Daniel Malamud

The Proteomes of Human Parotid and Submandibular/Sublingual Gland Salivas Collected as the Ductal Secretions

Saliva is a body fluid with important functions in oral and general health. A consortium of three research groups catalogued the proteins in human saliva collected as the ductal secretions: 1166 identifications--914 in parotid and 917 in submandibular/sublingual saliva--were made. The results showed that a high proportion of proteins that are found in plasma and/or tears are also present in saliva along with unique components. The proteins identified are involved in numerous molecular processes ranging from structural functions to enzymatic/catalytic activities. As expected, the majority mapped to the extracellular and secretory compartments. An immunoblot approach was used to validate the presence in saliva of a subset of the proteins identified by mass spectrometric approaches. These experiments focused on novel constituents and proteins for which the peptide evidence was relatively weak. Ultimately, information derived from the work reported here and related published studies can be used to translate blood-based clinical laboratory tests into a format that utilizes saliva. Additionally, a catalogue of the salivary proteome of healthy individuals allows future analyses of salivary samples from individuals with oral and systemic diseases, with the goal of identifying biomarkers with diagnostic and/or prognostic value for these conditions; another possibility is the discovery of therapeutic targets.

Isoelectric points of proteins: A table

We have prepared a table of isoelectric points (pZ) of proteins selected from the literature. Initially, we retrieved a computerized bibliography from the MEDLARS data base covering the time period of January 1970-March 1976. This search, supplemented by an additional search of Biological Abstracts, produced about 3000 citations. From this bibliography we initially screened about 1000 papers and selected 400 for the table. These papers were chosen to be representative rather than comprehensive. Data obtained were collected according to the following scheme: 1. Only named proteins are recorded. Classes of proteins (ribosomal, membrane, etc.) are not included. 2. Only pZ’s obtained by isoelectric focusing in the presence of carrier ampholytes are included in the table. These values are taken directly from the text and have not been normalized for effects of temperature or other factors that might affect the apparent pZ. All values are rounded off to one decimal place. 3. pZ values were determined under nondenaturing conditions except where indicated (** denotes values obtained by isoelectric focusing in the presence of urea). pi’s for protein subunits have not been included. 4. In cases where there are several reports for the pZ of a given protein, we have selected only one of several references. This was usually the most accessible reference. 5. When only one or two major forms were present, those values are listed. With multiple forms, the pZ range is given. In a pZ range with one predominant component, that pZ is listed first and underlined, e.g., 5.7, 5.5-6.0 represents multiple forms with pi’s between 5.5 and 6.0, with the major component at pZ 5.7.

An integrated, self-contained microfluidic cassette for isolation, amplification, and detection of nucleic acids

A self-contained, integrated, disposable, sample-to-answer, polycarbonate microfluidic cassette for nucleic acid—based detection of pathogens at the point of care was designed, constructed, and tested. The cassette comprises on-chip sample lysis, nucleic acid isolation, enzymatic amplification (polymerase chain reaction and, when needed, reverse transcription), amplicon labeling, and detection. On-chip pouches and valves facilitate fluid flow control. All the liquids and dry reagents needed for the various reactions are pre-stored in the cassette. The liquid reagents are stored in flexible pouches formed on the chip surface. Dry (RT-)PCR reagents are pre-stored in the thermal cycling, reaction chamber. The process operations include sample introduction; lysis of cells and viruses; solid-phase extraction, concentration, and purification of nucleic acids from the lysate; elution of the nucleic acids into a thermal cycling chamber and mixing with pre-stored (RT-)PCR dry reagents; thermal cycling; and detection. The PCR amplicons are labeled with digoxigenin and biotin and transmitted onto a lateral flow strip, where the target analytes bind to a test line consisting of immobilized avidin-D. The immobilized nucleic acids are labeled with up-converting phosphor (UCP) reporter particles. The operation of the cassette is automatically controlled by an analyzer that provides pouch and valve actuation with electrical motors and heating for the thermal cycling. The functionality of the device is demonstrated by detecting the presence of bacterial B.Cereus, viral armored RNA HIV, and HIV I virus in saliva samples. The cassette and actuator described here can be used to detect other diseases as well as the presence of bacterial and viral pathogens in the water supply and other fluids.

