Structural conservation of mouse and rat zona pellucida glycoproteins. Probing the native rat zona pellucida proteome by mass spectrometry

The mammalian zona pellucida is an egg extracellular matrix to which sperm bind. Mouse zonae are composed of three glycoproteins (ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3), while rat zonae contain four (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4/ZPB). Mouse sperm bind to zonae comprised solely of mouse ZP2 and ZP3. In this report, we show that rat sperm also bind to these zonae, indicating that ZP2 and ZP3 contain a "minimum structure(s)" to which rodent sperm can bind, and ZP1 and ZP4/ZPB are dispensable in these two rodents. These data are consistent with our mass spectrometric analysis of the native rat zona pellucida proteome (defined as the fraction of the total rat proteome to which the zonae glycoproteins contribute) demonstrating that the rat zonae glycoproteins share a high degree of conservation of structural features with respect to their mouse counterparts. The primary sequences of the rat zonae proteins have been deduced from cDNA. Each zona protein undergoes extensive co- and post-translational modification prior to its secretion and incorporation into an extracellular zona matrix. Each has a predicted N-terminal signal peptide that is cleaved off once protein translation begins and an anchoring C-terminal transmembrane domain from which the mature protein is released. Mass spectrometric analysis with a limited amount of native material allowed determination of the mature N-termini of rat ZP1 and ZP3, both of which are characterized by cyclization of glutamine to pyroglutamate; the N-terminus of ZP2 was identified by Edman degradation. The mature C-termini of ZP1 and ZP3 end two amino acids upstream of a conserved dibasic residue that is part of, but distinct from, the consensus furin cleavage sequence, while the C-terminus of ZP2 was not determined. Each zona protein contains a "zona domain" with eight conserved cysteine residues that is thought to play a role in the polymerization of the zona proteins into matrix filaments. Partial disulfide bond assignment indicates that the intramolecular disulfide patterns in rat ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 are identical to those of their corresponding mouse counterparts. Last, nearly all potential N-glycosylation sites are occupied in the rat zonae glycoproteins (three of three for ZP1, six or seven of seven for ZP2, and four or five of six for ZP3). In comparison, potential O-glycosylation sites are numerous (59-83 Ser/Thr residues), but only two regions were observed to carry O-glycans in rat ZP3.     

Prolonged isoproterenol infusion impairs the ability of beta(2)-agonists to increase alveolar liquid clearance

We determined if prolonged isoproterenol (Iso) infusion in rats impaired the ability of the beta(2)-adrenergic agonist terbutaline to increase alveolar liquid clearance (ALC). We infused rats with Iso (at rates of 4, 40, or 400 microg.kg(-1).h(-1)) or vehicle (0.001 N HCl) for 48 h using subcutaneously implanted miniosmotic pumps. After this time, the rats were anesthetized, and ALC was determined (by mass-balance after instillation of Ringer lactate containing albumin into the lungs) under baseline conditions and after terbutaline administration. Baseline and terbutaline-stimulated ALC in vehicle-infused rats averaged, respectively, 19.6 +/- 1.2% (SE) and 44.7 +/- 1.5%/h. The ability of terbutaline to increase ALC was eliminated at 400 microg.kg(-1).h(-1)Iso, inhibited by 26% at 40 microg.kg(-1).h(-1) Iso, and was not affected by 4 microg.kg(-1).h(-1) Iso. beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) density of freshly isolated alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells from Iso-infused rats was reduced by the 40 and 400 microg.kg(-1).h(-1) infusion rates. These data demonstrate that prolonged exposure to beta-agonists can impair the ability of beta(2)-agonists to stimulate ALC and produce ATII cell betaAR downregulation.     

