Liver Acinus Dynamic Chip for Assessment of Drug-Induced Zonal Hepatotoxicity.

Zonation along the liver acinus is considered a key feature of liver physiology. Here, we developed a liver acinus dynamic (LADY) chip that recapitulates a key functional structure of the liver acinus and hepatic zonation. Corresponding to the blood flow from portal triads to the central vein in vivo, gradual flow of oxygen and glucose-carrying culture medium into the HepG2 cell chamber of the LADY chip generated zonal protein expression patterns in periportal (PP) zone 1 and perivenous (PV) zone 3. Higher levels of albumin secretion and urea production were obtained in a HepG2/HUVECs co-culture LADY chip than in HepG2 mono-culture one. Zonal expression of PEPCK as a PP marker and CYP2E1 as a PV marker was successfully generated. Cell death rate of the PV cells was higher than that of the PP cells since zonal factors responsible for metabolic activation of acetaminophen (APAP) were highly expressed in the PV region. We also found the co-culture enhanced metabolic capacity to process APAP, thus improving resistance to APAP toxicity, in comparison with HepG2 mono-culture. These results indicate that our LADY chip successfully represents liver zonation and could be useful in drug development studies as a drug-induced zonal hepatotoxicity testing platform.

Functional fusion proteins and prevention of electrode fouling for a sensitive electrochemical immunosensor.

A highly sensitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed by preventing electrode fouling and using a novel fusion protein of silica binding polypeptides (SBP)-protein G (ProG) created by recombinant DNA technology as a functional crosslinker for rapid and self-oriented immobilization of antibodies onto silica nanoparticles (SiNPs). Antibody immobilization onto the SiNPs by the SBP-ProG could rapidly be achieved without any chemical treatment. The immunosensor was fabricated through bonding of a partially gold-deposited cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) (top substrate) and gold patterned interdigitated array COC electrode (bottom substrate). To prevent electrode fouling, human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) was immobilized onto the ceiling inside the microchannel, instead of the bottom electrode. Alkaline phosphatase (AP)-labeled anti-hIgG was allowed to immunoreact with hIgG on the ceiling, followed by addition of an enzyme to generate an oxidative peak current. A three-fold increase in current was observed from the immunosensor without any electrode fouling compared with a control with the protein functionalized electrode. Also, the SiNPs facilely coated with AP-anti-hIgG via the SBP-ProG could increase the electrochemical signal up to 20% larger than that of the AP-anti-hIgG alone. Furthermore, this immunosensor was ultrasensitive with a detection limit of 0.68 pg/mL of a biomarker associated with prostate cancer.

Esculetin exerts anti-proliferative effects against non-small-cell lung carcinoma by suppressing specificity protein 1 in vitro.

Esculetin, a coumarin derivative, is a phenolic compound isolated from Artemisia capillaris, Citrus limonia, and Euphorbia lathyris. Although it has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-proliferative activities in several human cancers, its anti-proliferative activity against non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the molecular mechanisms involved have not been adequately elucidated. In this study, we used two NSCLC cell lines (NCI-H358 and NCI-H1299) to investigate the anti-proliferative activity and apoptotic effect of esculetin. Our data showed that esculetin-treated cells exhibited reduced proliferation and apoptotic cell morphologies. Intriguingly, the transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) was significantly suppressed by esculetin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the levels of p27 and p21, two key regulators of the cell cycle, were up-regulated by the esculetin-mediated down-regulation of Sp1; the level of a third cell-cycle regulator, survivin, was decreased, resulting in caspase-dependent apoptosis. Therefore, we conclude that esculetin could be a potent anti-proliferative agent in patients with NSCLC.

An easy and sensitive sandwich assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ag85B antigen using quantum dots and gold nanorods.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a serious global infectious pathogen causing tuberculosis (TB). The development of an easy and sensitive method for the detection of M. tuberculosis is in urgent need due to complex and low specificity of the current assays. Herein, we present a novel method for M. tuberculosis detection based on a sandwich assay via antigen-antibody interaction using silica-coated quantum dots (SiQDs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs). A genetically engineered recombinant antibody (GBP-50B14 and SiBP-8B3) was bound to surfaces of AuNRs and SiQDs respectively, without any surface modification. The antigen-antibody interaction was revealed using M. tuberculosis-specific secretory antigen, Ag85B. Two biocomplexes showed a quenching effect in the presence of the target antigen through a sandwich assay. The assay response was in the range of 1×10-3-1×10-10µgmL-1 (R=0.969) and the limit of detection for Ag85B was 13.0pgmL-1. The Ag85B was selectively detected using three different proteins (CFP10, and BSA), and further specifically confirmed by the use of spiked samples. Compared with existing methods, a highly sensitive and selective method for Ag85B-expressing M. tuberculosis detection has been developed for better diagnosis of TB.

