Proteomic analysis of the human receptive versus non-receptive endometrium using differential in-gel electrophoresis and MALDI-MS unveils stathmin 1 and annexin A2 as differentially regulated.

BACKGROUND: The transcriptome of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle has been described in recent years. However, the proteomic of the window of implantation remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the proteome of the human endometrium in the pre-receptive phase versus the receptive phase by identifying and quantifying the proteins differentially expressed using differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and mass spectometry (MS). METHODS: Endometrial biopsies were collected at days 2 (pre-receptive) and 7 (receptive) after the urinary luteal hormone surge in the same menstrual cycle from eight fertile women (corresponding to days 16 and 21 of the menstrual cycle). Proteins were extracted and labeled with CyDye DIGE fluorofores and separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Image analysis using the DeCyder software followed by protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-MS and database searching revealed 32 differentially expressed proteins, although only annexin A2 and stathmin 1 were consistently regulated in the two experiments performed. Validation and localization of annexin A2 and stathmin 1 were performed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Annexin A2 and stathmin 1 were investigated using an endometrial refractoriness model. The results highlight the key potential of these proteins as possible targets for human endometrial receptivity and interception. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the human endometrium has a differential proteomic repertoire during the window of implantation. Consequently, we identified annexin A2 and stathmin 1 as differentially expressed molecules in the receptive endometrium.

Isolation and partial characterization of a novel and uncommon two-chain 64-kDa ribosome-inactivating protein from the bark of elder (Sambucus nigra L.).

A novel, strongly basic, two-chain ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) with an apparent Mr of 64000 by SDS-PAGE and 63469 by mass spectrometry analysis, that we have named basic nigrin b, has been found in the bark of elder (Sambucus nigra L.). The new protein does not agglutinate red blood cells, even at high concentrations and displays an unusually and extremely high activity towards animal ribosomes (IC50 of 18 pg/ml for translation by rabbit reticulocyte lysates). However, it is inactive against plant and HeLa cells protein synthesis. Our functional and structural data are consistent with a heterodimeric structure for basic nigrin b of the type A-B*, B* being a truncated lectin lacking functional binding domains equivalent to the B (lectin) chain of the type 2 RIP SNA I and nigrin b present also in elder bark.

An innovative sandwich ELISA system based on an antibody cocktail for gluten analysis.

A cocktail sandwich ELISA based on the employ of two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) as coating antibodies and a third MAb conjugated to horseradish peroxidase has been developed for the analysis of gluten in foods. Given that each MAb displays a wide specificity spectrum for wheat, barley, rye and oats prolamins, their combination for ELISA ensures a high crossreactivity with most of the potentially toxic gliadin, hordein, secalin and avenin protein family. One of the unprecedented features of the cocktail sandwich ELISA is that it permits for the first time analysis of barley hordeins in foods, which is unattainable using conventional or commercial ELISA kits. Besides, gliadins, hordeins and secalins are recognised to the same extent. The system provides a high detection sensitivity for gliadins, hordeins, secalins and avenins (1.5, 0.05, 0.15 and 12 ng/ml, respectively). The working linear range comprises 3-100 ng/ml with a gliadin detection limit of 1.5 ppm. This limit of detection is even better than that demanded in the latest Codex recommendation, 10 ppm. Cocktail ELISA data were contrasted with those of commercial ELISA kits and confirmed by mass spectrometry, a non-immunological technique which provides evidence for the occurrence of false positive results with the commercial kits.

Constitutive and inducible type 1 ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) in elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.).

Two novel highly basic type 1 (single chain) ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) with N-glycosidase activity have been found in elderberries (the fruits of Sambucus nigra L.). Mass spectrometry of these RIPs, which we named nigritins f1 and f2, gave Mr values of 24095 and 23 565, respectively. Both proteins strongly inhibited protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates but were inactive against plant ribosomes. Both nigritins have a similar topological activity on pBlueScript SK+ DNA as that displayed by dianthin 30. Nigritin f1 is a constitutive RIP since it is present in both green and mature intact elderberries at nearly the same proportion with respect to total fruit protein. By contrast, nigritin f2 is inducible and only appeared in mature intact elderberries. Elderberries also contain two isoforms of a basic nigrin equivalent to the recently found basic nigrin b in elder bark (De Benito et al., FEBS Letters 413 (1997) 85-91). Our results indicate that probably not all plant RIPs exert the same biological function and that this may be determined by the physiological state of the tissue.