Saliva as a Diagnostic Fluid

Salivary diagnostics is a dynamic and emerging field utilizing nanotechnology and molecular diagnostics to aid in the diagnosis of oral and systemic diseases. In this article the author critically reviews the latest advances using oral biomarkers for disease detection. The use of oral fluids is broadening perspectives in clinical diagnosis, disease monitoring, and decision making for patient care. Important elements determining the future possibilities and challenges in this field are also discussed.

Protein transfer from isoelectric focusing gels: The native blot

Abstract The nonelectrophoretic transfer of proteins from thin (0.5 mm) isoelectric focusing gels to nitrocellulose was complete in 1 h. Blotting was bidirectional with 60% of the protein transferred to the top blot and the remaining 40% to the bottom blot. The use of nondenaturing transfer buffers permits proteins to be blotted in the native state. Immunological determinants are preserved and enzyme activity can be detected on the blots.

Comparison of Streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sanguis receptors for human salivary agglutinin

Oral streptococci vary in their susceptibility to salivary agglutinin-mediated aggregation. To understand the molecular basis of this specificity, the structure and function of receptors for agglutinin from Streptococcus mutans KPSK2 (MSL-1) and Streptococcus sanguis M5 (SSP-5) were compared. Immunological screening of an S. mutans KPSK2 genomic DNA library yielded two identical clones expressing a streptococcal protein that co-migrated with a 220 kDa peptide in SDS extracts from this organism. This protein inhibited agglutinin-mediated aggregation of S. mutans KPSK2 in a dose-dependent manner. The MSL-1 gene is homologous to the S. mutans SpaP and pac genes although single base substitutions alter several amino acids. MSL-1 is also similar to the agglutinin receptor (SSP-5) cloned from S. sanguis M5. All three proteins, MSL-1, P1, and SSP-5 share at least one epitope since monoclonal and polyclonal anti-SSP-5 antibodies react with both MSL-1 and P1. However, other monoclonal antibodies are specific for SSP-5 and appear to react with a peptide domain exhibiting little homology to MSL-1 or P1. Sugar inhibition studies showed that agglutinin-mediated aggregation of S. mutans KPSK2 was most potently inhibited by fucose and lactose. Sialic acid, a potent inhibitor of S. sanguis aggregation, had no effect on the interaction of agglutinin with S. mutans KPSK2. These results suggest that while the MSL-1 and SSP-5 proteins are genetically and immunologically related, their specificity for binding sites on agglutinin differs.

Inactivation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by nonoxynol-9, C31G, or an alkyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate

A highly desirable approach to prevention of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission during sexual intercourse is the development of nontoxic, topical, broad spectrum microbicides effective against transmission of cell-associated and cell-free virus. Toward this end, the HIV-1 inactivation potential of surface active agents C31G and an alkyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was assessed. Because of its extensive use as a microbicidal agent, nonoxynol-9 (N-9) was used as a reference against which C31G and SDS were compared. Viral inactivation was measured using HIV-1 LTR-beta-galactosidase indicator cells (expressing CD4 or CD4/CCR5) derived from HeLa cells, a cell line of human cervical adenocarcinoma origin. In experiments which examined inactivation of cell-free HIV-1, C31G was generally more effective than N-9. Viral inactivation by SDS occurred at twice the concentration necessary to achieve similar levels of inactivation using either N-9 or C31G. Using HeLa and HeLa-derived cells in cytotoxicity studies, it was demonstrated that SDS is as much as 11 and five times less cytotoxic than N-9 or C31G, respectively, during 48 h of continuous exposure. SDS (unlike C31G and N-9) can inactivate non-enveloped viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV) [Howett, M.K., Neely, E.B., Christensen, N.D., Wigdahl, B., Krebs, F.C., Malamud, D., Patrick, S.D., Pickel, M.D., Welsh, P.A., Reed, C.A., Ward, M.G., Budgeon, L.R., Kreider, J.W., 1999. A broad-spectrum microbicide with virucidal activity against sexually transmitted viruses. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 43(2), 314-321]. Since addition of SDS to C31G or N-9 may make the resulting microbicidal mixtures broadly effective against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, several surface active agent combinations were evaluated for their abilities to inactivate HIV-1. Addition of SDS to either C31G or N-9 resulted in mixtures that were only slightly less effective than equivalent concentrations of C31G or N-9 alone. To investigate inactivation of cell-associated infectivity, HIV-1 IIIB-infected SupT1 cells were treated with N-9, C31G, or SDS. Inactivation of cell-associated infectivity required higher microbicide concentrations than were needed for inactivation of cell-free virus. However, the relative activities of N-9, C31G, or SDS were similar to those seen in assays of inactivation using cell-free virus. These studies suggest that C31G and SDS may be attractive candidates for human trials as topical microbicides effective against HIV-1 transmission since both function at concentrations that provide effective viral inactivation with low levels of cytotoxicity. SDS microbicides (used alone or with other microbicides) may provide the added advantage of protection from HPV infection.