Kahweol induces apoptosis by suppressing BTF3 expression through the ERK signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Kahweol, a diterpene molecule, has antiproliferative effects on several types of human cancer cells, but whether it has apoptotic effect in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not known. To explore this possibility, we incubated cells from two NSCLC cell lines, NCI-H358 and NCI­H1299, with different concentrations of kahweol and used the MTS assay, DAPI staining, propidium iodide staining, Annexin V staining, immunocytochemical test, and western blot analysis to characterize this molecule and the signaling pathway underlying its effects. The kahweol-treated cells showed significantly decreased cell viability, increased nuclear condensation, and an increased number of Annexin V-positive NSCLC cells. Suppression of basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) was followed by apoptosis induced by kahweol via the ERK-mediated signaling pathway in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, kahweol modulated the protein expression of BTF3 genes involved in cell-cycle regulation and apoptosis-related proteins, resulting in apoptotic cell death. Our results collectively indicated that kahweol inhibited the proliferation of NSCLC cells through ERK-mediated signaling pathways and the downregulation of BTF3.

Biological preparation of highly effective immunomagnetic beads for the separation, concentration, and detection of pathogenic bacteria in milk.

We introduce a system for the efficient separation and concentration of pathogenic bacteria using biologically prepared immunomagnetic beads. Amylose magnetic beads (AMBs) were synthesized by an enzymatic reaction of amylosucrase from Deinococcus geothermalis (DGAS). The simple and rapid conjugation of AMBs and antibodies was achieved by the MBP-SPG fusion protein. MBP (maltose binding protein) binds to the surface of an AMB owing to its intrinsic affinity to the di-glucose in the AMB. SPG (streptococcal protein G) fused to the MBP has specific affinity to the Fc region of the antibody. Anti-Escherichia coli O157 antibodies were conjugated to the AMBs through a MBP-SPG linker without any physical and chemical treatments. The efficiency of separation and concentration of the target E. coli O157:H7 by the functionalized AMBs was revealed by plating counting, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and real-time RCR analysis. The immuno-AMBs effectively separated and concentrated the target bacteria from a commercial milk sample spiked with known number of bacteria, which was then analyzed by PCR to a detection limit of 10CFU/mL. On the other hand, no PCR product was produced when milk was introduced directly to a PCR reaction. These results show that MBP-SPG is an effective linker and the resulting immuno-AMBs are capable of separating and concentrating the target bacteria from a food matrix.

UPLC/ESI-MS/MS analysis of compositional changes for organosulfur compounds in garlic (Allium sativum L.) during fermentation.

In this study, we used liquid chromatography coupled to ion trap mass spectrometry (MS) for the quantification of 11 organosulfur compounds and analysis of their compositional changes in garlic during fermentation using 3 different microbe strains. The calibration curves of all 11 analytes exhibited good linearity (R⩾0.995), and the mean recoveries measured at three concentrations were greater than 81.63% with relative standard deviations of less than 12.79%. Investigation of the compositional changes revealed that the γ-glutamyl peptides content in fermented blanched garlic reduced, whereas the content of the compounds in biosynthesis of S-allyl-l-cysteines from γ-glutamyl peptides increased significantly. Our results also indicated that starter cultures can be used selectively in the production of fermented garlic to increase the amounts of the desired organosulfur compounds.

Regional Differences of Proteins Expressing in Adipose Depots Isolated from Cows, Steers and Bulls as Identified by a Proteomic Approach.

