Chao-Yuh Yang

Structure of apolipoprotein B-100 of human low density lipoproteins.

We have analyzed low density lipoproteins (LDL) apolipoprotein (apo) B structure by direct sequence analysis of LDL apo B-100 tryptlc peptides. Native LDL were digested with trypsin, and the products were fractionated on a Sephadex G-50 column. The partially digested apo B-100 still associated with liplds was recovered In the void volume (designated trypsln-nonreleasable, TN, peptides). The released peptides (designated trypsln-releasable, TR, peptides) in subsequent peaks were repurifled on two successive high-performance liquid chromatogaphy (HPLC) columns. The TN peak was dellpidated and redigested with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were purified on two successive HPLC columns. Using this approach, we sequenced over 88% of LDL apo B-100, extending and refining our previous study (Nature 1986;323:738–742) which covered 52% of the protein. TN peptides made up 31%, and the TR peptides, 34% of the apo B-100 sequence; 23.7% were found under both TN and TR categories. Based on its differential trypsin releasabllity, apo B-100 can be divided into five domains: 1) residues 1–1000, largely TR; 2) residues 1001–1700, alternating TR and TN; 3) residues 1701–3070, largely TN; 4) residues 3071–4100, mainly TR and mixed; and 5) residues 4101–4536, almost exclusively TN. Domain 1 contained 14 of the 25 Cys residues In apo B. Domain 4 encompassed seven N-glycosylat Ion sites, and contained the putative receptor binding domains. All 19 potential N-glycosylatlon sites were directly sequenced: 16 were found to be glycosylated and three were not Three pairs of dlsurfide bridges were also mapped. Finally, a combination of cDNA sequencing, direct mRNA sequencing, and comparison of published apo B-100 sequences allowed us to Identify specific amino acid residues within apo B-100 that seem to represent bona fide allellc variations. Our study provides information on LDL apo B-100 structure that will be important to our understanding of its conformation and metabolism.

Polyhydroxylated C60, fullerenols, as glutamate receptor antagonists and neuroprotective agents

Derivatives of C60 have been shown to be effective free radical scavengers. Hence, many of the biological functions of fullerene are believed to be due to their antioxidant properties. Here we present evidence to show that fullerenols, that are caged fullerene oxides, exert their neuroprotective functions by blocking glutamate receptors and lowering the intracellular calcium, [Ca2+]i. In neuronal cultures, fullerenols reduce glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity by about 80% at 50μM. No significant effect was observed on H2O2/Fe2+‐induced neurotoxicity under the same conditions. Fullerenols were found to inhibit glutamate receptor binding in a dose‐dependent manner inhibiting 50% of glutamate binding at 50 μM. Furthermore, AMPA receptors were found to be more sensitive to fullerenols than NMDA and KA receptors. On the other hand, GABAA receptors and taurine receptors were not significantly affected by fullerenols at the same concentrations used, suggesting that fullerenols inhibit primarily the glutamate receptors. In addition, fullerenols were also found to lower glutamate (Glu) receptor‐induced elevation of [Ca2+]i, suggesting that the underlying mechanism of neuronal protective function of fullerenols is likely due to its ability to block the glutamate receptors and to reduce the level of [Ca2+]i. J. Neurosci. Res. 62:600–607, 2000.

Influence of cysteine to cysteic acid oxidation on the collision-activated decomposition of protonated peptides: evidence for intraionic interactions

Oxidation of cysteine residues to cysteic acids in C-terminal arginine-eontaining peptides (such as those derived by tryptic digestion of proteins) strongly promotes the formation of multiple members of the Y− series of fragment ions following low energy collision-activated decomposition (CAD) of the protonated peptides, Removal of the arginine residue abolishes the effect, which is also attenuated by conversion of the arginine to dimethylpyrim-idylornithine. The data indicate the importance of an intraionic interaction between the cysteic acid and arginine side-chains. Low energy CAD of peptides which include cysteic acid and histidine residues, also provides evidence for intraionic interactions. It is proposed that these findings are consistent with the general hypothesis that an increased heterogeneity (with respect to location of charge) of the protonated peptide precursor ion population is beneficial to the generation of a high yield of product ions via several charge-directed, low energy fragmentation pathways. Furthermore, these data emphasize the significance of gas-phase conformations of protonated peptides in determining fragmentation pathways.