Review of recent developments in GC–MS approaches to metabolomics-based research

Background

Metabolomics aims to identify the changes in endogenous metabolites of biological systems in response to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This is accomplished through untargeted, semi-targeted and targeted based approaches. Untargeted and semi-targeted methods are typically applied in hypothesis-generating investigations (aimed at measuring as many metabolites as possible), while targeted approaches analyze a relatively smaller subset of biochemically important and relevant metabolites. Regardless of approach, it is well recognized amongst the metabolomics community that gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is one of the most efficient, reproducible and well used analytical platforms for metabolomics research. This is due to the robust, reproducible and selective nature of the technique, as well as the large number of well-established libraries of both commercial and ‘in house’ metabolite databases available.

Aim of review

This review provides an overview of developments in GC–MS based metabolomics applications, with a focus on sample preparation and preservation techniques. A number of chemical derivatization (in-time, in-liner, offline and microwave assisted) techniques are also discussed. Electron impact ionization and a summary of alternate mass analyzers are highlighted, along with a number of recently reported new GC columns suited for metabolomics. Lastly, multidimensional GC–MS and its application in environmental and biomedical research is presented, along with the importance of bioinformatics.

Key scientific concepts of review

The purpose of this review is to both highlight and provide an update on GC–MS analytical techniques that are common in metabolomics studies. Specific emphasis is given to the key steps within the GC–MS workflow that those new to this field need to be aware of and the common pitfalls that should be looked out for when starting in this area.

     

Estradiol and tamoxifen stimulation of lapine articular chondrocyte prostaglandin synthesis

The effect of estradiol and tamoxifen on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by rabbit articular chondrocytes in secondary monolayer cultures was investigated. Radioimmunoassay for PGE₂, PGF_2α, 6-oxo-PGF_1α and thromboxane B₂ was performed on media from cultures containing estradiol and tamoxifen (10⁻¹²M-10⁻⁷-M). Radiometric thin-layer chromatography was also carried out. The time course of estradiol/tamoxifen effect on chondrocyte PG synthesis was evaluated and its relationship to cell density in culture examined. Estradiol stimulated the synthesis of PGs by chondrocytes. Stimulation was noted at picomolar concentrations of estradiol without further stimulation at markedly higher concentrations. In time studies, after a lag, the effect of estradiol was present fully by 5 hrs, remained steady for 24 hrs and then declined by 48 hrs. Estradiol stimulation of PG synthesis was dependent upon chondrocyte culture plating density. Tamoxifen stimulated chondrocyte PG synthesis to relatively lower levels than estradiol. The characteristics of estradiol/tamoxifen stimulation of chondrocyte PG synthesis suggest a mechanism involving estradiol cytoplasmic receptors.     

[3H]WIN 35,065–2: A Ligand for Cocaine Receptors in Striatum

[3H]WIN 35,065-2 binding to striatal membranes was characterized, primarily by centrifugation assay. Like [3H]cocaine, [3H]WIN 35,065-2 binds to both high- and low-affinity sites. [3H]WIN 35,065-2, however, exhibits consistently higher affinities than [3H]cocaine. Saturation experiments indicate a low-affinity binding site with an apparent KD of approximately 160 nM and a Bmax of 135 fmol/mg of tissue. A high-affinity site has also been identified with an apparent KD of 5.6 nM and a Bmax of 5.2 fmol/mg of tissue. The specific-to-nonspecific binding ratios with [3H]WIN 35,065-2 were higher than with [3H]cocaine in both centrifugation and filtration assays. Pharmacological characterization suggests that [3H]WIN 35,065-2 binds to the dopamine transporter. Mazindol, GBR 12909, nomifensine, and (-)-cocaine are potent inhibitors of [3H]WIN 35,065-2 binding. In contrast, the norepinephrine transporter ligand desipramine is a weak inhibitor, and the serotonin transporter ligand citalopram does not inhibit binding. The effect of sodium on binding was examined under conditions in which (a) the low-affinity site was primarily (87%) occupied and (b) approximately 50% of both sites were occupied. The results indicate that both sites are sodium dependent. Injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum results in a significant loss of both high- and low-affinity sites, a finding suggesting that both sites are on dopaminergic nerve terminals. Taken together, these data are consistent with the presence of multiple cocaine binding sites associated with the dopamine transporter.     

