Funding provided by Slippery Rock University. We would like to thank T. Boron III (Slippery Rock University) and C. Haney (University of Pennsylvania) for their insights.

1. Hydrolysis of Ni-Schiff-Base Complex
<ol>
	<li>Dissolve 1 mmol of the Ni-PBP-Schiff-base complex in 40 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with stirring in a 250 mL round bottom flask at room temperature.</li>
	<li>Add 60 mL of 0.2 M aqueous EDTA solution, pH 4.5.</li>
	<li>Using a magnetic stir bar and stir plate, stir the combined solution overnight. As the Schiff-base complex is hydrolyzed, the color will shift from a deep red to white.</li>
	<li>After completion of the reaction as indicated by th...

<ol>
	<li>Wang, J., Shi, T., Deng, G., Jiang, H., Liu, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Highly+Enantio-+and+Diastereoselective+Mannich+Reactions+of+Chiral+Ni(II)+Glycinates+with+amino+sulfones.+Efficient+asymmetric+synthesis+of+aromatic+&#945;,&#946;-diamino+acids.">Highly Enantio- and Diastereoselective Mannich Reactions of Chiral Ni(II) Glycinates with amino sulfones. Efficient asymmetric synthesis of aromatic &#945;,&#946;-diamino acids.</a> J. Org. Chem. 73 (21), 8563-8570 (2011).</li><li>Wang, J., Lin, D., Zhou, S., Ding, X., Soloshonok, V. A., Liu, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Asymmetric+synthesis+of+sterically+and+electronically+demanding+linear+&#969;,-trifluoromethyl+containing+amino+acids+via+alkylation+of+chiral+equivalents+of+nucleophilic+glycine+and+alanine.">Asymmetric synthesis of sterically and electronically demanding linear &#969;,-trifluoromethyl containing amino acids via alkylation of chiral equivalents of nucleophilic glycine and alanine.</a> J. Org. Chem. 76 (2), 684-687 (2011).</li><li>Wang, J., Zhou, S., Lin, D., Ding, X., Jiang, H., Liu, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Highly+diastereo-+and+enantioselective+synthesis+of+syn-&#946;,-substituted+tryptophans+via+asymmetric+Michael+addition+of+a+chiral+equivalent+of+nucleophilic+glycine+and+sulfonylindoles.">Highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of syn-&#946;,-substituted tryptophans via asymmetric Michael addition of a chiral equivalent of nucleophilic glycine and sulfonylindoles.</a> Chem. Commun. 47 (29), 8355-8357 (2011).</li><li>Belokon, Y. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Highly+efficient+catalytic+synthesis+of+&#945;,-amino+acids+under+phase-transfer+conditions+with+a+novel+catalyst/substrate+pair.">Highly efficient catalytic synthesis of &#945;,-amino acids under phase-transfer conditions with a novel catalyst/substrate pair.</a> Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 40 (10), 1948-1951 (2001).</li><li>Zhou, S., Wang, J., Lin, D., Zhao, F., Liu, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enantioselective+synthesis+of+2-substituted-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-yl+glycine+derivatives+via+oxidative+cross-dehydrogenative+coupling+of+tertiary+amines+and+chiral+nickel(II)+glycinate.">Enantioselective synthesis of 2-substituted-tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-yl glycine derivatives via oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of tertiary amines and chiral nickel(II) glycinate.