples are provided to illustrate the recovery of specific proteins from two Morris hepatoma lines and the liver.     

Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of Escherichia coli ribosomal small subunit proteins

Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography has been explored as an approach for the separation of the proteins of the 30 S subunit of Escherichia coli ribosomes. The majority of these proteins are of similar molecular weight and isoelectric point, making separation by size exclusion or ion exchange difficult. With the use of an octadecasilyl silica column and a trifluoroacetic acid-acetonitrile solvent system, the 21 proteins of the 30 S subunit have been separated into 15 peaks. The yield of total protein recovered from the column was ≥85%. The proteins present in each peak have been identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of the peaks as well as by comparison with the relative retention volumes of known purified 30 S proteins on the column. The results clearly show that this method is a powerful and rapid technique for the identification and purification of 30 S proteins. Analysis of [³H]puromycin-labeled 30 S subunit protein provides an illustrative example of its utility for affinity labeling studies.     

Assay for beta-ureidopropionase by high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive assay for beta-ureidopropionase based on derivatization of the reaction product beta-alanine with phenylisothiocyanate has been developed. Purification of the resulting phenylthiocarbamoyl-beta-alanine is achieved on a LiChrospher 100 C18 reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography column using an isocratic elution system. Phenylthiocarbamoyl-beta-alanine is detected by its absorbance at 245 nm and quantitated by automatic peak integration referring to a calibration curve. This technique offers a high degree of sensitivity as beta-alanine quantities in the picomole range can be identified. N-Carbamoyl-beta-alanine, the natural substrate of beta-ureidopropionase, does not interfere with the described assay system. The enzymatic reaction is linear for an incubation time of 45 min with enzyme concentrations of 3.2 micrograms/ml.     

Strontium-phosphate hydroxyapatite high-performance liquid chromatography

High-performance liquid chromatography using spherical aggregates of strontium-phosphate hydroxyapatite(SrHA) micro-crystals as adsorbent has been developed; preliminary performance tests were carried out by using several types of protein. It can be deduced that, in parallel with the case of usual calcium-phosphate hydroxyapatite(CaHA), with SrHA also, two types of effective surface, vector a (or vector b) and vector c surfaces, appear on the crystal: the same protein molecular generally shows slightly different chromatographic behaviors between the CaHA and the SrHA packed column. Combining the SrHA and the CaHA packed column would lead to an efficient fractionation of a particular molecule from an assembly of molecules with subtle structural differences from one another.     

Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of Cd-binding proteins from the grass Agrostis gigantea

The Cd-binding protein fraction from roots of the grass Agrostis gigantea Roth was resolved by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Two Cd-binding proteins containing exclusively cysteine, glutamate/glutamine (Glx), serine and glycine in different ratios were isolated. Glx was at the N-terminus of each protein.