Michael Athanas

Selected Reaction Monitoring–Mass Spectrometric Immunoassay Responsive to Parathyroid Hormone and Related Variants

BACKGROUND Parathyroid hormone (PTH) assays able to distinguish between full-length PTH (PTH1-84) and N-terminally truncated PTH (PTH7-84) are of increasing significance in the accurate diagnosis of endocrine and osteological diseases. We describe the discovery of new N-terminal and C-terminal PTH variants and the development of selected reaction monitoring (SRM)-based immunoassays specifically designed for the detection of full-length PTH [amino acid (aa)1-84] and 2 N-terminal variants, aa7-84 and aa34-84. METHODS Preparation of mass spectrometric immunoassay pipettor tips and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric analysis were carried out as previously described. We used novel software to develop SRM assays on a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. Heavy isotope-labeled versions of target peptides were used as internal standards. RESULTS Top-down analysis of samples from healthy individuals and renal failure patients revealed numerous PTH variants, including previously unidentified aa28-84, aa48-84, aa34-77, aa37-77, and aa38-77. Quantitative SRM assays were developed for PTH1-84, PTH7-84, and variant aa34-84. Peptides exhibited linear responses (R(2) = 0.90-0.99) relative to recombinant human PTH concentration limits of detection for intact PTH of 8 ng/L and limits of quantification of 16-31 ng/L depending on the peptide. Standard error of analysis for all triplicate measurements was 3%-12% for all peptides, with <5% chromatographic drift between replicates. The CVs of integrated areas under the curve for 54 separate measurements of heavy peptides were 5%-9%. CONCLUSIONS Mass spectrometric immunoassays identified new clinical variants of PTH and provided a quantitative assay for these and previously identified forms of PTH.

Mass Spectrometric Discovery and Selective Reaction Monitoring (SRM) of Putative Protein Biomarker Candidates in First Trimester Trisomy 21 Maternal Serum

The accurate diagnosis of Trisomy 21 requires invasive procedures that carry a risk of miscarriage. The current state-of-the-art maternal serum screening tests measure levels of PAPP-A, free bhCG, AFP, and uE3 in various combinations with a maximum sensitivity of 60-75% and a false positive rate of 5%. There is currently an unmet need for noninvasive screening tests with high selectivity that can detect pregnancies at risk, preferably within the first trimester. The aim of this study was to apply proteomics and mass spectrometry techniques for the discovery of new putative biomarkers for Trisomy 21 in first trimester maternal serum coupled with the immediate development of quantitative selective reaction monitoring (SRM) assays. The results of the novel workflow were 2-fold: (1) we identified a list of differentially expressed proteins in Trisomy 21 vs Normal samples, including PAPP-A, and (2) we developed a multiplexed, high-throughput SRM assay for verification of 12 new putative markers identified in the discovery experiments. To narrow down the initial large list of differentially expressed candidates resulting from the discovery experiments, we incorporated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve algorithms early in the data analysis process. We believe this approach provides a substantial advantage in sifting through the large and complex data typically obtained from discovery experiments. The workflow efficiently mined information derived from high-resolution LC-MS/MS discovery data for the seamless construction of rapid, targeted assays that were performed on unfractionated serum digests. The SRM assay lower limit of detection (LLOD) for the target peptides in a background of digested serum matrix was approximately 250-500 attomoles on column and the limit of accurate quantitation (LOQ) was approximately 1-5 femtomoles on column. The assay error as determined by coefficient of variation at LOQ and above ranged from 0 to 16%. The workflow developed in this study bridges the gap between proteomic biomarker discovery and translation into a clinical research environment. Specifically, for Trisomy 21, the described multiplexed SRM assay provides a vehicle for high-throughput verification of these, and potentially other, peptide candidates on larger sample cohorts.

Platform for Establishing Interlaboratory Reproducibility of Selected Reaction Monitoring-Based Mass Spectrometry Peptide Assays

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an attractive alternative to quantification of proteins by immunoassays, particularly for protein biomarkers of clinical relevance. Reliable quantification requires that the MS-based assays are robust, selective, and reproducible. Thus, the development of standardized protocols is essential to introduce MS into clinical research laboratories. The aim of this study was to establish a complete workflow for assessing the transferability and reproducibility of selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assays between clinical research laboratories. Four independent laboratories in North America, using identical triple-quadrupole mass spectrometers (Quantum Ultra, Thermo), were provided with standard protocols and instrumentation settings to analyze unknown samples and internal standards in a digested plasma matrix to quantify 51 peptides from 39 human proteins using a multiplexed SRM assay. The interlaboratory coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 10% for 25 of 39 peptides quantified (12 peptides were not quantified based upon hydrophobicity) and exhibited CVs less than 20% for the remaining peptides. In this report, we demonstrate that previously developed research platforms for SRM assays can be improved and optimized for deployment in clinical research environments.