Beta structure motif recognition by anti-gliadin antibodies in coeliac disease.

A 20-amino acid synthetic peptide from the N-terminal region of gamma3 avenin yields a surprisingly strong reactivity with anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) of coeliac sera, comparable to that of a gliadin extract. In contrast, a low reactivity is observed with five similar peptides derived from alpha-gliadin, gamma70 and omega1 secalins. Circular dichroism studies of these peptides show that the avenin peptide displays the highest beta-turn content (30%), while other peptides yield much lower values. In agreement with circular dichroism data, nuclear magnetic resonance data point to the presence of a beta-turn in the avenin peptide DPSEQ segment, a sequence with a high statistical beta-turn preference. A strong linear dependence between AGA reactivity and beta-turn content was observed for these peptides, indicating for the first time a role of beta-turn motifs in anti-gliadin antibodies recognition in coeliac disease. This suggests that circulating AGA in coeliac patients comprise not only linear but also conformational antibodies against beta-turn motifs. Polyclonal antibodies raised against the avenin peptide containing beta-turn motifs react by immunoblotting with all gliadin, hordein and secalin proteins, which are rich in beta-turn conformations, despite that their primary structures are unrelated to that of the peptide.

Screening of gluten avenins in foods by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The first procedure capable of analysing gluten avenins in gluten-free food samples aimed at the diet control of coeliac patients is described. The method is based on the direct observation of the characteristic avenin mass pattern, around 20-30 kDa, as revealed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-MS). The mass range where avenin signals appear is free from mass peaks arising from wheat gliadin, barley hordein and rye secalin protein components, which are also toxic to coeliac patients. Therefore, avenins can easily be screened in complex formula food samples elaborated with mixtures of wheat, barley, rye and oats. In addition, a procedure to quantify avenins in food samples is described on the basis of avenin mass area measurement with a detection limit of 0.4 mg of avenins per 100 g of food.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric micro-analysis: the first non-immunological alternative attempt to quantify gluten gliadins in food samples.

The first epitope-independent procedure for rapidly quantifying gluten gliadins in food by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF-MS) based on the direct observation of the characteristic gliadin mass pattern is presented. This pattern was identified in both processed and unprocessed gluten-containing food samples. The procedure allows the micro-quantification of gluten in food samples below levels toxic for coeliac patients, with a linear response in the 0.4-10 mg per 100 g range and a high detection sensitivity similar to that of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems. Food samples simultaneously analyzed by MALDI/TOF-MS and a highly sensitive laboratory-made sandwich ELISA revealed a good correlation between the two techniques. In addition, MALDI/TOF-MS provides a rapid screening system to determine the presence of gliadins in food samples by directly monitoring the occurrence of the protonated gliadin mass pattern. The procedure also permits the study of the alteration of gliadins in food during the baking process, providing data on the heart effect by changes in protein mass signals.

Selective identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of different types of gluten in foods made with cereal mixtures.

The gluten toxic fractions responsible for the mucosal damage in coeliac disease (CD), so-called gliadins, hordeins, secalins and avenins from a large number (30-40) of wheat, barley, rye and oats cultivars respectively, have been mass analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Gliadin, secalin and avenin characteristic mass profiles are nearly identical amongst distinct cultivars from the corresponding cereal, while hordeins profiles show more variability depending on the particular barley cultivar. On the basis of these four distinguishable characteristic mass patterns spreading within the 20,000-40,000 Da range, MALDI-TOF-MS has permitted the direct and simultaneous visualization of gliadins, hordeins, secalins and avenins in foods elaborated with cereal mixtures of wheat, barley, rye and oats. This capacity has been demonstrated by mass analyzing foods made with these four cereals in varying ratios. Thus MALDI-TOF-MS can be preliminarily established as a unique system with the ability to discriminate the specific type of gluten toxic fractions present in food samples.

