Global proteomic analysis of lysine acetylation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

Lysine acetylation is an important post‐translational modification (PTM). Since the development of MS‐based proteomics technology, important roles of lysine acetylation beyond histones have focused on chromatin remodeling during the cell cycle and regulation of nuclear transport, metabolism, and translation. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a widely used vertebrate model in genetics and biologic studies. Although studies in several mammalian species have been performed, the mechanism of lysine acetylation in D. rerio embryos is incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the global acetylome in D. rerio embryos by using an MS‐based proteomics approach. We identified 351 acetylated peptides and 377 nonredundant acetylation sites on 189 lysine‐acetylated proteins in 5‐day postfertilization (hpf) embryos of D. rerio. Among lysine‐acetylated peptides, 40.2% indicated three motifs: (ac)KxxxK, (ac)KxxxxK, and Lx(ac)K. Of 190 acetylated proteins, 81 (42.6%) were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm. Gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses showed that lysine acetylation in D. rerio was enriched in metabolic pathways. Additionally, 17 of 30 acetylated ribosomal proteins were evolutionarily conserved between zebrafish and humans. Our results indicate that acetyllysine might have regulatory effects on ribosomal proteins involved in protein biosynthesis.     

Highly selective isolation and purification of heme proteins in biological samples using multifunctional magnetic nanospheres

Magnetic particles with suitable surface modification are capable of binding proteins selectively, and magnetic separations have advantages of rapidity, convenience, and high selectivity. In this paper, new magnetic nanoparticles modified with imidazolium ionic liquid (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@ILs) were successfully fabricated. N‐Methylimidazolium was immobilized onto silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles via γ‐chloropropyl modification as a magnetic nanoadsorbent for heme protein separation. The particle size was about 90 nm without significant aggregation during the preparation process. Hemoglobin as one of heme proteins used in this experiment was compared with other nonheme proteins. It has been found that the magnetic nanoparticles can be used for more rapid, efficient, and specific adsorption of hemoglobin with a binding capacity as high as 5.78 mg/mg. In comparison with other adsorption materials of proteins in the previous reports, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@ILs magnetic nanoparticles exhibit the excellent performance in isolation of heme proteins with higher binding capacity and selectivity. In addition, a short separation time makes the functionalized nanoparticles suitable for purifying unstable proteins, as well as having other potential applications in a variety of biomedical fields.     

On‐chip protein isoelectric focusing using a photoimmobilized pH gradient†

An immobilized pH gradient was directly constructed on the inner wall of a microfluidic chip channel by photoimmobilizing focused carrier ampholytes onto the wall. A mixture of carbonic anhydrase, myoglobin, and trypsin inhibitor was successfully isoelectric‐focused and separated with good linearity between the pI values of proteins and the location of the focused bands. Furthermore, coating methods for the resistance of protein nonselective adsorption and simultaneously for pH gradient photocoupling were screened. The PEG‐silane coating method was found to be better than the cross‐linked polyacrylamide coating and aminosilane modification methods. Finally, based on the open tubular column mode of carrier ampholytes’ immobilization and effective antiadsorption coating, the immobilized pH gradient was reused and the chip was recycled for the first time. By virtue of its remarkable features including simplicity, convenience, high efficiency of protein enrichment and separation, and potential for coupling site‐selective IEF with other analytical or separation techniques, this novel method promises to be useful in several applications related with zwitterionic biomolecules.     

Microchip-based strategy for enrichment of acetylated proteins

We have developed a simple microchip-based method for the separation and enrichment of acetylated proteins and peptides using a microchip technique. Poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic channels were modified by passing an acidic solution of hydrogen peroxide through them. This resulted in hydrophilic silanol-covered surfaces onto which poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) can be coated. Protein A/G beads were then captured by the PDDA layer and antibodies can then be immobilized via the protein A/G. This technique enables efficient capture of antigens due to the optimal spacing and orientation of surface molecules. Two solutions, one containing 72.5 fmol?μL^?1 of acetylated bovine serum albumin (BSA-Ac), the other 72.5 fmol?μL^?1 of tryptic BSA-Ac digest were then enriched. High selectivities were obtained, and a 82.4 % recovery of the acetylated proteins was attained. This on-chip platform was then coupled to MALDI-MS to provide information on the acetylation sites of proteins and peptides. Additional peaks were observed in the mass spectra after enrichment and were assigned to acetylated peptides. This is significant with respect to understanding the mechanism and function of acetylation. In our opinion, this microchip-based technique has a large potential for detecting acetylated proteins and peptides in complex biological mixtures, and in acetylomics in general.