Fibrinogen structure in projection at 18 A resolution. Electron density by co-ordinated cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography

Electron microscope images of frozen-hydrated crystals of a proteolytically modified fibrinogen show excellent preservation of the structure. An electron density map of the key centric projection of the crystal at 18 A resolution has been obtained by combining the phases derived from cryo-electron microscopy with X-ray amplitudes. Simulation methods developed in earlier studies have been used to interpret the map. In contrast to the earlier images, the map allows us to visualize the coiled-coil region of the molecule and possible substructure in the beta domains. The map also shows that there is a marked difference in density in the two regions corresponding to the molecular ends where the gamma domains interact. A possible interpretation of this finding is provided by assuming substructure in the gamma domains and the breaking of molecular symmetry where these domains interact. Some additional constraints useful for the determination of the three-dimensional structure were obtained from cryo-electron micrographs of a perpendicular view at 25 A resolution. Implications of this working model for the molecular length and contacts in the filaments in both the crystal and fibrin are described. The data used here will be valuable as a starting point for obtaining the three-dimensional structure.     

Specific regulation of the adaptor protein complex AP-3 by the Arf GAP AGAP1

Arf1 regulates membrane trafficking at several membrane sites by interacting with at least seven different vesicle coat proteins. Here, we test the hypothesis that Arf1-dependent coats are independently regulated by specific interaction with Arf GAPs. We find that the Arf GAP AGAP1 directly associates with and colocalizes with AP-3, a coat protein complex involved in trafficking in the endosomal-lysosomal system. Binding is mediated by the PH domain of AGAP1 and the delta and sigma3 subunits of AP-3. Overexpression of AGAP1 changes the cellular distribution of AP-3, and reduced expression of AGAP1 renders AP-3 resistant to brefeldin A. AGAP1 overexpression does not affect the distribution of other coat proteins, and AP-3 distribution is not affected by overexpression of other Arf GAPs. Cells overexpressing AGAP1 also exhibit increased LAMP1 trafficking via the plasma membrane. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that AGAP1 directly and specifically regulates AP-3-dependent trafficking.     

Human sperm do not bind to rat zonae pellucidae despite the presence of four homologous glycoproteins

The specificity of sperm-egg recognition in mammals is mediated primarily by the zona pellucida surrounding ovulated eggs. Mouse sperm are quite promiscuous and bind to human eggs, but human spermatozoa will not bind to mouse eggs. The mouse zona pellucida contains three glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3, which are conserved in rat and human. The recent observation that human zonae pellucidae contain a fourth protein raises the possibility that the presence of four zona proteins will support human sperm binding. Using mass spectrometry, four proteins that are similar in size and share 62-70% amino acid identity with human ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4/ZPB were detected in rat zonae pellucidae. However, although mouse and rat spermatozoa bind to eggs from each rodent, human sperm bind to neither, and the presence of human follicular fluid did not alter the specificity of sperm binding. In addition, mutant mouse eggs lacking hybrid/complex N-glycans or deficient in Core 2 O-glycans were no more able to support human sperm binding than normal mouse eggs. These data suggest that the presence of four zona proteins are not sufficient to support human sperm binding to rodent eggs and that additional determinants must be responsible for taxon-specific fertilization among mammals.     

A synopsis of the 3rd annual Cancer Proteomics Conference

The 3rd annual 'Cancer Proteomics Conference', organized by Select Biosciences (Sudbury, UK), was held in Berlin, Germany, 8-9 June 2010. With the aim of strengthening the links between scientists from Europe, as well as international investigators worldwide, more than 200 delegates attended, representing various countries. The Conference covered many topics in proteomics, including the use of proteomics for cancer therapeutic development, diagnostic applications, biomarker discovery, post-translational modifications and clinical proteomics, as well as new proteomic technologies, which may facilitate future progress. One distinct feature of this meeting was that the Conference was co-located with the 'Advances in Antibody and Peptide Therapeutics' meeting. Delegates had access to both meetings, allowing for enhanced interaction among investigators from the closely linked fields of research.