</a> J. Org. Chem. 78 (22), 11204-11212 (2013).</li><li>Belokon, Y. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthesis+of+&#945;,-amino+acids+via+asymmetric+phase+transfer-catalyzed+alkylation+of+achiral+nickel(II)+complexes+of+glycine-derived+Schiff+bases.">Synthesis of &#945;,-amino acids via asymmetric phase transfer-catalyzed alkylation of achiral nickel(II) complexes of glycine-derived Schiff bases.</a> J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125 (42), 12860-12871 (2003).</li><li>Ueki, H., Ellis, T. K., Martin, C. H., Soloshonok, V. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficient+large-scale+synthesis+of+picolinic+acid-derived+nickel(II)+complexes+of+glycine.">Efficient large-scale synthesis of picolinic acid-derived nickel(II) complexes of glycine.</a> Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2003 (10), 1954-1957 (2003).</li><li>Dener, J. M., Fantauzzi, P. P., Kshirsagar, T. A., Kelly, D. E., Wolfe, A. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Large-scale+syntheses+of+Fmoc-protected+non-proteogenic+amino+acids:+useful+building+blocks+for+combinatorial+libraries.">Large-scale syntheses of Fmoc-protected non-proteogenic amino acids: useful building blocks for combinatorial libraries.</a> Org. Process Res. Dev. 5 (4), 445-449 (2001).</li><li>Cruz, L. J., Beteta, N. G., Ewenson, A., Albericio, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=&amp;#34;One-pot&amp;#34;,+preparation+of+N-carbamate+protected+amino+acids+via+the+azide.">&amp;#34;One-pot&amp;#34;, preparation of N-carbamate protected amino acids via the azide.</a> Org Process Res. Dev. 8 (6), 920-924 (2004).</li><li>Hart, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. , (2000).</li><li>Adamson, J. G., Blaskovich, M. A., Groenevelt, H., Lajoie, G. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simple+and+convenient+synthesis+of+tert-butyl+ethers+of+Fmoc-serine,+Fmoc-threonine,+and+Fmoc-tyrosine.">Simple and convenient synthesis of tert-butyl ethers of Fmoc-serine, Fmoc-threonine, and Fmoc-tyrosine.</a> J. Org. Chem. 56 (10), 3447-3449 (1991).</li><li>Seyfried, M. S., Lauber, B. S., Luedtke, N. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multiple-turnover+isotopic+labeling+of+Fmoc-+and+Boc-protected+amino+acids+with+oxygen+isotopes.">Multiple-turnover isotopic labeling of Fmoc- and Boc-protected amino acids with oxygen isotopes.</a> Org. Lett. 12 (1), 104-106 (2010).</li><li>Bonke, G., Vedel, L., Witt, M., Jaroszewski, J. W., Olsen, C. A., Franzyk, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dimeric+building+blocks+for+solid-phase+synthesis+of+&#945;,-peptide-&#946;,-peptoid+chimeras.">Dimeric building blocks for solid-phase synthesis of &#945;,-peptide-&#946;,-peptoid chimeras.</a> Synthesis. 2008 (15), 2381-2390 (2008).</li></ol>

