Nitrite oxidation in ion chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (IC-ESI-MS/MS).

Nitrite anions are formed in the human body and in the natural environment as intermediate chemical compounds during the reduction of nitrate, a ubiquitous anthropogenic contaminant introduced into the environment primarily through fertilizer use. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in ion chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (IC-ESI-MS/MS) is a promising new technique for quantifying and confirming the identity of anions in complex aqueous mixtures. In this article, we present the results of a short investigation devised to: (1) compare the signal generated by the MRM transitions for nitrite with those for nitrate, (2) isolate the source of the signal from these MRM transitions occurring within the IC-ESI-MS/MS instrument and (3) assess the relationship between the observed MRM signals for nitrite. The MRM transitions used in this study were m/z 62 (NO(3)(-))→m/z 46 (NO(2)(-)) and m/z 46 (NO(2)(-))→m/z 46 (NO(2)(-)). Results of the investigation revealed the association of both MRM transitions with the nitrite chromatographic peak, indicating the occurrence of nitrite oxidation to nitrate at the ESI interface before the first quadrupole. Calibrations for both MRM signals, as well as their sum, were found to be linear. However, the ratio of m/z 62→m/z 46 to m/z 46→m/z 46 (indicating an extent of oxidation) ranged from 35 to 56% over a nitrite concentration range of 10 to 100 ppm, showing no clear trend associated with concentration.

Identification of residues important for cleavage of the extracellular signaling peptide CSF of Bacillus subtilis from its precursor protein.

Extracellular Phr pentapeptides produced by gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria regulate processes during the transition from exponential- to stationary-phase growth. Phr pentapeptides are produced by cleavage of their precursor proteins. We determined the residues that direct this cleavage for the Bacillus subtilis Phr peptide, CSF, which is derived from the C terminus of PhrC. Strains expressing PhrC with substitutions in residues -1 to -5 relative to the cleavage site had a defect in CSF production. The mutant PhrC proteins retained a functional signal sequence for secretion, as assessed by secretion of PhrC-PhoA fusions. To determine whether the substitutions directly affected cleavage of PhrC to CSF, we tested cleavage of synthetic pro-CSF peptides that corresponded to the C terminus of PhrC and had an amino acid substitution at the -2, -3, or -4 position. The mutant pro-CSF peptides were cleaved less efficiently to CSF than the wild-type pro-CSF peptide whether they were incubated with whole cells, cell wall material, or the processing protease subtilisin or Vpr. To further define the range of amino acids that support CSF production, the amino acid at the -4 position of PhrC was replaced by the 19 canonical amino acids. Only four substitutions resulted in a >2-fold defect in CSF production, indicating that this position is relatively immune to mutational perturbations. These data revealed residues that direct cleavage of CSF and laid the groundwork for testing whether other Phr peptides are processed in a similar manner.

Identification of subtilisin, Epr and Vpr as enzymes that produce CSF, an extracellular signalling peptide of Bacillus subtilis.

Cell-cell communication regulates many important processes in bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria use peptide signals for communication, such as the Phr pentapeptides of Bacillus subtilis. The Phr pentapeptides are secreted with a pro domain that is cleaved to produce an active signalling peptide. To identify the protease(s) involved in production of the mature Phr signalling peptides, we developed assays for detecting cleavage of one of the B. subtilis Phr pentapeptides, CSF, from the proCSF precursor. Using both a cellular and a mass spectrometric approach, we determined that a sigma-H-regulated, secreted, serine protease(s) cleaved proCSF to CSF. Mutants lacking the three proteases that fit these criteria, subtilisin, Epr and Vpr, had a defect in CSF production. Purified subtilisin and Vpr were shown to be capable of processing proCSF as well as at least one other Phr peptide produced by B. subtilis, PhrA, but they were not able to process the PhrE signalling peptide of B. subtilis, indicating that there are probably other unidentified proteases involved in Phr peptide production. Subtilisin, Epr and Vpr are members of the subtilisin family of proteases that are widespread in bacteria, suggesting that many bacterial species may be capable of producing Phr signalling peptides.

Multistep synthesis of a radiolabeled imaging probe using integrated microfluidics.

Microreactor technology has shown potential for optimizing synthetic efficiency, particularly in preparing sensitive compounds. We achieved the synthesis of an [(18)F]fluoride-radiolabeled molecular imaging probe, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG), in an integrated microfluidic device. Five sequential processes-[18F]fluoride concentration, water evaporation, radiofluorination, solvent exchange, and hydrolytic deprotection-proceeded with high radio-chemical yield and purity and with shorter synthesis time relative to conventional automated synthesis. Multiple doses of [18F]FDG for positron emission tomography imaging studies in mice were prepared. These results, which constitute a proof of principle for automated multistep syntheses at the nanogram to microgram scale, could be generalized to a range of radiolabeled substrates.

