The importance of silica type for reverse-phase protein separations

Various large-pore-diameter silicas have been coated with n-alkylchlorosilanes and tested for efficacy in protein separation. The optimal silica has been characterized for loading and column-length effects by means of resolution, load capacity, and desorption tests. The mechanism of interaction between protein and stationary phase is discussed. Theoretical plate values determined for small, unretained molecules are found to be noncorrelative to protein resolution. A test mixture is proposed for comparing the ability of commercial columns to resolve proteins.     

7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD)-phallacidin: Synthesis of a fluorescent actin probe

Phallacidin was labeled with the fluorophore, 4-chloro-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole, after a series of modifications. The complete purification and synthesis of intermediates are described. A simple laboratory procedure for production of the fluorescent toxin is outlined. The fluorescent phallacidin was used to stain plant and animal cellular actin. Because of the low molecular weight, high actin specificity and visible excitation profile of the conjugated toxin, fluorescent phallacidin, has proven useful in the fluorescence microscopic study of actin in vivo and in vitro.     

Separation of oligo-RNA by reverse-phase HPLC.

A rapid and highly reproducible chromatographic technique has been developed for analysis and purification of complex mixtures of oligoribonucleotides. The method utilizes a column of microparticulate porous silica beads fully derivatized with octadecylsilyl groups. The column is eluted with gradients in acetonitrile/water/ammonium acetate pumped at pressures of 1500-300 psi. Most separations are completed in 5-15 min. with usually better than 1% reproducibility of absolute retention times and about 0.1% reproducibility of relative retention times. A single column accomplishes separations of mononucleosides, mononucleotides, and larger oligomers through at least 20-mers. The absolute detection limit is approximately 1 pmole of base though most of the analytical separations described use approximately 1 nmole. In favorable circumstances it is possible to use the analytical colums to purify approximately 1 mg of an oligonucleotide in a single 10-30 min. elution.     

High-Performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chiral separations of guaifenesin,methocarbamol, and racemorphan

HPLC chiral separations on silica gel coated with derivatized cellulose stationary phases are described. Most examples make use of the Chiralcel OD column from Daicel, Inc. With a judiciously chosen mobile phase, baseline separations of the enantiomers can be achieved. If those separations are used as a base for enantiomeric purity determination, detectable limits of 0.1% of the minor enantiomer are routinely accessible. Examples are given concerning separations of guaifenesin, methocarbamol, and racemorphan. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

7-Nitrobenzofurazan (NBD) derivatives of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) as new fluorescent probes for human A(3) adenosine receptors.

New fluorescent ligands for adenosine receptors (ARs), obtained by the insertion, in the N(6) position of NECA, of NBD-moieties with linear alkyl spacers of increasing length, proved to possess a high affinity and selectivity for the A(3) subtype expressed in CHO cells. In fluorescence microscopy assays, compound 2d, the most active and selective for human A(3)-AR, permitted visualization and localization of this human receptor subtype, showing its potential suitability for internalization and trafficking studies in living cells.     

The influence of NBD fluorescent probe on model membranes containing POPC and DPPC

To investigate the effect of fluorescent probe on the properties of membranes, we studied model membranes composed of 1,2- dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and 1-palmitoyl 2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) in the presence and absence of fluorescent probe. The morphology of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) has been observed as a function of temperature and composition by fluorescence microscopy using NBD-DOPE or C₆-NBD-PC as the probe. The phase behavior of model membranes containing no fluorescent probe was investigated by ²H-NMR spectroscopy. We found that the bright phase observed on GUVs was the fluid phase enriched in POPC and the dark phase was the gel phase enriched in DPPC. NBD-DOPE and C₆-NBD-PC preferentially participated in the fluid-phase domains when GUVs were in the gel?+?fluid phase coexistence. Inclusion of both fluorescent probes (1?mol%) lowered the transition temperature of POPC/DPPC membranes. In addition, C₆-NBD-PC exhibited a stronger effect than NBD-DOPE, which was considered to be associated with the structures of fluorescent molecules.     