The protocol described above is useful in its ability to facilitate the isolation of an amino acid backbone from a Ni-Schiff-base complex under mild pH conditions and subsequent Fmoc protection of this isolated amino acid through two critical steps. The first step involves stirring a DMF/water solution containing EDTA to facilitate release of the amino acid from the complex. Residual complex or organic byproducts can easily be removed with extraction. The second step of this protocol involves an Fmoc protection of the am...

Unnatural amino acids (UAA&#39;s) bearing side chains that vary from those of the twenty naturally occurring amino acids found in nature have found utility in a wide-range of applications. Synthesis of these UAA&#39;s, however, can be difficult depending on the structure of the side-chains and the stereochemistry of the amino acid backbone. C-H bond activation of glycine in the context of a nickel Schiff-base complex has been used to produce a variety of amino acid derivatives including &#945;,&#946;-diamino acids1 and UAA&#39;s bearing fluorinated2 or heterocyclic side-chains.3
After addition of unnatural side-chains, functionalized UAA&#39;s are typically removed from the Schiff-base complex by reflux in hydrochloric acid4 and are subsequently isolated using ion-exchange chromatography. While generally efficient, this protocol generates amino acids that may be unsuitable for use in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). The nature of SPPS requires the presence of acid-labile side-chain protecting groups and the strongly acidic nature of typical Ni-Schiff-base decomposition conditions prevents isolation of UAA&#39;s with these protecting groups intact. To our knowledge, only one alternative decomposition method has been reported: use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and hydrazine at elevated temperatures,5 conditions that themselves may not be suitable for some side-chain protecting groups such as phthalimides.
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/55677/55677fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Synthesis of Ni-PBP-Gly from Ni2+, PBP, and Glycine (Gly). <a href="http://cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/55677/55677fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
Herein, we report a method for hydrolysis of a Ni-Schiff-base complex, Ni-PBP-Gly (Figure 1). This complex, derived from Ni2+, glycine, and pyridine-2-carboxylic acid(2-benzoyl-phenyl)-amide (PBP),6 has been demonstrated to be a useful platform for synthesis of a variety of UAA&#39;s and is easily accessible using a two-step synthetic route.7 Synthesis of this complex is literature-precedented in high yield.6 Our results described below demonstrate the applicability of hydrolysis conditions utilizing EDTA at mildly acidic to neutral pH conditions appropriate for use with UAA&#39;s bearing acid-labile side-chain protecting groups. Following hydrolysis, the resulting aqueous solution can be isolated and subjected immediately to standard Fmoc protection conditions to afford an Fmoc-protected amino acid (Figure 2).
<img alt="Figure 2" src="/files/ftp_upload/55677/55677fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Hydrolysis and Fmoc-protection of an Amino Acid Isolated from Ni-PBP-Gly. Reaction Conditions: i. EDTA (12 equiv), pH 4.5; ii. Ethyl acetate wash and adjustment to pH 7; iii. Fmoc-OSu (1 equiv), NaHCO3 (2 equiv). <a href="http://cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/55677/55677fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Ni-PBP-Gly</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Synthesized from published protocol</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMF</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>D119-4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EDTA</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S311-100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dichloromethane</td>
			<td>Acros</td>
			<td>AC610050040</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Bicarbonate</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>S233-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fmoc-OSu</td>
			<td>Chem-Impex</td>
			<td>&#34;00147&#34;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dioxane</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>D111-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrochloric Acid</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>A144-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethyl Acetate</td>
			<td>Acros</td>
			<td>AC610060040</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Magnesium Sulfate</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>M65-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ZEOPrep 60ECO Silica Gel</td>
			<td>ZEOChem</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hexanes</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>3200250.650.443</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chromatography Column</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pH Test Strips</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rotary Evaporator</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>250 mL Separatory Funnel</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>250 mL Round Bottom Flask</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stir Bar</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stir Plate</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

hydrolysis of a ni-schiff-base complex using conditions suitable for retention of acid-labile protecting groups

Unnatural amino acids, amino acids containing side-chain functionalities not commonly seen in nature, are increasingly found in synthetic peptide sequences. Synthesis of some unnatural amino acids often includes the use of a precursor consisting of a Schiff-base stabilized by a nickel cation. Unnatural side-chains can be installed on an amino acid backbone found in this Schiff-base complex. The resulting unnatural amino acid can then be isolated from this complex using hydrolysis of the Schiff-base, typically by employing reflux in strongly acidic solution. These highly acidic conditions may remove acid-labile side-chain protecting groups necessary for the unnatural amino acids to be used in microwave-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis. In this work, we present an efficient hydrolysis and subsequent Fmoc protection of an amino acid isolated from a Ni-Schiff base complex. Hydrolysis conditions presented in this work are suitable for retention of acid-labile side-chain protecting groups and may be adaptable to a variety of unnatural amino acid substrates.

We hypothesized that removal of the Ni2+ from the Ni-PBP-Gly complex could allow an efficient aqueous hydrolysis of the Schiff-base without the need for harsh pH conditions. As EDTA is an inexpensive and well-studied chelating agent,10 we hypothesized that addition of EDTA to a solution of Ni-PBP-Gly would facilitate chelation of Ni2+ ions, thereby promoting hydrolysis of the complex.
<p class="jove_content" fo:keep-together.within-page="1...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Hydrolysis of a Ni-Schiff-Base Complex Using Conditions Suitable for Retention of Acid-labile Protecting Groups at JoVE.com

Hydrolysis of a Ni-Schiff-Base Complex Using Conditions Suitable for Retention of Acid-labile Protecting Groups

Here, we present an efficient hydrolysis and subsequent Fmoc protection of an amino acid isolated from a Ni-Schiff-base complex. Hydrolysis conditions presented here are suitable for use when retention of acid-labile side-chain protecting groups is required. This technique may be adaptable to a variety of unnatural amino acid substrates.