Role for sterol regulatory element-binding protein in activation of endothelial cells by phospholipid oxidation products.

Oxidized phospholipids, including oxidation products of palmitoyl-arachidonyl-phosphatidyl choline (PAPC), are mediators of inflammation in endothelial cells (ECs) and known to induce several chemokines, including interleukin-8 (IL-8). In this study, we show that oxidized PAPC (OxPAPC), which accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions, paradoxically depletes endothelial cholesterol, causing caveolin-1 internalization from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, and activates sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP). Cholesterol loading reversed these effects. SREBP activation resulted in increased transcription of the low-density lipoprotein receptor, a target gene of SREBP. We also provide evidence that cholesterol depletion and SREBP activation are signals for OxPAPC induction of IL-8. Cholesterol depletion by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin induced IL-8 synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, cholesterol loading of ECs by either the cholesterol-cyclodextrin complex or caveolin-1 overexpression inhibited OxPAPC induction of IL-8. These observations suggest that changes in cholesterol level can modulate IL-8 synthesis in ECs. The OxPAPC induction of IL-8 was mediated through the increased binding of SREBP to the IL-8 promoter region, as revealed by mobility shift assays. Overexpression of either dominant-negative SREBP cleavage-activating protein or 25-hydroxycholesterol significantly suppressed the effect of OxPAPC on IL-8 transcription. A role for SREBP activation in atherosclerosis is suggested by the observation that EC nuclei showed strong SREBP staining in human atherosclerotic lesions. The current studies suggest a novel role for endothelial cholesterol depletion and subsequent SREBP activation in inflammatory processes in which phospholipid oxidation products accumulate.

Tear lipocalin: potential for selective delivery of rifampin.

The potential of ligand binding proteins as drug carriers and delivery systems has recently sparked great interest. We investigated the potential of tear lipocalin (TL) to bind the antibiotic, rifampin, and the environmental conditions for controlled release. To determine if TL binds rifampin, gel filtration was used to isolate protein fractions of tears. Rifampin was detected by absorbance spectroscopy in the elution fractions containing TL. The bound complex of rifampin-TL generates optical activity at about 360 nm, indicating a unique conformation at the binding site. Rifampin has a higher affinity for TL (Kd=128 microM) than albumin. Rifampin is released from the TL calyx in acidic conditions and is displaced by palmitic acid. Autooxidation of free rifampin begins in minutes but is delayed by at least 3 h in the presence of TL. These properties are conducive to stabilization and delivery of rifampin to tubercles that are acidic and rich in fatty acids. These studies show the potential of TL as a carrier for rifampin with controlled release to a targeted environment.

Hydroxy alkenal phospholipids regulate inflammatory functions of endothelial cells.

Monocyte recruitment into the vessel wall plays an important role in atherogenesis. Polar lipid components of minimally modified/oxidized LDL were shown to activate endothelial cells to increase the synthesis of monocyte chemotactic factors and surface expression of adhesion molecules. We previously reported regulation of endothelial cell inflammatory functions by oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (Ox-PAPC) and three component oxidized phospholipids, containing oxovaleroyl (POVPC), glutaroyl (PGPC) and epoxyisoprostane (PEIPC) groups at the sn-2 position of oxidized phospholipids. In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of gamma-hydroxy-alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydic phospholipid, 1-palmitoyl-2-(5-hydroxy-8-oxooct-6-enoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (HOOA-PC; m/z 650.4), in Ox-PAPC by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), LC/MS/MS, derivatization and tandem mass spectrometric analyses. This was further unambiguously confirmed by the identical chromatographic and mass spectrometric characteristics of Ox-PAPC-derived m/z 650.4 with synthetic HOOA-PC. The time course of PAPC autoxidation showed that HOOA-PC accumulates with oxidation and represents about 2% of Ox-PAPC. We have also examined the effects of HOOA-PC on leukocyte-endothelial interactions. HOOA-PC dose-dependently activated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to bind monocytes (twofold at 10 micrograms/ml) and caused a dose-dependent increase (two- to threefold) in levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)--chemokines that are important in monocyte entry into chronic lesions. HOOA-PC also inhibited LPS-induced expression of E-Selectin, a major adhesion molecule that mediates neutrophil endothelial interactions. The present study suggests that the HOOA-PC exerts its effects on endothelial cells as a free lipid. These studies demonstrate the importance of HOOA-PC as a new potential proinflammatory molecule that regulates leukocyte-endothelial interactions.