Novel method for evaluation of chemicals based on ligand-dependent recruitment of GFP labeled coactivator to estrogen receptor displayed on bacterial magnetic particles

We established a novel method to evaluate endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) by assembling the estrogen receptor-ligand binding domain (ERLBD) and GFP labeled coactivator on magnetic nanoparticles. EDC can promote or inhibit coactivator recruitment to the ligand-ERLBD complex. ERLBD was displayed on the surface of nano-sized bacterial magnetic particles (BacMPs) produced by the magnetic bacterium, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1. Our method resulted in 38 molecules of ERLBD molecules on a BacMPs with diameter of 75 nm. Furthermore, ligand-dependent recruitment assays of GFP labeled coactivator to ERLBD-BacMPs was performed by measuring the fluorescence intensity. 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol, diethylstilbestrol, zeralenone (full agonist), octylphenol (partial agonist) and ICI 182,780 (antagonist) were evaluated by this method. Full agonists tested showed increased fluorescence with increasing agonist concentration. Octylphenol had lower fluorescence intensity than E2. ICI 182,780 did not produce any fluorescence. The method developed in this study can evaluate the estrogenic potential of chemicals by discriminating whether they are an ER full agonist, partial agonist, or antagonist. Finally, this method is amenable adaptation into a high throughput format by using automated magnetic separation.     

Biomagnetic nanoparticle formation and application

Magnetospirillum sp. AMB-1 is a bacterium that synthesizes intracellular particles of magnetite (Fe₃O₄). A magA gene required for the synthesis of bacterial magnetic particles (BMPs) was isolated from this strain and its gene product (MagA protein) was characterized as an iron transport protein. Intracellular localization analysis of the MagA protein using magA–Luc fusion proteins showed that MagA protein is localized on the surface of the lipid bilayer covering the BMPs. One particular BMP-associated protein, designated MpsA, was also purified from this strain and characterized. By the fusion-protein method using mpsA-luc genes, it was demonstrated that Mps-protein is preferentially partitioned onto the BMP membrane. Furthermore, application of BMPs to immunoassay is also described.     

New fluorometric enzyme immunoassay for 17beta-estradiol by homogeneous reaction using biotinylated estradiol

A new fluorometric enzyme immunoassay for 17β-estradiol (E2) using biotinylated estradiol (BE) as a probe ligand, is described. In this method, E2 is detected indirectly by a solid-phase avidin-biotin binding assay, in which the biotin is immobilized on a microtiter plate (biotin-plate). After the competitive reaction between E2 and BE for the anti-E2 antibody in solution, the free E2 and BE are separated from the bound forms by means of ultrafiltration. The concentration of BE in the solution is determined from the reaction between the biotin immobilized on the plate and the free BE for the limited biotin binding sites of avidin conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (avidin-HRP), which is added to the solution. The enzymatic reaction of HRP was measured by a fluorometric analysis with the QuantaBlu™ Fluorogenic Peroxidase Substrate (QFPS) in order to detect of the avidin-biotin binding with a high degree of sensitivity. The detection limit and linear range for the determination of E2 were 0.12 nM and from 0.12 to 25 nM, respectively. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) for the E2 assay were between 2.2 and 9.1% (n = 3). The cross-reactivity for several other estrogens was also evaluated.     

Densitometry determination of oestrogenic EDCs with gold nanoparticle-modified oestrogen response element assay

Oestrogen receptor binding assay is an important approach to screen oestrogenic endocrine disruptors. But it is often expensive and radioactive pollution has existed. In order to screening endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) without a radioactive label, we developed a new high-throughout method using gold nanoparticle technology. The assay is based on the competition binding between the oestrogenic EDCs in the sample and 17β-estradiol-BSA to the oestrogen receptor. The signal is from specific binding of gold nanoparticles labelled ERE to the ligand-receptor complex. The result showed that as little as 100?pg?L^?1 of 17β-estradiol could be detected with a linear range from 100?pg?L^?1 to 1?µg?L^?1 (R ²?=?0.9764). The concentrations of oestrogenic EDCs in environmental sample determined by our method and by the cell (MCF-7) proliferation were not significantly different. The result presented led us to conclude that this method is an ideal screening method which is reliable, low-cost, rapid, high-throughout and could be performed on microplates or chips.     