Unnatural amino acids, amino acids containing side-chain functionalities not commonly seen in nature, are increasingly found in synthetic peptide ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to conveniently isolate unnatural amino acids from a nickel shift base complex, and subsequently Fmoc protect these amino acids. This method can help answer key questions in the organic chemistry field, such as how to more easily synthesize unnatural amino acids. The main advantage of this technique is that it allows for isolation of amino acids with acid labile side chain protecting groups from a nickel shift base complex.Individuals new to this method will struggle because there is a limited solubility of the nickel complex in organic solvents. DMF is the most appropriate solvent because it can resolve the complex and is miscible with water. We first had the idea for this method when we received insight from our inorganic professor, Dr.Boron about nickel and metal chelating agents.To begin this procedure add 40 milliliters of DMF to a 250 milliliter round bottom flask. Dissolve one millimole of the nickel PBB shift base complex and the DMF with stirring at room temperature. Next add 60 milliliters of 0.2 molar aqueous EDTA solution at pH 4.5.Using a magnetic stir bar and stir plate, stir the solution over night. After the reaction is complete transfer the solution to a 250 milliliter separatory funnel. Add 50 milliliters of DCM.Then cap the separatory funnel and mix. Drain the organic wash into a waste beaker. Repeat the process of adding DCM mixing and removing the organic wash three times.After this collect the remaining aqueous layer in a 250 milliliter round bottom flask. First use solid sodium bicarbonate to adjust the pH to the isolated aqueous layer to pH seven. Next add 168 milligrams sodium bicarbonate.Stir the solution using the magnetic stir bar and stir plate. It's critical to adjust the pH to seven for adding two equivalents of sodium bicarbonate. This is important because the solution needs to be slightly basic to facilitate the Fmoc protection.In a 10 milliliter vial dissolve 337 milligrams Fmoc and hydroxysuccinimide ester and five milliliters of dioxane. Transfer this mixture to the aqueous solution and stir over night. The next day use one molar hydrochloric acid to acidify the solution to pH two.After this transfer the reaction to a 250 milliliter separatory funnel. Add 50 milliliters FO-acetate. It is important that the pH does not drop below two and that the step is completed quickly.Failure to do so could result in the loss of side chain protecting groups. Cap the separatory funnel and mix well. Then collect the organic layer in a 250 milliliter Erlenmeyer flask.Repeat the process of adding ethyl acetate, mixing and collecting the organic layer two additional times, combining the organic extracts. Next dry the combined organic extracts with approximately three grams of magnesium sulfate. Using a rotary evaporator, concentrate the combined organic extracts to afford the crude Fmoc protected amino acid.In this study an amino acid back bone is isolated from nickel shift base complex under mild pH conditions and then subsequently undergoes Fmoc protection through two critical steps. In the fist step a DMF water solution containing EDTA is stirred to facilitate the release of the amino acid from the complex. After the released amino acid is isolated and extracted it is subjected to Fmoc protection conditions affording an Fmoc protected amino acid.The progress of the hydrolysis reaction is tracked by monitoring the color change of the solution from red to white. Reactions involving fewer than eight equivalents of EDTA show some color transition but are always incomplete. While reactions without EDTA show no color change at all.Therefore, at least eight equivalents of EDTA are needed to bring the reaction to completion. The effective pH on the hydrolysis reaction is then assessed. Successful hydrolysis is seen under pH conditions ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 at room temperature with over night stirring.Which demonstrates the flexibility of EDTA hydrolysis. The feasibility of these hydrolysis conditions is then tested using a range of amino acids with differing side chain protecting groups. In each case the side chain protecting groups are fully retained as evidence by proton NMR.Once mastered this technique can be done in 48 hours if it is performed properly. While attempting this procedure it's important to remember to adhere to the specified pH level described throughout. Following this procedure other methods like hydrolysis of other amino acids with acid labile side chain protecting groups can be performed in order to answer additional questions like how useful this technique can be across a variety of substrates.After its development this technique will pave the way for researchers in the field of organic synthesis to explore the synthesis of unnatural amino acids with acid labile side chain protecting groups. After watching this video you should have a good understanding of how to isolate amino acids from a nickel PPB shift base complex using reaction conditions with mild pH ranges. Don't forget that working with organic solvents specifically DMF, can be extremely hazardous and precautions such as use of personal protective equipment should always be taken while performing this procedure.