Targeted analysis of protein citrullination using chemical modification and tandem mass spectrometry

Protein citrullination originates from enzymatic deimination of polypeptide‐bound arginine and is involved in various biological processes during health and disease. However, tools required for a detailed and targeted proteomic analysis of citrullinated proteins in situ, including their citrullination sites, are limited. A widely used technique for detection of citrullinated proteins relies on antibody staining after specific derivatization of citrulline residues by 2,3‐butanedione and antipyrine. We have recently reported on the details of this reaction. Here, we show that this chemical modification can be utilized to specifically detect and identify citrullinated peptides and their citrullination sites by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis. Using model compounds, we demonstrate that in collision‐induced dissociation (CID) a specific, modification‐derived fragment ion appears as the dominating signal at m/z 201.1 in the MS/MS spectra. When applying electron transfer dissociation (ETD), however, the chemical modification of citrulline remained intact and extensive sequence coverage allowed identification of peptides and their citrullination sites. Therefore, LC/MS/MS analysis with alternating CID and ETD has been performed, using CID for specific, signature ion‐based detection of derivatized citrullinated peptides and ETD for sequence determination. The usefulness of this targeted analysis was demonstrated by identifying citrullination sites in myelin basic protein deiminated in vitro. Combining antibody‐based enrichment of chemically modified citrulline‐containing peptides with specific mass spectrometric detection will increase the potential of such a targeted analysis of protein citrullination in the future. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimer‐coated magnetic nanoparticles for the fast purification and selective enrichment of glycopeptides and glycans

Glycosylated proteins modulate various important functions of organisms. To reveal the functions of glycoproteins, in‐depth characterization studies are necessary. Although mass spectrometry is a very efficient tool for glycoproteomic and glycomic studies, efficient sample preparation methods are required prior to analyses. In the study, poly(amidoamine) dendrimer‐coated magnetic nanoparticles were presented for the specific enrichment and fast purification of glycopeptides and glycans. The enrichment and purification performance of the developed method was evaluated both at the glycopeptide, and the glycan level using several standard glycoprotein digests and released glycan samples. The poly(amidoamine) dendrimer‐coated magnetic nanoparticles not only showed selective affinity (Immunoglobulin G/Bovine Serum Albumin, 1/10 by weight) to glycopeptides and released glycans but also good sensitivity (0.4 ng/µL for Immunoglobulin G) for glycoproteomic and glycomic applications. Thirty‐five glycopeptides of Immunoglobulin G were detected after enrichment with poly(amidoamine) dendrimer‐coated magnetic nanoparticles. In addition, 55 ¹⁸O tagged deamidated glycopeptides belonging to human plasma glycoproteome were confirmed. Finally, fifty 2‐aminobenzoic acid, and 30 procainamide‐labelled human plasma N‐glycans released from human plasma glycoproteins were determined after purifications. The results indicate that the proposed enrichment and purification method using poly(amidoamine) dendrimer‐coated magnetic nanoparticles could be simply adjusted to sample preparation methods.     