Interlaboratory reproducibility of selective reaction monitoring assays using multiple upfront analyte enrichment strategies.

Over the past few years, mass spectrometry has emerged as a technology to complement and potentially replace standard immunoassays in routine clinical core laboratories. Application of mass spectrometry to protein and peptide measurement can provide advantages including high sensitivity, the ability to multiplex analytes, and high specificity at the amino acid sequence level. In our previous study, we demonstrated excellent reproducibility of mass spectrometry-selective reaction monitoring (MS-SRM) assays when applying standardized standard operating procedures (SOPs) to measure synthetic peptides in a complex sample, as lack of reproducibility has been a frequent criticism leveled at the use of mass spectrometers in the clinical laboratory compared to immunoassays. Furthermore, an important caveat of SRM-based assays for proteins is that many low-abundance analytes require some type of enrichment before detection with MS. This adds a level of complexity to the procedure and the potential for irreproducibility increases, especially across different laboratories with different operators. The purpose of this study was to test the interlaboratory reproducibility of SRM assays with various upfront enrichment strategies and different types of clinical samples (representing real-world body fluids commonly encountered in routine clinical laboratories). Three different, previously published enrichment strategies for low-abundance analytes and a no-enrichment strategy for high-abundance analytes were tested across four different laboratories using different liquid chromatography-SRM (LC-SRM) platforms and previously developed SOPs. The results demonstrated that these assays were indeed reproducible with coefficients of variation of less than 30% for the measurement of important clinical proteins across all four laboratories in real world samples.

Discrimination of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes using a multiplexed, mass spectrometry-based assay for serum apolipoproteins coupled to multi-marker ROC algorithm

Typically, apolipoproteins are individually measured in blood by immunoassay. In this report, we describe the development of a multiplexed selected reaction monitoring (SRM) based assay for a panel of apolipoproteins and its application to a clinical cohort of samples derived from acute stroke patients.

A metabolomics based approach for understanding the influence of terroir in Vitis Vinifera L.

This study aims to understand the contribution of ‘terroir’ during the cultivation of Vitis vinifera L. The concept of terroir stems from the French ideal that a region’s soil and local vineyard topography together with a region’s macroclimate, including the mesoclimate and vine microclimate, together define the unique characteristics of a wine. In this current study we have utilized high performance liquid chromatography combined with a Q Exactive quadrupole Orbitrap™ mass analyzer for the direct injection analysis of Vitis vinifera juice samples sourced from two different vineyards from the Santa Ynez AVA of Santa Barbara county. Analysis of the mass spectral data was facilitated by a differential analysis software program—SIEVE 2.0™. Distinct metabolomic signatures in freshly crushed juice samples were elucidated. Interestingly, important and distinct information was revealed from the analysis of both the positive and negative ion data. Hierarchical clustering indicated the negative ion data displayed similarity based on varietal character while results obtained in the positive ion mode clustered primarily on terroir. This may indicate that more acidic compounds are influenced by varietal character while more basic compounds are influenced by terroir. Using a feature of SIEVE 2.0 a flavonoid database was utilized to search the raw data for flavonoids present in the juice samples. This targeted analysis indicated the flavonoid profile of juice samples appears to be a good indicator of varietal character independent of terroir. The analysis presented in this study suggests distinct Vitis vinifera grape juice chemical signatures are present prior to fermentation. Further analysis will aim to attribute which of these compounds is influenced by varietal character and/or terroir.

Heart-brain signaling in patent foramen ovale-related stroke: differential plasma proteomic expression patterns revealed with a 2-pass liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry discovery workflow.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is highly prevalent and associated with more than 150,000 strokes per year. Traditionally, it is thought that PFOs facilitate strokes by allowing venous clots to travel directly to the brain. However, only a small portion of PFO stroke patients have a known tendency to form blood clots, and the optimal treatment for this multiorgan disease is unclear. Therefore, mapping the changes in systemic circulation of PFO-related stroke is crucial in understanding the pathophysiology to individualize the best clinical treatment for each patient. We initiated a study using a novel quantitative, 2-pass discovery workflow using high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry coupled with label-free analysis to track protein expression in PFO patients before and after endovascular closure of the PFO. Using this approach, we were able to demonstrate quantitative differences in protein expression between both PFO-related and non–PFO-related ischemic stroke groups as well as before and after PFO closure. As an initial step in understanding the molecular landscape of PFO-related physiology, our methods have yielded biologically relevant information on the synergistic and functional redundancy of various cell-signaling molecules with respect to PFO circulatory physiology. The resulting protein expression patterns were related to canonical pathways including prothrombin activation, atherosclerosis signaling, acute-phase response, LXR/RXR activation, and coagulation system. In particular, after PFO closure, numerous proteins demonstrated reduced expression in stroke-related canonical pathways such as acute inflammatory response and coagulation signaling. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of using a proteomic approach for biomarker discovery to help gauge therapeutic efficacy in stroke.