Proteome changes in the myocardium of experimental chronic diabetes and hypertension: role of PPARα in the associated hypertrophy.

Diabetes with or without the presence of hypertension damages the heart. However, there is currently a lack of information about these associated pathologies and the alteration of linked proteins. For these reasons, we were interested in the potential synergistic interaction of diabetes and hypertension in the heart, focusing on the proteome characterization of the pathological phenotypes and the associated hypertrophic response. We treated normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats with either streptozotocin or vehicle. After 22weeks, type-I diabetic (DM1), SHR, SHR/DM1 and control left-ventricles were studied using proteomic approaches. Proteomics revealed that long-term DM1, SHR and SHR/DM1 rats exhibited 24, 53 and 53 altered proteins in the myocardia, respectively. DM1 myocardium showed over-expression of apoptotic and cytoskeleton proteins, and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic and mitochondrial metabolic enzymes. In both SHR and SHR/DM1 these changes were exacerbated and free fatty-acid (FFA) ß-oxidation enzymes were additionally decreased. Furthermore, SHR/DM1 hearts exhibited a misbalance of specific pro-hypertrophic, anti-apoptotic and mitochondrial ATP-carrier factors, which could cause additional damage. Differential proteins were validated and then clustered into different biological pathways using bioinformatics. These studies suggested the implication of FFA-nuclear receptors and hypertrophic factors in these pathologies. Although key ß-oxidation enzymes were not stimulated in DM1 and hypertensive hearts, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-α (PPARα) were potentially activated for other responses. In this regard, PPARα stimulation reduced hypertrophy and pro-hypertrophic factors such as annexin-V in high-glucose and angiotensin-II induced cardiomyocytes. Thus, activation of PPARα could reflect a compensatory response to the metabolic-shifted, apoptotic and hypertrophic status of the hypertensive-diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Differential proteome of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from osteoarthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells whose primary reservoir is bone marrow (BM). Following situations of extensive tissue damage, MSCs are mobilized and migrate to the site of injury. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that involves extensive cartilage and bone damage. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of OA, we have analyzed the differential BM-MSCs proteome of OA patients. METHODS: MSCs protein extracts were prepared from BM aspirates from six patients with OA and from six hip fracture subjects without OA, and analyzed by Two-dimensional gels, using the differential in-gel electrophoresis approach. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. In addition, the chemotactic responses of OA and control MSCs were assessed. RESULTS: The majority of proteins that changed at least 1.5-fold (P<0.05) belonged to the following three categories: metabolic enzymes (14 proteins, 36%), cytoskeleton/motility (12 proteins, 32%), and transporters (three proteins, 8%). In OA MSCs, a high percentage of metabolic enzymes (n=8, 57%) were up-regulated and most of the proteins related to cytoskeleton/motility (n=9, 75%) were down-regulated. There was a significant increase in the migration response of OA MSCs to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (chemotaxis index CI: 5.13+/-1.19 vs 3.35+/-0.42, P=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have described the differential proteome of BM-MSCs from OA patients together with an increased chemotactic response of these cells in the context of OA. These results could indicate an activation of OA BM-MSCs in response to chemotactic signals sent by the altered subchondral bone in an attempt to heal damaged tissue.