Adipose tissue in the loin muscle area of beef cattle as a marbling factor is directly associated with beef quality. To elucidate whether properties of proteins involved in depot specific adipose tissue were sex-dependent, we analyzed protein expression of intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and omental adipose tissue (OMAT) from Hanwoo cows, steers, and bulls of Korean native beef cattle by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomic analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. Two different adipose depots (i.e. intramuscular and omental) were collected from cows (n = 7), steers (n = 7), or bulls (n = 7). LC-MS/MS revealed a total of 55 and 35 proteins in IMAT and OMAT, respectively. Of the 55 proteins identified, 44, 40, and 42 proteins were confirmed to be differentially expressed in IMAT of cows, steers, and bulls, respectively. In OMAT of cows, steers, and bulls, 33, 33, and 22 were confirmed to be differentially expressed, respectively. Tropomyosin (TPM) 1, TPM 2, and TPM3 were subjected to verification by quantitative PCR and western blot analysis in IMAT and OMAT of Hanwoo cows, steers, and bulls as key factors closely associated with muscle development. Both mRNA levels and protein levels of TPM1, TPM2, and TPM3 in IMAT were lower in bulls compared to in cows or steers suggesting that they were positively correlated with marbling score and quality grade. Our results may aid the regulation of marbling development and improvement of meat quality grades in beef cattle.

Proteomic Assessment of the Relevant Factors Affecting Pork Meat Quality Associated with Longissimus dorsi Muscles in Duroc Pigs.

Meat quality is a complex trait influenced by many factors, including genetics, nutrition, feeding environment, animal handling, and their interactions. To elucidate relevant factors affecting pork quality associated with oxidative stress and muscle development, we analyzed protein expression in high quality longissimus dorsi muscles (HQLD) and low quality longissimus dorsi muscles (LQLD) from Duroc pigs by liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomic analysis. Between HQLD (n = 20) and LQLD (n = 20) Duroc pigs, 24 differentially expressed proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS. A total of 10 and 14 proteins were highly expressed in HQLD and LQLD, respectively. The 24 proteins have putative functions in the following seven categories: catalytic activity (31%), ATPase activity (19%), oxidoreductase activity (13%), cytoskeletal protein binding (13%), actin binding (12%), calcium ion binding (6%), and structural constituent of muscle (6%). Silver-stained image analysis revealed significant differential expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) between HQLD and LQLD Duroc pigs. LDHA was subjected to in vitro study of myogenesis under oxidative stress conditions and LDH activity assay to verification its role in oxidative stress. No significant difference of mRNA expression level of LDHA was found between normal and oxidative stress condition. However, LDH activity was significantly higher under oxidative stress condition than at normal condition using in vitro model of myogenesis. The highly expressed LDHA was positively correlated with LQLD. Moreover, LDHA activity increased by oxidative stress was reduced by antioxidant resveratrol. This paper emphasizes the importance of differential expression patterns of proteins and their interaction for the development of meat quality traits. Our proteome data provides valuable information on important factors which might aid in the regulation of muscle development and the improvement of meat quality in longissimus dorsi muscles of Duroc pigs under oxidative stress conditions.

Colorimetric assay of matrix metalloproteinase activity based on metal-induced self-assembly of carboxy gold nanoparticles.

Among proteases, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been of significant interest because they are considered as one of the promising biomarkers in association with cancer metastasis, inflammation and other degenerative diseases. Many attempts based on the optical sensing have been made to analyze the activity of MMPs, but most of them require an expensive fluorescence readout and a labor-intensive process. To circumvent this issue, we demonstrated a simple colorimetric detection of protease activity by using carboxy gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and histidine-containing peptides via metal-affinity coordination. Due to their higher surface-to-volume ratio, the nanometer size of AuNPs enables the surface ligands to function like a chelator, providing greater affinity with metal ions, even in the absence of chelators. With no additional modification by multidentate ligands, the carboxy AuNPs were easily aggregated and changed in color (from reddish-brown to violet) after adding peptide substrates with hexahistidine at both ends and metal ions, whereas the presence of proteases in solution prevented NP aggregation by cleaving the peptides, thereby retaining the original color of the AuNPs. When the extinction ratio (E(520)/E(700)) of the AuNP solution was measured as a function of matrix metalloproteinase concentration in a single reaction, there was good linearity from as low as 3 nM to 52 nM. This approach is anticipated to be useful in designing other diagnostic nanosensors.

Immobilization of genetically engineered fusion proteins on gold-decorated carbon nanotube hybrid films for the fabrication of biosensor platforms.