hydrolysis-ni-schiff-base-complex-using-conditions-suitable-for

Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

9.5K ビュー.  Slippery Rock University. The overall goal of this procedure is to conveniently isolate unnatural amino acids from a nickel shift base complex, and subsequently Fmoc protect these amino acids. This method can help answer key questions in the organic chemistry field, such as how to more easily synthesize unnatural amino acids. The main advantage of this technique is that it allows for isolation of amino acids with acid labile side chain protecting groups from a nickel shift base complex.Individuals new to this m...

ビデオ: Hydrolysis of a Ni-Schiff-Base Complex Using Conditions Suitable for Retention of Acid-labile Protecting Groups

A Method for Measuring Metabolism in Sorted Subpopulations of Complex Cell Communities Using Stable Isotope Tracing

Mammalian cell types exhibit specialized metabolism, and there is ample evidence that various co-existing cell types engage in metabolic cooperation. Moreover, even cultures of a single cell type may contain cells in distinct metabolic states, such as resting or cycling cells. Methods for measuring metabolic activities of such subpopulations are valuable tools for understanding cellular metabolism. Complex cell populations are most commonly separated using a cell sorter, and subpopulations isolated by this method can be analyzed by metabolomics methods. However, a problem with this approach is that the cell sorting procedure subjects cells to stresses that may distort their metabolism.
To overcome these issues, we reasoned that the mass isotopomer distributions (MIDs) of metabolites from cells cultured with stable isotope-labeled nutrients are likely to be more stable than absolute metabolite concentrations, because MIDs are formed over longer time scales and should be less affected by short-term exposure to cell sorting conditions. Here, we describe a method based on this principle, combining cell sorting with liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The procedure involves analyzing three types of samples: (1) metabolite extracts obtained directly from the complex population; (2) extracts of "mock sorted" cells passed through the cell sorter instrument without gating any specific population; and (3) extracts of the actual sorted populations. The mock sorted cells are compared against direct extraction to verify that MIDs are indeed not altered by the cell sorting procedure itself, prior to analyzing the actual sorted populations. We show example results from HeLa cells sorted according to cell cycle phase, revealing changes in nucleotide metabolism.

This article describes a method for studying cellular metabolism in complex communities of multiple cell types, using a combination of stable isotope tracing, cell sorting to isolate specific cell types, and mass spectrometry.

Mammalian cell types exhibit specialized metabolism, and there is ample evidence that various co-existing cell types engage in metabolic cooperation. ...

Preparation of Giant Vesicles Encapsulating Microspheres by Centrifugation of a Water-in-oil Emulsion

The constructive biology and the synthetic biology approach to creating artificial life involve the bottom-up assembly of biological or nonbiological materials. Such approaches have received considerable attention in research on the boundary between living and nonliving matter and have been used to construct artificial cells over the past two decades. In particular, Giant Vesicles (GVs) have often been used as artificial cell membranes. In this paper, we describe the preparation of GVs encapsulating highly packed microspheres as a model of cells containing highly condensed biomolecules. The GVs were prepared by means of a simple water-in-oil emulsion centrifugation method. Specifically, a homogenizer was used to emulsify an aqueous solution containing the materials to be encapsulated and an oil containing dissolved phospholipids, and the resulting emulsion was layered carefully on the surface of another aqueous solution. The layered system was then centrifuged to generate the GVs. This powerful method was used to encapsulate materials ranging from small molecules to microspheres.

Giant vesicles containing highly packed micrometer-sized components are useful cell models. The water-in-oil emulsion centrifugation method is a simple, powerful tool for the preparation of giant vesicles with encapsulated materials.

The constructive biology and the synthetic biology approach to creating artificial life involve the bottom-up assembly of biological or nonbiological ...