Protein variability in Meloidogyne spp. (Nematoda:Meloidogynidae) revealed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Total protein variation as revealed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-E) was studied in 18 isolates from populations of Meloidogyne arenaria (six isolates), Meloidogyne incognita (10 isolates), and Meloidogyne javanica (one isolate) plus an unclassified isolate. Gels (80 x 60 x 0.75 mm) were silverstained and digitized in order to compare their protein patterns. Optical density and position of protein patterns were measured using statistical cluster analysis and computer-assisted image analysis software. Only those protein stains or positions that were clearly defined (i.e., without background) were considered. The number of positions in gels ranged from 86 to 203. Each of these positions had 95 clearly expressed proteins that were present in at least two replicates for each isolate. Spot position was considered a taxonomical character with two different states: presence (1) and absence (0). Accordingly, genetic distance was estimated among isolates and species, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following the cladistic approach based on maximum parsimony analysis. Isolates of M. arenaria--M. javanica--Meloidogyne sp. and of M. incognita formed two separate monophyletic groups. Both groups were clearly defined on the basis of two sets of protein positions that can be considered as diagnostic characters. An attempt to identify these proteins by mass spectrometry was made. Group diagnostic proteins for M. incognita and M. arenaria (and for other proteins common to all isolates) were distinguished by protonated mass signals in the MALDI fingerprinting spectrum.

Organization of two transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus membrane protein topologies within the virion and core.

The difference in membrane (M) protein compositions between the transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) virion and the core has been studied. The TGEV M protein adopts two topologies in the virus envelope, a Nexo-Cendo topology (with the amino terminus exposed to the virus surface and the carboxy terminus inside the virus particle) and a Nexo-Cexo topology (with both the amino and carboxy termini exposed to the virion surface). The existence of a population of M molecules adopting a Nexo-Cexo topology in the virion envelope was demonstrated by (i) immunopurification of (35)S-labeled TGEV virions using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for the M protein carboxy terminus (this immunopurification was inhibited only by deletion mutant M proteins that maintained an intact carboxy terminus), (ii) direct binding of M-specific MAbs to the virus surface, and (iii) mass spectrometry analysis of peptides released from trypsin-treated virions. Two-thirds of the total number of M protein molecules found in the virion were associated with the cores, and one-third was lost during core purification. MAbs specific for the M protein carboxy terminus were bound to native virions through the M protein in a Nexo-Cexo conformation, and these molecules were removed when the virus envelope was disrupted with NP-40 during virus core purification. All of the M protein was susceptible to N-glycosidase F treatment of the native virions, which indicates that all the M protein molecules are exposed to the virus surface. Cores purified from glycosidase-treated virions included M protein molecules that completely or partially lost the carbohydrate moiety, which strongly suggests that the M protein found in the cores was also exposed in the virus envelope and was not present exclusively in the virus interior. A TGEV virion structure integrating all the data is proposed. According to this working model, the TGEV virion consists of an internal core, made of the nucleocapsid and the carboxy terminus of the M protein, and the envelope, containing the spike (S) protein, the envelope (E) protein, and the M protein in two conformations. The two-thirds of the molecules that are in a Nexo-Cendo conformation (with their carboxy termini embedded within the virus core) interact with the internal core, and the remaining third of the molecules, whose carboxy termini are in a Nexo-Cexo conformation, are lost during virus core purification.

Isolation and characterization of enterocin EJ97, a bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus faecalis EJ97.

The bacteriocinogenic strain of Enterococcus faecalis EJ97 has been isolated from municipal waste water. It produces a cationic bacteriocin (enterocin EJ97) of low molecular mass (5,340 Da) that is very stable under mild heat conditions and is sensitive to proteolytic enzymes. The amino acid sequence of the first 18 N-terminal residues of enterocin EJ97 indicates that it is different from other known protein sequences. Enterocin EJ97 is active on several gram-positive bacteria including enterococci, several species of Bacillus, Listeria, and Staphylococcus aureus. The producer strain is immune to bacteriocin. Enterocin EJ97 has a concentration-dependent bactericidal and bacteriolytic effect on E. faecalis S-47.

The Cys-67 residue of HLA-B27 influences cell surface stability, peptide specificity, and T-cell antigen presentation.

