Jeanine Tortajada

Detection of selenocompounds in a tryptic digest of yeast selenoprotein by MALDI time-of-flight MS prior to their structural analysis by electrospray ionization triple quadrupole MS

MALDI-TOFMS was proposed as a key technique to a novel generic approach for the speciation analysis of selenium in yeast supplements. Owing to a lower detection limit and superior matrix tolerance to electrospray MS it allowed a successful detection of selenocompounds in samples for which electrospray MS had failed. The analytical approach developed was applied to the identification of a previously unreported selenopentapeptide (m/z 596) in the tryptic digest of a water-soluble selenoprotein fraction isolated by size-exclusion chromatography. The information on the mass of the protonated molecular ion obtained from MALDI allowed the optimization of the conditions for collision induced dissociation MS using a triple quadrupole spectrometer that enabled the determination of the amino acid sequence SeMet-Asn-Ala-Gly-Arg of the selenopeptide.

MALDI/MS peptide mass fingerprinting for proteome analysis: identification of hydrophobic proteins attached to eucaryote keratinocyte cytoplasmic membrane using different matrices in concert

BackgroundMALDI-TOF-MS has become an important analytical tool in the identification of proteins and evaluation of their role in biological processes. A typical protocol consists of sample purification, separation of proteins by 2D-PAGE, enzymatic digestion and identification of proteins by peptide mass fingerprint. Unfortunately, this approach is not appropriate for the identification of membrane or low or high pI proteins. An alternative technique uses 1D-PAGE, which results in a mixture of proteins in each gel band. The direct analysis of the proteolytic digestion of this mixture is often problematic because of poor peptide detection and consequent poor sequence coverage in databases. Sequence coverage can be improved through the combination of several matrices.ResultsThe aim of this study was to trust the MALDI analysis of complex biological samples, in order to identify proteins that interact with the membrane network of keratinocytes. Peptides obtained from protein trypsin digestions may have either hydrophobic or hydrophilic sections, in which case, the direct analysis of such a mixture by MALDI does not allow desorbing of all peptides. In this work, MALDI/MS experiments were thus performed using four different matrices in concert. The data were analysed with three algorithms in order to test each of them. We observed that the use of at least two matrices in concert leads to a twofold increase of the coverage of each protein. Considering data obtained in this study, we recommend the use of HCCA in concert with the SA matrix in order to obtain a good coverage of hydrophilic proteins, and DHB in concert with the SA matrix to obtain a good coverage of hydrophobic proteins.ConclusionIn this work, experiments were performed directly on complex biological samples, in order to see systematic comparison between different matrices for real-life samples and to show a correlation that will be applicable to similar studies. When 1D gel is needed, each band may contain a great number of proteins, each present in small amounts. To improve the proteins coverage, we have performed experiments with some matrices in concert. These experiments enabled reliable identification of proteins, without the use of Nanospray MS/MS experiments.

Identification of selenocompounds in yeast by electrospray quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometryElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: electrospray TOFMS spectra of fractions III and I of the SEC?HPLC, Figs. A?C. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/ja/b2/b201015c/

The performance of a quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF) tandem mass spectrometer was evaluated for the identification of low-molecular weight selenocompounds in an aqueous yeast extract. The accuracy of mass measurements, evaluated with selenomethionine, selenoethionine and selenocystine standards was found to be between 0.005 and 0.01% (0.01–0.02 u). The low molecular weight fraction was obtained by collecting selenocompounds eluted in the total volume of a G-15 size-exclusion column. The fraction gave three peaks in anion-exchange HPLC of which the identity was investigated by ES-Q-TOFMS/MS. Altogether, eight clusters with the isotopic pattern corresponding to the presence of Se were observed. They were further investigated by collision induced dissociation TOFMS leading to the demonstration of the presence of a series of new selenocompounds, all characterized by the presence of an adenosyl functional group.

Factorial design optimization of experimental variables in preconcentration of carbamates pesticides in water samples using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-electrospray-mass spectrometry determination.