A Modified Yeast-one Hybrid System for Heteromeric Protein Complex-DNA Interaction Studies

Over the years, the yeast one-hybrid assay has proven to be an important technique for the identification and validation of physical interactions between proteins such as transcription factors (TFs) and their DNA target. The method presented here utilizes the underlying concept of the Y1H but is modified further to study and validate protein complexes binding to their target DNA. Hence, it is referred to as the modified yeast one-hybrid (Y1.5H) assay. This assay is cost effective and can be easily performed in a regular laboratory setting. Albeit using a heterologous system, the described method could be a valuable tool to test and validate the heteromeric protein complex binding to their DNA target(s) for functional genomics in any system of study, especially plant genomics.

The modified yeast one-hybrid assay described here is an extension of the classical yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay to study and validate the heteromeric protein complex-DNA interaction in a heterologous system for any functional genomics study.

Over the years, the yeast one-hybrid assay has proven to be an important technique for the identification and validation of physical interactions between ...

Biochemical and Structural Characterization of the Carbohydrate Transport Substrate-binding-protein SP0092

Development of new antimicrobials and vaccines for Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are necessary to halt the rapid rise in multiple resistant strains. Carbohydrate substrate binding proteins (SBPs) represent viable targets for the development of protein-based vaccines and new antimicrobials because of their extracellular localization and the centrality of carbohydrate import for pneumococcal metabolism, respectively. Described here is a rationalized integrated protocol to carry out a comprehensive characterization of SP0092, which can be extended to other carbohydrate SBPs from the pneumococcus and other bacteria. This procedure can aid the structure-based design of inhibitors for this class of proteins. Presented in the first part of this manuscript are protocols for biochemical analysis by thermal shift assay, multi angle light scattering (MALS), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), which optimize the stability and homogeneity of the sample directed to crystallization trials and so enhance the probability of success. The second part of this procedure describes the characterization of the SBP crystals using a tunable wavelength anomalous diffraction synchrotron beamline, and data collection protocols for measuring data that can be used to resolve the crystallized protein structure.

A streamlined protocol for performing an extensive biochemical and structural characterization of a carbohydrate substrate binding protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae is presented.

Development of new antimicrobials and vaccines for Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are necessary to halt the rapid rise in multiple resistant ...

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs

Translation initiation is the rate-limiting step of protein synthesis and represents a key point at which cells regulate their protein output. Regulation of protein synthesis is the key to cellular stress-response, and dysregulation is central to many disease states, such as cancer. For instance, although cellular stress leads to the inhibition of global translation by attenuating cap-dependent initiation, certain stress-response proteins are selectively translated in a cap-independent manner. Discreet RNA regulatory elements, such as cellular internal ribosome entry sites (IRESes), allow for the translation of these specific mRNAs. Identification of such mRNAs, and the characterization of their regulatory mechanisms, have been a key area in molecular biology. Toeprinting is a method for the study of RNA structure and function as it pertains to translation initiation. The goal of toeprinting is to assess the ability of in vitro transcribed RNA to form stable complexes with ribosomes under a variety of conditions, in order to determine which sequences, structural elements, or accessory factors are involved in ribosome binding&#8212;a pre-cursor for efficient translation initiation. Alongside other techniques, such as western analysis and polysome profiling, toeprinting allows for a robust characterization of mechanisms for the regulation of translation initiation.

Toeprinting aims to measure the ability of in vitro transcribed RNA to form translation initiation complexes with ribosomes under a variety of conditions. This protocol describes a method for toeprinting mammalian RNA and can be used to study both cap-dependent and IRES-driven translation.

Translation initiation is the rate-limiting step of protein synthesis and represents a key point at which cells regulate their protein output. Regulation ...