Association of l-Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase to the 70-kDa Heat Shock Protein as a Potential Anchoring Mechanism to Synaptic Vesicles

Recently we have reported that the membrane-associated form of the γ-aminobutyric acid-synthesizing enzyme, l-glutamate decarboxylase (MGAD), is regulated by the vesicular proton gradient (Hsu, C. C., Thomas, C., Chen, W., Davis, K. M., Foos, T., Chen, J. L., Wu, E., Floor, E., Schloss, J. V., and Wu, J. Y. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 24366–24371). In this report, several lines of evidence are presented to indicate that l-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) can become membrane-associated to synaptic vesicles first through complex formation with the heat shock protein 70 family, specifically heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70), followed by interaction with cysteine string protein (CSP), an integral protein of the synaptic vesicle. The first line of evidence comes from purification of MGAD in which HSC70, as identified from amino acid sequencing, co-purified with GAD. Second, in reconstitution studies, HSC70 was found to form complex with GAD65 as shown by gel mobility shift in non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Third, in immunoprecipitation studies, again, HSC70 was co-immunoprecipitated with GAD by a GAD65-specific monoclonal antibody. Fourth, HSC70 and CSP were co-purified with GAD by specific anti-GAD immunoaffinity columns. Furthermore, studies here suggest that both GAD65 and GAD67 are associated with synaptic vesicles along with HSC70 and CSP. Based on these findings, a model is proposed to link anchorage of MGAD to synaptic vesicles in relation to its role in γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission.

First Direct Evidence for Lipid/Protein Conjugation in Oxidized Human Low Density Lipoprotein

It has been postulated that lipids incorporated in atherosclerotic plaques are derived from the uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) by a macrophage-bound receptor. In vitro studies of LDL oxidation have established that reactive lipids are formed and that the exposure of native LDL to these products leads to modified protein with physical properties similar to oxidized LDL. Here we describe the application of highly specific tandem mass spectrometric techniques to the first characterization of lipid-modified LDL by demonstrating the addition of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal to histidine residues of apolipoprotein B-100, following oxidation of LDL. The modified residues have been assigned to specific locations that have been previously shown to reside on the surface of the LDL particle.

Oxidation of Bovine β-Casein by Hypochlorite

Abstract We recently observed two 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-reactive proteins of 40 and 120 kDa in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of rats exposed to >95% O 2 for 48 h. The N-terminal sequences of these proteins were both identical over 16 amino acids with rat β -casein, which, in addition to its more common association with milk, is produced by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and has been found to have proinflammatory properties. Because of the inflammatory response that accompanies hyperoxic lung injury, we investigated the oxidation of bovine β -casein by HOCl. Following exposure to HOCl at 4°C for 15 min, derivatization with DNPH, washing, and digestion with trypsin, the resultant peptides were separated by reverse-phase HPLC. One peptide isolated from a peak absorbing at 365 nm was identified as AVP(Y*)PQR, corresponding to amino acids 177–183 of bovine β -casein. Analysis of the peptide by both electrospray and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry identified a molecular ion MH + of 1008.5 Da, which represents an increase of 178 Da from the calculated monoisotopic MH + of the unmodified peptide of 830.45 Da. Daughter ion spectra of the doubly charged parent ion of the peptide further support the oxidation of the tyrosine to the quinone methide, with subsequent conversion to the corresponding hydrazone with DNPH. A second pair of products were identified as arising from oxidation of Y 193 within the tryptic peptide constituted by amino acids 184–202, and the corresponding chymotryptic cleavage side product, 191–202. Exposure of β -casein to increasing amounts of HOCl revealed that M and Y residues were the most susceptible, although bovine β -casein contains no C, and a single W, which would not be detected by our methods. The approach described in the present report can be used to evaluate the contributions of distinct mechanisms of oxidation in other experimental or pathological models.xa0© 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.

Tandem mass spectrometric characterization of a specific cysteic acid residue in oxidized human apoprotein B-100.

The oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in vivo may result in its unregulated uptake by macrophages, with the consequent accumulation of cholesterol that is characteristic of the development of atherosclerosis. This paper describes initial experiments to elucidate structural changes that occur in an in vitro model of LDL oxidation. LDL was isolated from human blood and oxidized in the presence of copper ion. Lipid was removed and the isolated apoprotein was subjected to tryptic hydrolysis. The hydrolysate was separated by high performance liquid chromatography and individual fractions were screened by amino acid analysis to detect cysteic acid residues. Appropriate fractions were analyzed by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and hybrid tandem mass spectrometry. In this manner a tryptic fragment was identified that corresponded to residues 4187-4195 (EELCTMFIR), in which the cysteine and methionine residues were oxidized to cysteic acid and methionine sulfoxide, respectively. Identical analysis of LDL not subjected to in vitro oxidation revealed no evidence for this oxidized peptide. Earlier work established a surface location for this cysteine residue (Cys24) on the LDL particle, which suggested that its modification may significantly affect the properties of LDL, such as the propensity to intermolecular interaction via disulfide bridges. The analytical protocol developed here (involving proteolysis, screening of peptide fragments, and tandem mass spectrometry analysis) constitutes a strategy of general applicability to the characterization of targeted modifications of large proteins via mass spectrometry.