We have demonstrated the fabrication of the biosensor platforms by means of the integration of the genetically engineered fusion proteins and the uniform gold nanoparticle-deposited multi-walled nanotube hybrid (Au-MWNT-HB) films for the detection of C-reactive protein (CRP). Au-MWNT-HB films were used as a good electrochemical transducer due to their excellent electrical properties and large surface areas for the signal transduction, while the genetically engineered fusion proteins, or 6His-GBP-SpA fusion proteins, specifically bind onto the surface of the Au-MWNT-HB films and efficiently immobilize bioreceptors for the detection of CRP. As-obtained biosensor platforms were characterized by electrochemical and optical analysis and revealed better performance compared to conventional Au-based biosensors. The concept delineated herein opens a new insight into nanobiotechnology through the integration of genetically engineered biomaterials with carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanohybrids for emerging applications.

A self-assembled fusion protein-based surface plasmon resonance biosensor for rapid diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensor was developed for simple diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) using a protein created by genetically fusing gold binding polypeptides (GBPs) to a SARS coronaviral surface antigen (SCVme). The GBP domain of the fusion protein serves as an anchoring component onto the gold surface, exploiting the gold binding affinity of the domain, whereas the SCVme domain is a recognition element for anti-SCVme antibody, the target analyte in this study. SPR analysis indicated the fusion protein simply and strongly self-immobilized onto the gold surface, through GBP, without surface chemical modification, offering a stable and specific sensing platform for anti-SCVme detection. AFM and SPR imaging analyses demonstrated that anti-SCVme specifically bound to the fusion protein immobilized onto the gold-micropatterned chip, implying that appropriate orientation of bound fusion protein by GBP resulted in optimal exposure of the SCVme domain to the assay solution, resulting in efficient capture of anti-SCVme antibody. The best packing density of the fusion protein onto the SPR chip was achieved at the concentration of 10 microg mL(-1); this density showed the highest detection response (906RU) for anti-SCVme. The fusion protein-coated SPR chip at the best packing density had a lower limit of detection of 200 ng mL(-1) anti-SCVme within 10 min and also allowed selective detection of anti-SCVme with significantly low responses for non-specific mouse IgG at all tested concentrations. The fusion protein provides a simple and effective method for construction of SPR sensing platforms permitting sensitive and selective detection of anti-SCVme antibody.

Directed self-assembly of gold binding polypeptide-protein A fusion proteins for development of gold nanoparticle-based SPR immunosensors.

Effective immobilization of antibodies on a sensing platform and sensitivity enhancement are crucial in designing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensors. Colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were directly assembled onto a surface of SPR Au chip via 2-aminoethanethiol for the enhancement of sensitivity as a label-free detection system. SEM image showed most AuNPs were uniformly distributed over the surface. A novel fusion protein was constructed by genetically fusing gold binding polypeptides (GBP) to protein A (ProA) as a crosslinker for effective immobilization of antibodies. The resulting GBP-ProA protein was directly self-immobilized onto both bare and AuNPs-assembled SPR chip surfaces via the GBP portion, followed by the oriented binding of human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) onto the ProA domain targeting the Fc region of antibodies and anti-hIgG in series. Furthermore, anti-Salmonella antibodies were immobilized onto both GBP-ProA layered chips for detection of Salmonella typhimurium. SPR analyses indicated the signal increases for successive binding of hIgG and anti-hIgG onto the GBP-ProA layered AuNPs-assembled chip were higher (about 92 and 30%, respectively) than that onto the identically treated bare chip. This signal enhancement in the AuNPs-assembled chip also caused a 10-fold increased sensitivity in detection of S. typhimurium compared to the bare one. These results demonstrate the direct assembly of AuNPs onto a SPR chip could enhance the signal in biomolecular interaction events, and the GBP-ProA protein could be a valuable crosslinker for simple and oriented immobilization of antibodies onto Au chip surfaces without any surface chemical modification.

Energy transfer-based multiplexed assay of proteases by using gold nanoparticle and quantum dot conjugates on a surface.

Rapid and sensitive assay of proteases and their inhibition in a high-throughput manner is of great significance in the diagnostic and pharmaceutical fields. We developed a multiplexed assay system of proteases and their inhibition by measuring the energy transfer between quantum dots (QDs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a glass slide. In this system, while the photoluminescence (PL) of donor QDs immobilized on a surface was quenched due to the presence of AuNPs (energy acceptor) in close proximity, the protease activity caused modulation in the efficiency of the energy transfer between the acceptor and donor, thus enabling the protease assay. In comparison to the QD-dye system, the conjugate of the QD-AuNP gave rise to higher energy transfer efficiency, resulting in quantitative assay of proteases with more sensitivity. When matrix metalloproteinase, caspase, and thrombin were tested, a multiplexed assay was successfully achieved since the AuNP could be used as a common energy acceptor in conjunction with QDs having different colors. Our system is anticipated to find applications in the diagnosis of protease-related diseases and screening of potential drugs with high sensitivity in a high-throughput way.