Medium Preparation for the Cultivation of Microorganisms under Strictly Anaerobic/Anoxic Conditions

In contrast to aerobic organisms, strictly anaerobic microorganisms require the absence of oxygen and usually a low redox potential to initiate growth. As oxygen is ubiquitous in air, retaining O2-free conditions during all steps of cultivation is challenging but a prerequisite for anaerobic culturing. The protocol presented here demonstrates the successful cultivation of an anaerobic mixed culture derived from a biogas plant using a simple and inexpensive method. A precise description of the entire anoxic culturing process is given including media preparation, filling of cultivation flasks, supplementation with redox indicator and reducing agents to provide low redox potentials as well as exchanging the headspace to keep media free from oxygen. Furthermore, a detailed overview of aseptically inoculating gas tight serum flasks (by using sterile syringes and needles) and suitable incubation conditions is provided. The present protocol further deals with gas and liquid sampling for subsequent analyses regarding gas composition and volatile fatty acid concentrations using gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively, and the calculation of biogas and methane yield considering the ideal gas law.

As obligate anaerobic organisms are unable to grow upon oxygen exposure, the use of anaerobic culturing techniques is indispensable. Here, we demonstrate a simple and effective method to cultivate a mixed culture derived from a biogas plant from media preparation to gas and volatile fatty acid quantification.

In contrast to aerobic organisms, strictly anaerobic microorganisms require the absence of oxygen and usually a low redox potential to initiate growth. As ...

Crystallization and Structural Determination of an Enzyme:Substrate Complex by Serial Crystallography in a Versatile Microfluidic Chip

The preparation of well diffracting crystals and their handling before their X-ray analysis are two critical steps of biocrystallographic studies. We describe a versatile microfluidic chip that enables the production of crystals by the efficient method of counter-diffusion. The convection-free environment provided by the microfluidic channels is ideal for crystal growth and useful to diffuse a substrate into the active site of the crystalline enzyme. Here we applied this approach to the CCA-adding enzyme of the psychrophilic bacterium Planococcus halocryophilus in the presented example. After crystallization and substrate diffusion/soaking, the crystal structure of the enzyme:substrate complex was determined at room temperature by serial crystallography and the analysis of multiple crystals directly inside the chip. The whole procedure preserves the genuine diffraction properties of the samples because it requires no crystal handling.

A versatile microfluidic device is described that enables the crystallization of an enzyme using the counter-diffusion method, the introduction of a substrate in the crystals by soaking, and the 3D structure determination of the enzyme:substrate complex by a serial analysis of crystals inside the chip at room temperature.

The preparation of well diffracting crystals and their handling before their X-ray analysis are two critical steps of biocrystallographic studies. We ...

Complementation of Splicing Activity by a Galectin-3 - U1 snRNP Complex on Beads

Classic depletion-reconstitution experiments indicate that galectin-3 is a required splicing factor in nuclear extracts. The mechanism of incorporation of galectin-3 into the splicing pathway is addressed in this paper. Sedimentation of HeLa cell nuclear extracts on 12%-32% glycerol gradients yields fractions enriched in an endogenous ~10S particle that contains galectin-3 and U1 snRNP. We now describe a protocol to deplete nuclear extracts of U1 snRNP with concomitant loss of splicing activity. Splicing activity in the U1-depleted extract can be reconstituted by the galectin-3 - U1 snRNP particle trapped on agarose beads covalently coupled with anti-galectin-3 antibodies. The results indicate that the galectin-3 - U1 snRNP - pre-mRNA ternary complex is a functional E complex leading to intermediates and products of the splicing reaction and that galectin-3 enters the splicing pathway through its association with U1 snRNP. The scheme of using complexes affinity- or immuno-selected on beads to reconstitute splicing activity in extracts depleted of a specific splicing factor may be generally applicable to other systems.

This article describes the experimental procedures for (a) depletion of U1 snRNP from nuclear extracts, with concomitant loss of splicing activity; and (b) reconstitution of splicing activity in the U1-depleted extract by galectin-3 - U1 snRNP particles bound to beads covalently coupled with anti-galectin-3 antibodies.

Classic depletion-reconstitution experiments indicate that galectin-3 is a required splicing factor in nuclear extracts. The mechanism of incorporation of ...