Primary structure of apoB-100

Apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) is the major protein in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and contains the ligand for binding LDL to its cell surface receptor. Lipoprotein [a] (Lp[a]) is a lipoprotein that consists of LDL and apolipoprotein [a] (apo[a]). The primary structure of apoB-100 has been determined by a combination of recombinant DNA and protein sequencing methods. Using high-performance liquid chromatographic techniques, we have identified sulfhydryl and disulfide groups of apoB-100 from LDL. Sixteen of the 25 cysteine residues in apoB-100 exist in disulfide form. All 14 cysteine residues within the N terminal end of apoB-100 are linked in disulfide bridges. Using the fluorescent sulfhydryl probe, 5-iodoacetoamidofluoresceine, two free sulfhydryls of apoB-100 on LDL were identified at positions 3734 and 4190. Based on its differential susceptibility to trypsin, apoB-100 can be divided into five domains: domain 1 (residues 1-1000), largely trypsin-releasable (TR); domain 2 (residues 1001-1700), alternating TR and trypsin non-releasable (TN); domain 3 (residues 1701-3070), largely TN; domain 4 (residues 3071-4100), mainly TR and mixed; and domain 5 (residues 4101-4536), almost exclusively TN. Based on our data, we propose that the structure of apoB-100 in LDL is probably an elongated form that wraps around the LDL particle, and that Cys3734 of apoB-100 may be the cysteine residue linked to a cysteine of apo[a].

Effects of Electronegative VLDL on Endothelium Damage in Metabolic Syndrome

OBJECTIVE Biochemical heterogeneity governs functional disparities among lipoproteins. We examined charge-defined VLDL subfractions in metabolic syndrome (MetS) to determine whether their increased electronegativity is associated with increased cytotoxicity and whether high concentrations of highly electronegative subfractions render VLDL harmful to the vascular endothelium. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Plasma VLDL of normal individuals (control subjects) (n = 13) and of those with MetS (n = 13) was resolved into subfractions with increasing negative charge (V1–V5) by anion-exchange chromatography. Human aortic endothelial cells were treated with V1–V5 or unfractionated VLDL. RESULTS Compared with the control subjects, individuals with MetS had a significantly higher percentage of V5 VLDL (V5/VLDL%) (34 ± 20 vs. 39 ± 11%, respectively; P < 0.05) and plasma V5 concentration ([V5]) (5.5 ± 4.4 vs. 15.2 ± 8.5 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.001). Apolipoprotein (apo)B100 levels decreased and apoC levels increased from V1 to V5, indicating that V5 is apoC-rich VLDL. Regression analyses of all 26 individuals showed that [V5] was positively correlated with total cholesterol (P = 0.016), triglyceride (P < 0.000001), and V5/VLDL% (P = 0.002). Fasting plasma glucose, but not waist circumference, exhibited a positive trend (P = 0.058); plasma HDL cholesterol exhibited a weak inverse trend (P = 0.138). V5 (10 μg/mL) induced apoptosis in ~50% of endothelial cells in 24 h. V5 was the most rapidly (<15 min) internalized subfraction and induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells after 20 min. Unfractionated MetS VLDL, but not control VLDL, also induced ROS production and endothelial cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS In populations with increased risk of diabetes, the vascular endothelium is constantly exposed to VLDL that contains a high proportion of V5. The potential impact of V5-rich VLDL warrants further investigation.

The complete amino acid sequence of proapolipoprotein A-I of chicken high density lipoproteins

The complete amino acid sequence of proapolipoprotein (proapo) A‐I of chicken high density lipoproteins was determined by sequencing overlapping peptides produced by trypsin, S. aureus V8 protease, and cyanogen bromide cleavage. There are 240 amino acid residues in mature chicken apoA‐I. By direct sequence analysis of a cyanogen bromide peptide, we also determined the sequence of a 6‐amino‐acid prosegment which is present at approx. 10% the molar amount of the mature peptide in chicken plasma. Sequence comparison among apoA‐I from chicken, human, rabbit, dog and rat, and secondary structure analysis indicate that while the degree of sequence homology is only moderate ( < 50% between chicken and man), there is good conservation of apoA‐I secondary structure, especially in the N‐terminal two‐thirds of the protein in these widely separated species.