Evaluation of label-free quantitative proteomics in a plant matrix: A case study of the night-to-day transition in corn leaf

The application of a label-free, LC-MS/MS based proteomics method for analysis of plant tissues was evaluated using both a spike study and case study in corn (Zea mays) leaf tissue. The spike study was utilized to establish a label-free proteomics protocol for corn leaf tissue, with focus on the assessment of sensitivity and accuracy. The data from this spike study indicated that this protocol had quantitative accuracy within ±20% of the true values and was able to differentiate 1.5 fold changes in protein abundance in a corn leaf matrix. Furthermore, the applicability of this protocol as a useful tool for answering biologically relevant questions was tested in a case study of the response of the proteome to night-to-day transition in corn leaf tissue. The label-free proteomics approach detected 136 differentially abundant proteins (FDR = 0.01 with an absolute log fold change ≥ 0.8) and 313 proteins whose abundance did not change in response to the diurnal cycle using ANOVA fixed effects model analysis. Identified proteins were mapped to their Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes and compared with expected diurnal biology. Many observed changes, including an increase in photosynthetic processes, were consistent with anticipated biological responses to the night-to-day transition. The results from the spike and case studies show that the label-free method can reliably provide a means to detect changes in protein abundance in plant tissue.

Global profiling and relative quantifiction of histones, histone PTMs and histone-modifying enzymes in mesenchymal stem cells using LC-MS/MS and a novel PerfectPair mass difference algorithm.

The past 20 years have witnessed a considerable interest in the aging phenomenon among researchers in varied fields of biology and medicine. The Buck Institute is currently in a phase of growth, and a major focus will be to expand stem cell research. There are two main reasons, and the first is obvious. It is increasingly apparent that stem cells, either embryonic, adult or induced pluripotent, offer exciting possibilities to develop therapeutic approaches to the diseases of aging. The Institute already has programs to explore the potential of stem cells in the treatment of a range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson, Huntington and Alzheimer diseases. With respect to Parkinson disease, Dr. Xianmin Zeng is developing clinical-grade human dopaminergic neurons with the intent to replace those that are lost with disease progression. Furthermore, Dr. Deepak Lamba, who has just joined the Buck Institute faculty, will bring an exciting program to develop stem cell therapeutic approaches to treat macular degeneration, which has a major impact on the quality of life of elders.

Abstract 4587: Quantitative analysis of IGF-1R signaling pathway activation in FFPE tissue

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Multiple Ewings sarcoma clinical trials targeting insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) with IGF-1R small molecules and antibody inhibitors are currently underway. The IGF-1R signal pathway is commonly activated in many cancer types so this targeted therapeutic approach holds great promise for not only treating Ewings sarcoma but other types of cancers as well. There is currently no good method to quantitatively measure the IGF-1R protein, its phosphorylation status, or the immediate downstream signal pathway target IRS-1. Being able to quantify these proteins and determine their phosphorylation status directly in patient tissue biopsies could help identify and select patients most likely to benefit from anti-IGF-1R therapies. We have developed an approach to determine both absolute IGF-1R and IRS-1 levels and the phosphorylation status of both proteins directly in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) patient tissue. This approach is based on the Liquid Tissue®-SRM technology platform, a combination of tissue microdissection, Liquid Tissue® processing which turns dissected tissue to a complete solubilized tryptic digest, and mass spectrometry-based selected reaction monitoring (SRM). This approach enables relative and absolute quantification of proteins and their phosphorylation status directly in formalin fixed tissue. This approach was used to measure the IGF-1R protein and its phosphorylation sites pY1131, pY1135, and pY1136 as well as the IRS-1 protein and its phosphorylation sites pY612 and pY896 in formalin fixed tissue culture cells and xenograft tumors. Results indicate the potential to detect and quantify the IGF-1R and IRS-1 proteins and to monitor their phosphorylation status directly in FFPE tumor tissue which could be used to identify and stratify patients most likely to benefit from anti-IGF-1R therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4587.