An experimental design was applied for the optimization of extraction process of carbamates pesticides from surface water samples. Solid phase extraction (SPE) of carbamates compounds and their determination by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry detector were considered. A two level full factorial design 2(k) was used for selecting the variables which affected the extraction procedure. Eluent and sample volumes were statistically the most significant parameters. These significant variables were optimized using Doehlert matrix. The developed SPE method included 200mg of C-18 sorbent, 143.5 mL of water sample and 5.5 mL of acetonitrile in the elution step. For validation of the technique, accuracy, precision, detection and quantification limits, linearity, sensibility and selectivity were evaluated. Extraction recovery percentages of all the carbamates were above 90% with relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) in the range of 3-11%. The extraction method was selective and the detection and quantification limits were between 0.1 and 0.5 µg L(-1), and 1 and 3 µg L(-1), respectively.

Selenourea−Ca2+ Reactions in Gas Phase. Similarities and Dissimilarities with Urea and Thiourea

The gas-phase reactions between Ca(2+) and selenourea were investigated by means of electrospray/tandem mass spectrometry techniques. The MS/MS spectra of [Ca(selenourea)](2+) complexes show intense peaks at m/z 43, 121, 124, and 146 and assigned to monocations produced in different coulomb explosion processes. The structures and bonding characteristics of the stationary points of the [Ca(selenourea)](2+) potential energy surface (PES) were theoretically studied by DFT calculations carried out at the B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p)//B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. The analysis of the topology of this PES allows identification of H(2)NCNH(+), CaSeH(+), selenourea(+). and CaNCSe(+) ion peaks at m/z 43, 121, 124, and 146, respectively. The reactivity of selenourea and the topology of the corresponding potential energy surface mimic that of thiourea. However, significant dissimilarities are found with respect to urea. The dissociative electron-transfer processes, not observed for urea, is one of the dominant fragmentations for selenourea, reflecting its much lower ionization energy. Similarly, the coulomb explosions yielding CaXH(+) + H(2)NCNH(+) (X = O or Se), which for urea are not observed, are very favorable for selenourea. Finally, while in urea the loss of NH(3) competes with the formation of NH(4+), for selenourea the latter process is clearly dominant.

APCI/APPI for synthetic polymer analysis.

Modern mass spectrometry of synthetic polymers involves soft ionization techniques. Whereas matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray (ESI) are employed routinely, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and more recently atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) are used to a lesser extent. However, these latter ionization methods coupled to liquid-phase separation techniques create new opportunities for the characterization of polymers, especially for low molecular weight compounds or for the polymers that are poorly ionizable by the usual methods. After a part devoted to the description of classical MS methods employed for polymer analysis (MALDI, ESI, and their use with chromatography), APCI and APPI techniques will be described, discussed, and selected examples will present the interest of these ionization sources (or interfaces for LC/MS) in the field of polymer analysis.

Gas-phase interactions between lead(II) ions and thiouracil nucleobases: A combined experimental and theoretical study

The gas-phase interactions between lead(II) ions and 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, and 2,4-dithiouracil have been investigated by combining mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations. The most abundant complexes observed, namely [Pb(thiouracil) − H]+, have been studied by MS/MS experiments. Cationization by the metal allows an unambiguous characterization of the sulfur position, several fragment ions being specific of each isomer. Moreover, compared with the uracil fragmentation, new fragmentation channels are observed: elimination of PbS or total reduction of the metal. Calculations performed on the different structures, including tautomers, show that sulfur is the preferred complexation site, suggesting the greater affinity of lead for sulfur. The most stable structures are always preferentially bidentate. Natural population analysis indicates a charge transfer from the base to the metal with a more pronounced covalent character for sulfur compared to oxygen. Energetic profiles associated with the main fragmentations have been described.

Proteome analysis of differentiating human myoblasts by dialysis-assisted two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (DAGE).