Popcorn‐Shaped Magnetic Core–Plasmonic Shell Multifunctional Nanoparticles for the Targeted Magnetic Separation and Enrichment,Label‐Free SERS Imaging,and Photothermal Destruction of Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria

Over the last few years, one of the most important and complex problems facing our society is treating infectious diseases caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria (MDRB), by using current market‐existing antibiotics. Driven by this need, we report for the first time the development of the multifunctional popcorn‐shaped iron magnetic core–gold plasmonic shell nanotechnology‐driven approach for targeted magnetic separation and enrichment, label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection, and the selective photothermal destruction of MDR Salmonella DT104. Due to the presence of the “lightning‐rod effect”, the core–shell popcorn‐shaped gold‐nanoparticle tips provided a huge field of SERS enhancement. The experimental data show that the M3038 antibody‐conjugated nanoparticles can be used for targeted separation and SERS imaging of MDR Salmonella DT104. A targeted photothermal‐lysis experiment, by using 670 nm light at 1.5 W cm^?2 for 10 min, results in selective and irreparable cellular‐damage to MDR Salmonella. We discuss the possible mechanism and operating principle for the targeted separation, label‐free SERS imaging, and photothermal destruction of MDRB by using the popcorn‐shaped magnetic/plasmonic nanotechnology.     

On-column capture of a specific protein in capillary electrophoresis using magnetic beads

A method for capturing specific molecules separated by CE has been explored. To demonstrate on-column capture of migrating analyte molecules, two detection windows were fabricated on a capillary. Magnetic beads containing immobilized molecules that react with the specific molecules under study were placed between the detection windows in the capillary using magnets. Molecules in a sample solution injected into the capillary were separated and detected at the first detection window. After passing through the first detection window, the separated molecules encountered the magnetic beads, where the specific analyte was captured. As a result, the peak area for those analyte molecules decreased or disappeared completely at the second detection window. Rabbit IgG and carbonic anhydrase were employed to demonstrate on-column capture of a specific molecule. For rabbit IgG, magnetic beads containing the immobilized antibody (anti-rabbit IgG) were used. Rabbit IgG molecules were captured on the magnetic beads during CE migration. Furthermore, the capture of carbonic anhydrase was demonstrated by the reaction between magnetic beads (containing immobilized anti-rabbit IgG) and anti-carbonic anhydrase (rabbit IgG), before the beads were packed in the capillary. After packing the magnetic beads in the capillary, a mixture of two proteins was injected into the capillary. Two proteins were detected at the first detection window, while the peak corresponding to carbonic anhydrase disappeared at the second detection window. The results show that using an appropriate antibody, the present technique would be applicable to any proteins.     

Anti‐Clostridium tetani Antibody Determination in Serum Samples by Amperometric Immunosensing

An electrochemical (EC) immunosensing assay for anti‐Clostridium tetani antibody determination in serum has been developed. The antigen tetanus toxoid was immobilized on superparamagnetic nanobeads. The immunoreaction occurred in Eppendorf minitubes. The anti‐tetani antibody was incubated in the presence of the toxoid functionalized nanobeads, then reacted with horseradish peroxidase‐labeled anti‐IgG. The resulting immunobeads were retained onto the carbon paste working electrode with a magnet. Hydroquinone served as redox label. The level of anti‐Clostridium tetani antibody in guinea pig serum samples was determined by amperometry using a carbon based screen‐printed electrode (cSPE) housed onto a magnetic support. The EC response was proportional to the logarithm of the antibody concentration comprised between 0.0046 IU/mL and 0.175 IU/mL with a limit of detection of 0.0046 IU/mL. In order to minimize the matrix effect, the standard addition method was applied. The assay was validated by comparing the EC immunosensing data with those obtained by applying the ELISA method described in the European Pharmacopoeia.     

Facile and robust dual interaction modification of hexadecyldimethyl amine magnetic nanoparticles for the ultrasensitive analysis of perfluorinated compounds in environmental water