Cys-67 of HLA-B27 is located in the B pocket, which determines peptide-binding specificity. We analyzed effects of the Cys-67 --> Ser mutation on cell surface expression, peptide specificity, and T-cell recognition of HLA-B*2705. Surface expression was assessed with antibodies recognizing either native or unfolded HLA proteins. Whereas native B*2705 molecules predominated over unfolded ones, this ratio was reversed in the mutant, suggesting lower stability. Comparison of B*2705- and Cys-67 --> Ser-bound peptides revealed that the mutant failed to bind approximately 15% of the B*2705 ligands, while binding as many novel ones. Two peptides with Gln-2 found in both B*2705 and Cys-67 --> Ser are the first demonstration of natural B*2705 ligands lacking Arg-2. Other effects of the mutation on peptide specificity were: 1) average molecular mass of natural ligands higher than for B*2705, 2) bias against small residues at peptide position (P) 1, and 3) increased P2 permissiveness. The results suggest that the Cys-67 --> Ser mutation weakens B pocket interactions, leading to decreased stability of the mutant-peptide complexes. This may be partially compensated by interactions involving bulky P1 residues. The effect of the mutation on allorecognition was consistent with that on peptide specificity. Our results may aid understanding of the pathogenetic role of HLA-B27 in spondyloarthropathy.

Identification of novel HLA-B27 ligands derived from polymorphic regions of its own or other class I molecules based on direct generation by 20 S proteasome.

HLA-B27 is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Natural HLA-B27 ligands derived from polymorphic regions of its own or other class I HLA molecules might be involved in autoimmunity or provide diversity among HLA-B27-bound peptide repertoires from individuals. In particular, an 11-mer spanning HLA-B27 residues 169-179 is a natural HLA-B27 ligand with homology to proteins from Gram-negative bacteria. Proteasomal digestion of synthetic substrates demonstrated direct generation of the B27-(169-179) ligand. Cleavage after residue 181 generated a B27-(169-181) 13-mer that was subsequently found as a natural ligand of B*2705 and B*2704. Its binding to HLA-B27 subtypes in vivo correlated better than B27-(169-179) with association to spondyloarthropathy. Proteasomal cleavage generated also a peptide spanning B*2705 residues 150-158. This region is polymorphic among HLA-B27 subtypes and class I HLA antigens. The peptide was a natural B*2704 ligand. Since this subtype differs from B*2705 at residue 152, it was concluded that the ligand arose from HLA-B*3503, synthesized in the cells used as a source for B*2704-bound peptides. Thus, polymorphic HLA-B27 ligands derived from HLA-B27 or other class I molecules are directly produced by the 20 S proteasome in vitro, and this can be used for identification of such ligands in the constitutive HLA-B27-bound peptide pool.

Characterization of a new non-toxic two-chain ribosome-inactivating protein and a structurally-related lectin from rhizomes of dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.).

A new N-glycosidase ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) belonging to the novel family of the nontoxic type 2 RIPs from Sambucaceae has been isolated from rhizomes of dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) and named ebulin r. Dwarf elder rhizomes also contain a novel monomeric N-Ac-galactosamine-binding lectin that we named SEAII. Ebulin r and SEAII have two isoforms each one, which were readily resolved by ion exchange. Both isoforms of ebulin (ebulins r1 and r2) strongly inhibited protein synthesis in mammalian but not in plant ribosomes by promoting depurination of sensitive ribosomes. Ebulin r and SEAII have apparent molecular masses of 56 and 33.5 kDa, respectively. Ebulins r1 and r2 are composed of two dissimilar subunits (types A-B) of apparent molecular masses of 26 and 30 kDa by disulphide bridges. The rhizome SEAII and the lectins SNA II and SNA III from elder (Sambucus nigra L.) share good amino acid sequence homology. This rhizome ebulin-A chain is more sequence-related to RIP members of cucurbitaceae than to any other plant family. The rhizome ebulin B chain shares a large homology in amino acid sequence with ebulin 1-B chain and SEAII. Anti-ebulin 1 polyclonal antibodies raised in rabbits reacted better with ebulin r1 than with ebulin r2, thus suggesting that both RIP isoforms could have some differences.