In situ synthesis of fluorescent membrane lipids (ceramides) using click chemistry

Ceramide analogues containing azide groups either in the polar head or in the hydrocarbon chains are non-fluorescent. When incorporated into phospholipid bilayers, they can react in situ with a non-fluorescent 1,8-naphthalimide using click chemistry giving rise to fluorescent ceramide derivatives emitting at ≈440 nm. When incorporated into giant unilamellar vesicles, two-photon excitation at 760 nm allows visualization of the ceramide-containing bilayers. This kind of method may be of general applicability in the study of model and cell membranes.     

反相高效液相色谱法测定石榴皮多酚类物质方法的建立及分析

建立了同时测定石榴皮多酚中绿原酸、表儿茶素、鞣花酸和槲皮素含量的反相高效液相色谱方法。采用色谱柱Hypersil ODS2(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm),其流动相为乙腈-0.4%磷酸溶液(体积比17∶83),流速为1.0m L/min,检测波长310 nm,柱温为30℃。建立安石榴甙测量方法,色谱柱为Hypersil ODS2(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm);流动相为甲醇-2%冰醋酸(体积比7∶93);体积流量为1.0 m L/min;检测波长为232 nm;柱温25℃。结果表明:绿原酸、表儿茶素、鞣花酸、槲皮素和安石榴甙在一定浓度范围内与峰面积呈良好的线性关系,其平均回收率分别为100.66%(RSD=2.06%)、100.05%(RSD=0.58%)、100.05%(RSD=0.51%)、99.51%(RSD=1.22%)和99.79%(RSD=0.52%)。此结果说明反相高效液相色谱可用于测定石榴皮多酚类物质。     

Mg2+ -dependent ATP occlusion at the first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1) of CFTR does not require the second (NBD2)

ATP binding to the first and second NBDs (nucleotide-binding domains) of CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) are bivalent-cation-independent and -dependent steps respectively [Aleksandrov, Aleksandrov, Chang and Riordan (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 15419-15425]. Subsequent to the initial binding, Mg(2+) drives rapid hydrolysis at the second site, while promoting non-exchangeable trapping of the nucleotide at the first site. This occlusion at the first site of functional wild-type CFTR is somewhat similar to that which occurs when the catalytic glutamate residues in both of the hydrolytic sites of P-glycoprotein are mutated, which has been proposed to be the result of dimerization of the two NBDs and represents a transient intermediate formed during ATP hydrolysis [Tombline and Senior (2005) J. Bioenerg. Biomembr. 37, 497-500]. To test the possible relevance of this interpretation to CFTR, we have now characterized the process by which NBD1 occludes [(32)P]N(3)ATP (8-azido-ATP) and [(32)P]N(3)ADP (8-azido-ADP). Only N(3)ATP, but not N(3)ADP, can be bound initially at NBD1 in the absence of Mg(2+). Despite the lack of a requirement for Mg(2+) for ATP binding, retention of the NTP at 37 degrees C was dependent on the cation. However, at reduced temperature (4 degrees C), N(3)ATP remains locked in the binding pocket with virtually no reduction over a 1 h period, even in the absence of Mg(2+). Occlusion occurred identically in a DeltaNBD2 construct, but not in purified recombinant NBD1, indicating that the process is dependent on the influence of regions of CFTR in addition to NBD1, but not NBD2.     

Purification of [I]-vasoactive intestinal peptide by reverse-phase HPLC

VIP was labeled with sodium ¹²⁵iodide, and ¹²⁵I-VIP was purified by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Optimal separations of ¹²⁵I-VIP and unlabeled VIP were obtained using two C₁₈-Novapak columns in series and a gradient of acetonitrile in triethylamine phosphate for elution. The specific activity of the ¹²⁵I-VIP was 1.99±0.21 Ci/μmole, approaching the maximum specific activity of monoiodinated VIP (2.26 Ci/μmole). Radioimmunoassay and radioreceptorassay for VIP were more sensitive (2.6-fold, and 2.5-fold, respectively) using ¹²⁵I-VIP purified by HPLC compared to ¹²⁵I-VIP obtained from an open-end cellulose column. These results demonstrate the advantage of preparing purified ¹²⁵I-VIP by HPLC for the accurate assay of VIP and VIP-receptors in tissues and biological fluids.     