In this work, a novel extraction and enrichment technique based on hexadecyldimethyl amine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles has been successfully developed for the preconcentration and ultrasensitive detection of perfluorinated compounds in environmental water samples with high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. As a novel surfactant, hexadecyldimethyl amine functionalized on magnetic nanoparticles was realized through one‐step facile and robust quaterization reaction, greatly superior to previous multiple‐step and unstable modification. The functional nanoparticles of homogeneous nanospheres and excellent magnetic properties were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction patterns, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Dual mechanisms of both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were simultaneously introduced for anionic perfluorinated compounds effective enrichment. Under optimized extraction conditions, satisfactory precision and accuracy for anionic perfluorinated compounds analysis were achieved with good linear ranging from 0.5 to 20 ng/L, as well as fascinating sensitivity with low limits of detection up to 3.0 × 10^?2–5.0 × 10^?2 ng/L. High preconcentration efficiency and extraction recoveries ranged from 81.04–103.2% with relative standard deviations (n = 5) less than 10% have also been realized. Thereby, our proposed method is convenient and efficient for enrichment, exhibiting good application prospect in future environmental perfluorinated compounds analysis.     

Determination of Hydrocortisone in Cosmetics by CdSe/CdS Quantum Dots-Based Fluoroimmunoassay Using Magnetic Fe3O4/Au Nanoparticles as Solid Carriers

This work demonstrated the feasibility of detecting hydrocortisone in cosmetics using a novel CdSe/CdS quantum dots‐based competitive fluoroimmunoassay with magnetic core/shell Fe₃O₄/Au nanoparticles (MCFN) as solid carriers. Hydrocortisone antigen was labeled with the synthesized core/shell CdSe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) to form the antigen‐QDs conjugate. Meanwhile, hydrocortisone antibody was incubated with MCFN and the immobilized antibody was obtained. The immobilized antibody was then mixed sequentially with hydrocortisone and a slightly excess amount of the QDs‐labeled hydrocortisone antigen, allowing their competition for binding with the antibody immobilized on MCFN. The bound hydrocortisone and the antigen‐QDs conjugates on MCFN were removed subsequently after the mixture was applied to a magnetic force. The analyte concentration was obtained by measuring the fluorescence intensity of the unbound hydrocortisone antigen‐QDs conjugates. The proposed method was characterized by simplicity, rapidity, and high sensitivity with a wide linear working range of 0.5 to 15000 pg·mL^?1 and a low detection limit of 0.5 pg·mL^?1. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of hydrocortisone in cosmetics with satisfactory results.     

Protecting‐Group‐Controlled Enzymatic Glycosylation of Oligo‐N‐Acetyllactosamine Derivatives

We describe a chemoenzymatic strategy that can give a library of differentially fucosylated and sialylated oligosaccharides starting from a single chemically synthesized tri‐N‐acetyllactosamine derivative. The common precursor could easily be converted into 6 different hexasaccharides in which the glucosamine moieties are either acetylated (GlcNAc) or modified as a free amine (GlcNH₂) or Boc (GlcNHBoc). Fucosylation of the resulting compounds by a recombinant fucosyl transferase resulted in only modification of the natural GlcNAc moieties, providing access to 6 selectively mono‐ and bis‐fucosylated oligosaccharides. Conversion of the GlcNH₂ or GlcNHBoc moieties into the natural GlcNAc, followed by sialylation by sialyl transferases gave 12 differently fucosylated and sialylated compounds. The oligosaccharides were printed as a microarray that was probed by several glycan‐binding proteins, demonstrating that complex patterns of fucosylation can modulate glycan recognition.     

Highly Efficient Synthesis and Assay of Protein‐Imprinted Nanogels by Using Magnetic Templates

We report an approach integrating the synthesis of protein‐imprinted nanogels (“plastic antibodies”) with a highly sensitive assay employing templates attached to magnetic carriers. The enzymes trypsin and pepsin were immobilized on amino‐functionalized solgel‐coated magnetic nanoparticles (magNPs). Lightly crosslinked fluorescently doped polyacrylamide nanogels were subsequently produced by high‐dilution polymerization of monomers in the presence of the magNPs. The nanogels were characterised by a novel competitive fluorescence assay employing identical protein‐conjugated nanoparticles as ligands to reversibly immobilize the corresponding nanogels. Both nanogels exhibited K_d<10 pM for their respective target protein and low cross‐reactivity with five reference proteins. This agrees with affinities reported for solid‐phase‐synthesized nanogels prepared using low‐surface‐area glass‐bead supports. This approach simplifies the development and production of plastic antibodies and offers direct access to a practical bioassay.     