RIBO-seq in Bacteria: a Sample Collection and Library Preparation Protocol for NGS Sequencing

The ribosome profiling technique (RIBO-seq) is currently the most effective tool for studying the process of protein synthesis in vivo. The advantage of this method, in comparison to other approaches, is its ability to monitor translation by precisely mapping the position and number of ribosomes on a mRNA transcript.
In this article, we describe the consecutive stages of sample collection and preparation for RIBO-seq method in bacteria, highlighting the details relevant to the planning and execution of the experiment.
Since the RIBO-seq relies on intact ribosomes and related mRNAs, the key step is rapid inhibition of translation and adequate disintegration of cells. Thus, we suggest filtration and flash-freezing in liquid nitrogen for cell harvesting with an optional pretreatment with chloramphenicol to arrest translation in bacteria. For the disintegration, we propose grinding frozen cells with mortar and pestle in the presence of aluminum oxide to mechanically disrupt the cell wall. In this protocol, sucrose cushion or a sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation for monosome purification is not required. Instead, mRNA separation using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) followed by the ribosomal footprint excision (28-30 nt band) is applied and provides satisfactory results. This largely simplifies the method as well as reduces the time and equipment requirements for the procedure. For library preparation, we recommend using the commercially available small RNA kit for Illumina sequencing from New England Biolabs, following manufacturer&#39;s guidelines with some degree of optimization.
The resulting cDNA libraries present appropriate quantity and quality required for next generation sequencing (NGS). Sequencing of the libraries prepared according to the described protocol results in 2 to 10 mln uniquely mapped reads per sample providing sufficient data for comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. The protocol we present is quick and relatively easy and can be performed with standard laboratory equipment.

Here we describe the stages of sample collection and preparation for RIBO-seq in bacteria. Sequencing of the libraries prepared according to these guidelines results in sufficient data for comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. The protocol we present is simple, uses standard laboratory equipment and takes seven days from lysis to obtaining libraries.

The ribosome profiling technique (RIBO-seq) is currently the most effective tool for studying the process of protein synthesis in vivo. The advantage of ...

Visualization and Quantification of TGF&#946;/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay

Transforming Growth Factor &#946; (TGF&#946;)/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling is tightly regulated and balanced during the development and homeostasis of the vasculature system Therefore, deregulation in this signaling pathway results in severe vascular pathologies, such as pulmonary artery hypertension, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, and atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells (ECs), as the innermost layer of blood vessels, are constantly exposed to fluid shear stress (SS). Abnormal patterns of fluid SS have been shown to enhance TGF&#946;/BMP signaling, which, together with other stimuli, induce atherogenesis. In relation to this, atheroprone, low laminar SS was found to enhance TGF&#946;/BMP signaling while atheroprotective, high laminar SS, diminishes this signaling. To efficiently analyze the activation of these pathways, we designed a workflow to investigate the formation of transcription factor complexes under low laminar SS and high laminar SS conditions using a commercially available pneumatic pump system and proximity ligation assay (PLA).
Active TGF&#946;/BMP-signaling requires the formation of trimeric SMAD complexes consisting of two regulatory SMADs (R-SMAD); SMAD2/3 and SMAD1/5/8 for TGF&#946; and BMP signaling, respectively) with a common mediator SMAD (co-SMAD; SMAD4). Using PLA targeting different subunits of the trimeric SMAD-complex, i.e., either R-SMAD/co-SMAD or R-SMAD/R-SMAD, the formation of active SMAD transcription factor complexes can be measured quantitatively and spatially using fluorescence microscopy.
The usage of flow slides with 6 small parallel channels, that can be connected in series, allows for the investigation of the transcription factor complex formation and inclusion of necessary controls. 
The workflow explained here can be easily adapted for studies targeting the proximity of SMADs to other transcription factors or to transcription factor complexes other than SMADs, in different fluid SS conditions. The workflow presented here shows a quick and effective way to study the fluid SS induced TGF&#946;/BMP signaling in ECs, both quantitatively and spatially.

Visualization and Quantification of TGF&amp;#946;/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay

Here, we establish a protocol to simultaneously visualize and analyze multiple SMAD complexes using proximity ligation assay (PLA) in endothelial cells exposed to pathological and physiological fluid shear stress conditions.

Transforming Growth Factor &#946; (TGF&#946;)/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling is tightly regulated and balanced during the development and ...