Purification of [125I]-vasoactive intestinal peptide by reverse-phase HPLC

VIP was labeled with sodium ¹²⁵iodide, and ¹²⁵I-VIP was purified by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Optimal separations of ¹²⁵I-VIP and unlabeled VIP were obtained using two C₁₈-Novapak columns in series and a gradient of acetonitrile in triethylamine phosphate for elution. The specific activity of the ¹²⁵I-VIP was 1.99±0.21 Ci/μmole, approaching the maximum specific activity of monoiodinated VIP (2.26 Ci/μmole). Radioimmunoassay and radioreceptorassay for VIP were more sensitive (2.6-fold, and 2.5-fold, respectively) using ¹²⁵I-VIP purified by HPLC compared to ¹²⁵I-VIP obtained from an open-end cellulose column. These results demonstrate the advantage of preparing purified ¹²⁵I-VIP by HPLC for the accurate assay of VIP and VIP-receptors in tissues and biological fluids.     

Dynamics of membrane penetration of the fluorescent 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) group attached to an acyl chain of phosphatidylcholine

Location and dynamic reorientation of the fluorophore 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) covalently attached to a short (C6) or a long (C12) sn2 acyl chain of a phosphatidylcholine molecule was investigated by fluorescence and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. 2H NMR lipid chain order parameters indicate a perturbation of the phospholipid packing density in the presence of NBD. Specifically, a decrease of molecular order was found for acyl chain segments of the lower, more hydrophobic region. Molecular collision probabilities determined by 1H magic angle spinning nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy indicate a highly dynamic reorientation of the probe in the membrane due to thermal fluctuations. A broad distribution of the fluorophore in the lipid bilayer is observed with a preferential location in the upper acyl chain/glycerol region. The distribution of the NBD group in the membrane is quite similar for both the long- and the short-chain analog. However, a slight preference of the NBD group for the lipid-water interface is found for C12-NBD-PC in comparison with C6-NBD-PC. Indeed, as shown by dithionite fluorescence assay, the long-chain analog reacts more favorably with dithionite, indicating a better accessibility of the probe by dithionite present in the aqueous phase. Forces determining the location of the fluorophore in the lipid water interface are discussed.     

Synthesis of conjugated spermine derivatives with 7-nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD), rhodamine and bodipy as new fluorescent probes for the polyamine transport system

The synthesis of a series of conjugated spermine derivatives with benzoxadiazole, phenylxanthene or bodipy fluorophores is described. These fluorescent probes were used to identify the activity of the polyamine transport system (PTS). N₁-Methylspermine NBD conjugate 5 proved to have the optimal fluorescence characteristics and was used to show a selectivity for PTS-proficient CHO versus PTS-deficient CHO-MG cells. It can therefore be used as a tool for the selection of cells sensitive to cytotoxic compounds vectored through the PTS.     

Micrometric segregation of fluorescent membrane lipids: relevance for endogenous lipids and biogenesis in erythrocytes

Micrometric membrane lipid segregation is controversial. We addressed this issue in attached erythrocytes and found that fluorescent boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) analogs of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) [glucosylceramide (BODIPY-GlcCer) and monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1BODIPY)], sphingomyelin (BODIPY-SM), and phosphatidylcholine (BODIPY-PC inserted into the plasma membrane spontaneously gathered into distinct submicrometric domains. GM1BODIPY domains colocalized with endogenous GM1 labeled by cholera toxin. All BODIPY-lipid domains disappeared upon erythrocyte stretching, indicating control by membrane tension. Minor cholesterol depletion suppressed BODIPY-SM and BODIPY-PC but preserved BODIPY-GlcCer domains. Each type of domain exchanged constituents but assumed fixed positions, suggesting self-clustering and anchorage to spectrin. Domains showed differential association with 4.1R versus ankyrin complexes upon antibody patching. BODIPY-lipid domains also responded differentially to uncoupling at 4.1R complexes [protein kinase C (PKC) activation] and ankyrin complexes (in spherocytosis, a membrane fragility disease). These data point to micrometric compartmentation of polar BODIPY-lipids modulated by membrane tension, cholesterol, and differential association to the two nonredundant membrane:spectrin anchorage complexes. Micrometric compartmentation might play a role in erythrocyte membrane deformability and fragility.     