In the present study, modifications in cytosolic expressed proteins during human myoblast differentiation were studied by dialysis‐assisted 2‐DE (DAGE, [1]). About 1000 spots were analysed on the 5th and 13th day of differentiation with a dynamic range of protein expression exceeding 1000‐fold. During myogenic differentiation, the number of nonmatching spots as well as the extent of quantitative differences between matched spots significantly increased. Over one hundred differentially expressed spots were excised and identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. The differentiation‐associated expression pattern of eight proteins was validated by Western blot analysis. Differential expression of several proteins was demonstrated for the first time in human myotubes. Interestingly, Ingenuity pathway analysis grouped 30 of these proteins into two overlapping networks containing as principal nodes IGF‐1 and tumour necrosis factor, two proteins known to play a crucial role in cytogenesis. Our results illustrate the large rearrangement of the proteome during the differentiation of human myoblasts and provide evidence for new partners involved in this complex process.

The gas-phase basicity and proton affinity of 1,3,5-cycloheptatriene--energetics, structure and interconversion of dihydrotropylium ions.

The hitherto unknown gas-phase basicity and proton affinity of 1,3,5-cycloheptatriene (CHT) have been determined by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. Several independent techniques were used in order to exclude ambiguities due to proton-induced isomerisation of the conjugate cyclic C7H9+ ions, [CHT + H]+. The gas-phase basicity obtained by the thermokinetic method, GB(CHT) = 799 ± 4 kJ mol−1, was found to be identical, within the limits of experimental error, with the values measured by the equilibrium method starting with protonated reference bases, and with the values resulting from the measurements of the individual forward and reverse rate constants, when corrections were made for the isomerised fraction of the C7H9+ population. The experimentally determined gas-phase basicity leads to the proton affinity of cycloheptatriene, PA(CHT) = 833 ± 4 kJ mol−1, and the heat of formation of the cyclo-C7H9+ ion, ΔHf0([CHT + H]+) = 884 ± 4 kJ mol−1. Ab initio calculations are in agreement with these experimental values if the 1,2-dihydrotropylium tautomer, [CHT + H(1)]+, generated by protonation of CHT at C-1, is assumed to be the conjugate acid, resulting in PA(CHT) = 825 ± 2 kJ mol−1 and ΔHf0300([CHT + H(1)]+) = 892 ± 2 kJ mol−1. However, the calculations indicate that protonation of cycloheptatriene at C-2 gives rise to transannular C–C bond formation, generating protonated norcaradiene [NCD + H]+, a valence tautomer being 19 kJ mol−1 more stable than [CHT + H(1)]+. The 1,4-dihydrotropylium ion, [CHT + H(3)]+, generated by protonation of CHT at C-3, is 17 kJ mol−1 less stable than [CHT + H(1)]+. The bicyclic isomer [NCD + H]+ is separated by relatively high barriers, 70 and 66 kJ mol−1 from the monocyclic isomers, [CHT + H(1)]+ and [CHT + H(3)]+, respectively. Therefore, the initially formed 1,2-dihydrotropylium ion [CHT + H(1)]+ does not rearrange to the bicyclic isomer [NCD + H]+ under mild protonation conditions.

Desorption electrospray ionization ‐ orbitrap mass spectrometry of synthetic polymers and copolymers

Desorption ElectroSpray Ionization (DESI) - Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (MS) was evaluated as a new tool for the characterization of various industrial synthetic polymers (poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), poly(methylmethacrylate), poly(dimethylsiloxane)) and copolymers, with masses ranging from 500 g.mol(-1) up to more than 20 000 g.mol(-1) . Satisfying results in terms of signal stability and sensitivity were obtained from hydrophobic surfaces (HTC Prosolia) with a mixture water/methanol (10/90) as spray solvent in the presence of sodium salt. Taking into account the formation of multiplied charged species by DESI-MS, a strategy based on the use of a deconvolution software followed by the automatic assignment of the ions was described allowing the rapid determination of M(n) , M(w) and PDI values. DESI-Orbitrap MS results were compared to those obtained from matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization- time-of-flight MS and gel permeation chromatography. An application of DESI-Orbitrap MS for the detection and identification of polymers directly from cosmetics was described.