Antimicrobial Evaluation of N-Alkyl Betaines and N-Alkyl-N,N-Dimethylamine Oxides with Variations in Chain Length

ABSTRACT Alkyl betaines and alkyl dimethylamine oxides have been shown to have pronounced antimicrobial activity when used individually or in combination. Although several studies have been conducted with these compounds in combinations, only equimolar concentrations of the C12/C12 and C16/C14chain lengths for the betaine and the amine oxide, respectively, have been investigated. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of a wide range of chain lengths (C8 to C18) for both the betaine and amine oxide and attempts to correlate their micelle-forming capabilities with their biological activity. A broth microdilution method was used to determine the MICs of these compounds singly and in various molar ratio combinations. Activity against bothStaphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was investigated. Antimicrobial activity was found to increase with increasing chain length for both homologous series up to a point, exhibiting a cutoff effect at chain lengths of approximately 16 for betaine and 14 for amine oxide. Additionally, the C18 oleyl derivative of both compounds exhibited activity in the same range as the peak alkyl compounds. Critical micelle concentrations were correlated with MICs, inferring that micellar activity may contribute to the cutoff effect in biological activity.

Oral Diagnostic Testing for Detecting Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Antibodies: A Technology Whose Time Has Come

An oral fluid-based test for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), equivalent to serum in its accuracy but safer and easier to use, is now available in the United States. The development of the oral test involved overcoming technical obstacles to the use of oral fluid as a testing medium, including low immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers, suboptimal assay performance, protease degradation of IgG, high viscosity, and lack of a standardized method of specimen collection, all of which contribute to suboptimal assay performance. The currently available oral HIV test utilizes a collection device to isolate a mucosal transudate component of oral fluid rich in IgG. A vial containing a preservative solution facilitates the transport of stable, low-viscosity specimens to the laboratory for testing with an ELISA and confirmatory Western blot assay, specifically designed for use with oral fluid. Non-HIV medical conditions and oral pathologies do not appear to affect oral test results. Hopefully, the availability of a more patient-friendly, portable diagnostic test for antibodies to HIV will facilitate identification of greater numbers of infected individuals with the ultimate goals of early identification, early treatment, and prevention of disease transmission.

An isothermal amplification reactor with an integrated isolation membrane for point-of-care detection of infectious diseases

A simple, point of care, inexpensive, disposable cassette for the detection of nucleic acids extracted from pathogens was designed, constructed, and tested. The cassette utilizes a single reaction chamber for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids. The chamber is equipped with an integrated, flow-through, Flinders Technology Associates (Whatman FTA®) membrane for the isolation, concentration, and purification of DNA and/or RNA. The nucleic acids captured by the membrane are used directly as templates for amplification without elution, thus simplifying the cassettes flow control. The FTA membrane also serves another critical role-enabling the removal of inhibitors that dramatically reduce detection sensitivity. Thermal control is provided with a thin film heater external to the cassette. The amplification process was monitored in real time with a portable, compact fluorescent reader. The utility of the integrated, single-chamber cassette was demonstrated by detecting the presence of HIV-1 in oral fluids. The HIV RNA was reverse transcribed and subjected to loop-mediated, isothermal amplification (LAMP). A detection limit of less than 10 HIV particles was demonstrated. The cassette is particularly suitable for resource poor regions, where funds and trained personnel are in short supply. The cassette can be readily modified to detect nucleic acids associated with other pathogens borne in saliva, urine, and other body fluids as well as in water and food.