Labeling of influenza viruses with synthetic fluorescent and biotin-labeled lipids

Direct labeling of virus particles is a powerful tool for the visualization of virus–cell interaction events. However, this technique involves the chemical modification of viral proteins that affects viral biological properties. Here we describe an alternative approach of influenza virus labeling that utilizes Function-Spacer-Lipid(FSL) constructs that can be gently inserted into the virus membrane. We assessed whether labeling with fluorescent(fluo-Ad-DOPE) or biotin-labeled(biot-CMG2-DOPE) probes has any deleterious effect on influenza virus hemagglutinin(HA) receptor specificity, neuraminidase(NA) activity, or replicative ability in vitro. Our data clearly show that neither construct significantly affected influenza virus infectivity or viral affinity to sialyl receptors. Neither construct influenced the NA activities of the influenza viruses tested, except the A/Puerto Rico/8/34(H1N1) strain. Our data indicate that lipid labeling provides a powerful tool to analyze influenza virus infection in vitro.     

Characterization of biotechnological processes and products using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) IV. SEC,HIC, and IEC separations of proteins

Proteins are separated by means of size-exclusion (SEC), hydrophobic-interaction (HIC) and ion-exchange chromatography (IEC). Analytical and semipreparative HPLC glass columns are the basis of the chromatographic analyses. Using a short (100 × 3.8 mm i.d.) column packed with Si 200 Polyol standard of different molecular weights (ovalbumin, MW = 43 000; chymotrypsinogen A, MW = 25 000; ribonuclease, MW = 13 700 and contrycal, MW = 6512) could be distinguished. Basic proteins (e.g., chymotrypsinogen A, cytochrome C) are separated on aluminium oxide (Li-Chrosorb Alox T) by cation-exchange chromatography. Correlations between the retention times of proteins and their isoelectric points or the buffer concentration of the mobile phase are investigated. Furthermore, two examples of liquid chromatographic purification procedures for enzymes of biotechnological interest are demonstrated. One enzyme extract (thermostable protease) is separated by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography, another one (β-galactosidase from a thermophilic microorganism) is purified on a weakly basic anion-exchange resin (pore size: 130 nm) based on a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer.     

Stability and reaction characteristics of reverse-phase evaporation vesicles (REVs) as enzyme containers

The ion-dependent enzymes, activities of which are affected by ions, were entrapped in the inside aqueous phase of reverse-phase evaporation vesicles (REVs) to protect the enzyme activities from inhibitory cations. Their activities were still preserved in the presence of the inhibitory cations because the permeabilities of the inhibitory cations through the lipid membranes of REVs were much lower than those of substrates and products. The REVs were relatively stable in hypertonic condition, while they were unstable in hypotonic condition. Changes in osmotic pressure difference largely affected solute permeabilities of REVs. The shrinking and swelling of REVs resulting from osmotic pressure differences led to these changes in stabilities and solute permeabilities. Although the entrapment of the enzyme into REVs showed good protective effects against divalent cations, it was not effective against univalent cations. The measurements of cation permeabilities revealed that the enzyme trapped in the bilayer regions of REVs acts as a selective channel for the univalent cations. The REVs containing the enzyme could be used without any activity losses in a hollow fiber module.     

Investigation on lipid asymmetry using lipid probes: Comparison between spin-labeled lipids and fluorescent lipids

Synthetic lipids with a nitroxide or a fluorescent probe have been extensively used during the last 30 years to determine the transmembrane diffusion of phospholipids in artificial or biological membranes. However, the relevance of data obtained with these modified lipids has sometimes been questioned. Beside possible artefacts introduced by the reporter probe, synthetic lipids used in cells often contain a short fatty acid chain in the sn-2 position, which gives them higher water solubility than naturally occurring lipids. In the present review, we have attempted to give a critical appraisal. Main strategies are recalled and important discoveries obtained with lipid probes on transmembrane lipid traffic in eukaryotic cells are briefly summarized. Examples of artefacts caused by lipid probes are given. Comparisons between data obtained by different techniques such as ESR and fluorescence allow us to emphasize the complementary character of the two approaches and more generally show the necessity to use several probes before drawing conclusions concerning endogenous lipids. In spite of these pitfalls, overall, lipid probes have provided a wealth of useful information that, to date, cannot be obtained with unlabeled lipids.