Screening and isolation of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors from Trifolium pratense L. via ultrafiltration,enzyme‐immobilized magnetic beads,semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography and high‐speed counter‐current chromatography

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs reportedly reduce the risk of developing cancer. One mechanism by which they reduce carcinogenesis involves the inhibition of the activity of cyclooxygenase‐2, an enzyme that is overexpressed in various cancer tissues. Its overexpression increases cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. However, selected cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors can also act through cyclooxygenase‐independent mechanisms. In this study, using ultrafiltration, enzyme‐immobilized magnetic beads, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry, several isoflavonoids in Trifolium pratense L. extracts were screened and identified. Semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography and high‐speed counter‐current chromatography were then applied to separate the active constituents. Using these methods, seven major compounds were identified in Trifolium pratense L. As cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors: rothindin, ononin, daidzein, trifoside, pseudobaptigenin, formononetin, and biochanin A, which were then isolated with >92% purity. This is the first report of the presence of potent cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors in Trifolium pratense L. extracts. The results of this study demonstrate that the systematic isolation of bioactive components from Trifolium pratense L., by using ultrafiltration, enzyme‐immobilized magnetic beads, semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, and high‐speed counter‐current chromatography, represents a feasible and efficient technique that could be extended for the identification and isolation of other enzyme inhibitors.     

Preparation of Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatographic Packings Based on Monodisperse Hydrophilic Non‐porous Beads and Their Application

Three hydrophilic immobilized metal affinity chromatographic packings for HPLC have been synthesized by chemical modification of 3.0 µm monodisperse non‐porous poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylenedimethacrylate) (P_GMA/EDMA) beads. The retention behavior of proteins on the metal ion chelated columns loaded with copper(II), nickel(II) and zin(II) ion was studied. The effect of pH on the protein retention was investigated on both the naked and metal ion chelated columns in the range from 4.0 to 9.0. Four proteins were quickly separated in 3.0 min with linear gradient elution at a flow rate of 3.0 mL/min by using the synthesized Ni²⁺‐IDA (iminodiacetic acid) packings. The separation time was shorter than other immobilized metal affinity chromatography reported in the literature. Purification of lysozyme from egg white and trypsin on the commercially available trypsin was performed on the naked‐IDA and Cu²⁺‐IDA columns, respectively. The purities of the purified trypsin and lysozyme were more than 92% and 95%, respectively.     

Specific rearrangement reactions of acetylated lysine containing peptide bn (n = 4–7) ion series

Characterization of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides, one of the most prominent post‐translational modifications of proteins, is an important goal for tandem mass spectrometry experiments. A systematic study for the fragmentation reactions of b ions derived from ε‐N‐acetyllysine containing model octapeptides (K_AcYAGFLVG and YAK_AcGFLVG) has been examined in detail. Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra of b_n (n = 4–7) fragments of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides are compared with those of N‐terminal acetylated and doubly acetylated (both ε‐N and N‐terminal) peptides, as well as acetyl‐free peptides. Both direct and nondirect fragments are observed for acetyl‐free and singly acetylated (ε‐N or N‐terminal) peptides. In the case of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides, however, specific fragment ions (m/z 309, 456, 569 and 668) are observed in CID mass spectra of b_n (n = 4–7) ions. The CID mass spectra of these four ions are shown to be identical to those of selected protonated C‐terminal amidated peptides. On this basis, a new type of rearrangement chemistry is proposed to account for the formation of these fragment ions, which are specific for ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides. Consistent with the observation of nondirect fragments, it is proposed that the b ions undergo head‐to‐tail macrocyclization followed by ring opening. The proposed reaction pathway assumes that b_n (n = 4–7) of ε‐N‐acetylated lysine containing peptides has a tendency to place the K_Ac residue at the C‐terminal position after macrocyclization/reopening mechanism. Then, following the loss of CO, it is proposed that the marker ions are the result of the loss of an acetyllysine imine as a neutral fragment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of catecholamines in urine using aminophenylboronic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection

A new method was developed for the simultaneous determination of three catecholamines in urine using aminophenylboronic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Novel aminophenylboronic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by multi‐step covalent modification, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. With the help of the high affinity between the boronate and cis‐diol group, the particles were used for the highly selective separation and enrichment of three major catecholamines, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine. Effects of the pH of the feed solution, the extraction time, the composition of the buffer solution, the amount of the magnetic particles, the elution conditions, and the recycling of aminophenylboronic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were explored. Under the optimized conditions, 13–17‐fold enrichment factors were obtained. The linear ranges were 0.01–2.0 μg/mL for the studied analytes. The limits of detection and quantification were in the range of 2.0–7.9 and 6.7–26.3 ng/mL, respectively. The relative recoveries were in the range of 92–108%, with intraday and interday relative standard deviations lower than 6.8%. This method was successfully applied to analysis of catecholamines in real urine.     

Aptamer‐modified magnetic metal‐organic framework MIL‐101 for highly efficient and selective enrichment of ochratoxin A

A facile and efficient strategy is developed to modify aptamers on the surface of the magnetic metal‐organic framework MIL‐101 for the rapid magnetic solid‐phase extraction of ochratoxin A. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to create a robust aptamer‐modified magnetic MIL‐101 with covalent bonding for the magnetic separation and enrichment of ochratoxin A. The saturated adsorption of ochratoxin A by aptamer‐modified magnetic MIL‐101 was 7.9 times greater than that by magnetic metal‐organic framework MIL‐101 due to the former's high selective recognition as well as good stability. It could be used for extraction more than 12 times with no significant changes in the extraction efficiency. An aptamer‐modified magnetic MIL‐101‐based method of magnetic solid‐phase extraction combined with ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of trace ochratoxin A with limit of detection of 0.067 ng/L. Ochratoxin A of 4.53–13.7 ng/kg was determined in corn and peanut samples. The recoveries were in the range 82.8–108% with a relative standard deviation (n = 5) of 4.5–6.5%. These results show that aptamer‐modified magnetic MIL‐101 exhibits selective and effective enrichment performance and have excellent potential for the analysis of ultra‐trace targets from complex matrices.     

Exosome enrichment of human serum using multiple cycles of centrifugation

In this work, we compared the use of repeated cycles of centrifugation at conventional speeds for enrichment of exosomes from human serum compared to the use of ultracentrifugation (UC). After removal of cells and cell debris, a speed of 110 000 × g or 40 000 × g was used for the UC or centrifugation enrichment process, respectively. The enriched exosomes were analyzed using the bicinchoninic acid assay, 1D gel separation, transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and high‐resolution LC‐MS/MS analysis. It was found that a five‐cycle repetition of UC or centrifugation is necessary for successful removal of nonexosomal proteins in the enrichment of exosomes from human serum. More significantly, 5× centrifugation enrichment was found to provide similar or better performance than 5× UC enrichment in terms of enriched exosome protein amount, Western blot band intensity for detection of CD‐63, and numbers of identified exosome‐related proteins and cluster of differentiation (CD) proteins. A total of 478 proteins were identified in the LC‐MS/MS analyses of exosome proteins obtained from 5× UCs and 5× centrifugations including many important CD membrane proteins. The presence of previously reported exosome‐related proteins including key exosome protein markers demonstrates the utility of this method for analysis of proteins in human serum.     

Labeling and Protecting N‐Terminal Protein Positions by β‐Peptidyl Aminopeptidase‐Catalyzed Attachment of β‐Amino‐Acid Residues – Insulin as a First Example

We have shown for the first time that a natural protein (human insulin) can be acylated at the N‐terminus with a β‐amino acid (H‐β³hAla‐), in a process catalyzed by the β‐peptidyl aminopeptidase 3‐2W4‐BapA. This selective modification, which could also be applied for protein labeling and tagging, should be generally useful, also to protect peptides and proteins from attack by common aminopeptidases.