Electrochemical detection of cardiac troponin I using a microchip with the surface-functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) channel.

A sensitive and rapid electrochemical microchip fabricated by assembling a surface-functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchannel with an interdigitated array (IDA) gold electrode was developed for the detection of human cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Anti-cTnI was immobilized onto the internal surface of the PDMS channel on which protein G layer had been generated by silanization. To reduce electrode fouling, a PDMS channel was assembled with an IDA chip after surface treatment. The detection experiments were performed with successive injection of cTnI, alkaline phosphatase (AP)-labeled anti-cTnI, and p-aminophenylphosphate. Then, cyclic voltammograms were obtained by the oxidation peak current proportionally to the concentration of enzymatic product, p-aminophenol. The optimal packing density of anti-cTnI on the surface of the PDMS channel was determined at the anti-cTnI concentration of 30 microg/ml for the highest electrochemical signal. These demonstrate that the proper orientation and best packing density of antibody as well as no electrode fouling contributed to the low detection limit (148 pg/ml) of cTnI within 8 min.

Protein nanopatterns and biosensors using gold binding polypeptide as a fusion partner.

An efficient strategy for immobilizing proteins on a gold surface was developed by employing the gold binding polypeptide (GBP) as a fusion partner. Using the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) envelope protein (SCVme), and core streptavidin (cSA) of Streptomyces avidinii as model proteins, specific immobilization of the GBP-fusion proteins onto the gold nanoparticles and generation of protein nanopatterns on the bare gold surface were demonstrated. The GBP-fused SCVme bound to gold nanoparticles successfully interacted with its antibody and showed changes in absorbance and color, allowing efficient diagnosis of SARS-CoV. The fusion proteins could be successfully immobilized on the gold surface by nanopatterning and microcontact printing as examined by atomic force microscopy and surface plasmon resonance analysis. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic channels were created on the gold surface and were used for antigen-antibody and DNA-DNA interaction studies. Specific immobilization of GBP-EGFP fusion protein and its interaction with the antibody in the microchannels could be demonstrated. By immobilizing the DNA probe through the use of GBP-fused cSA, specific hybridization of the target DNA prepared from Salmonella could also be achieved. The GBP-fusion method allows immobilization of proteins onto the gold surface without surface modification and in bioactive forms suitable for studying protein-protein, DNA-DNA, and other biomolecular interaction studies. Furthermore, these studies can be carried out in a microfluidic system, which allows high-throughput analysis of biomolecular interactions.

A novel FRET-based optical fiber biosensor for rapid detection of Salmonella typhimurium.

A biosensor that is portable and permits on-site analysis of samples would significantly reduce the large economical burden of food products recalls. A fiber optic portable biosensor utilizing the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was developed for fast detection of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) in ground pork samples. Labeled antibody-protein G complexes were formed via the incubation of anti-Salmonella antibodies labeled with FRET donor fluorophores (Alexa Fluor 546) and protein G (PG) labeled with FRET acceptor fluorophores (Alexa Fluor 594). Utilizing silanization, the labeled antibodies-PG complexes were then immobilized on decladded, tapered silica fiber cores to form the evanescent wave-sensing region. The biosensors were tested in two different solutions: (1) PBS doped with S. typhimurium and (2) homogenized pork sample with S. typhimurium. The fiber probes tested in a S. typhimurium doped phosphate buffered solution demonstrated the feasibility of the biosensor for detecting S. typhimurium as well as determined the optimal packing density of the labeled antibody-PG complexes on the surface of fibers. The results showed that a packing density of 0.033 mg/ml produced the lowest limit of detection of 10(3)cells/ml with 8.2% change in fluorescence. The fiber probes placed in homogenized pork samples inoculated with S. typhimurium showed a limit of detection of 10(5)CFU/g with a 6.67% in fluorescence within a 5-min response time. These results showed that the FRET-based fiber optic biosensor can become a useful analytical tool for detection of S. typhimurium in real food samples.