不同类型探针对免疫层析方法的分析灵敏度影响研究

为研究不同类型探针对免疫层析方法的分析灵敏度影响,该研究以17β-雌二醇(17β-E2)为检测对象,采用磁性纳米材料标记7μg/mL的17β-E2单克隆抗体(检测抗体)制备了传统探针,采用磁性纳米材料分别标记5μg/mL的17β-E2单克隆抗体和5μg/mL的羊抗鼠IgG多克隆抗体(第二抗体)制备了配对探针,采用磁性纳米材料标记14μg/mL的羊抗鼠IgG多克隆抗体制备了间接探针。然后,基于这3种不同类型的探针,分别建立了17β-E2的免疫层析快速检测方法,并对3种17β-E2免疫层析方法的检测灵敏度进行比较。结果显示,基于传统、配对和间接探针的免疫层析方法对17β-E2的检出限分别为1、0.5、0.2 ng/mL,其中基于间接探针的免疫层析方法灵敏度最高,与基于传统探针和配对探针的免疫层析方法相比,检出限分别降低了5倍和2.5倍。该研究刷新了传统免疫层析方法中探针必须是信号材料标记检测抗体的认知,可为其他食品安全危害因子的免疫层析快速检测研究提供有价值的参考。     

A Screening Assay for the Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin Receptor using the [125I]iodovaleramide Derivative of Trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin as the Binding Ligand

Abstract

A relatively simple assay method for the putative cytosolic ‘receptor’ that binds 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds is described. The assay is based on specific binding of [¹²⁵I]dioxin to cytosol ‘receptor’ protein. Saturation is ensured by competition experiments in which unlabeled TCDD and other competitors displace the radiolabeled ligand from specific binding sites. This assay has been applied to estimation of levels of ‘receptor’ in cytosol.     

Non-Isotopic Receptor Assay for Benzodiazepine Drugs Using Biotin-Benzodiazepine Conjugate

Abstract

A new receptor assay method for benzodiazepine was developed using biotin-1012S conjugate as a non-isotopic ligand. The concentration of free ligand in the benzodiazepine receptor suspension was determined by an enzymatic solid-phase avidin-biotin binding assay. The competition reaction between the conjugate and diazepam gave a well-defined dose/response curve for diazepam. The receptor assay could also be applied to the determination of an inverse agonist, n-butyl-P-carboline-3 carboxylate.     

Preliminary Evaluation of the Asted XL Dialysis System Towards its Applicability In Ligand Binding Assays

Abstract

In ligand binding assays, the separation of bound and free fraction of the labeled ligand is very important. Dialysis is generally overlooked as separation technique since it requires large volumes and long analysis times. The availability of the ASTED-system (Automated Sequential Trace Enrichment of Dialysates) might open ways for a complete automation of immuno assays including the separation step.

A well-documented radio-immuno assay for 3-keto-desogestrel (Org3236) was used to test the potentials of this system. The tritiated analog of Org3236 not only served as label in the immuno assay but was also used to trace this compound in the entire procedure. The dialysis efficiency increased with the dialysis time and with the flush rate of the recipient solvent (tris-HCI or phosphate buffer). Addition of methanol to recipient solvent had spectacular effects on the recovery. With tris-HCI buffer, 0.18 mL/min and 1.0 mL recipient solvent 2.5% of the label was collected. Addition of 50% methanol resulted in a 5-fold increase to 12%. Replacement of buffer by 100% methanol resulted in another 5% increase in dialysis efficiency which was accompanied by a reduction in the antibody binding in the donor compartment due to denaturation of the antibody.

The commercial availability of other types of membranes is essential to find optimal conditions for each analyte. A serious problem is the carryover effect between subsequent samples. Roughly 0.25% of label was collected in the next run which may have a substantial impact on the accuracy and precision of the assay. Renewal of the dialysis membrane might exclude this carry-over effect but is not a serious option with the available instrumentation.

Automated dialysis systems can be very valuable for ligand binding assays as soon as membranes become available for the analytes of interest which provide high recoveries (>40%) in 1 mL recipient solvent. Moreover their carry-over effect should be negligible or eliminated by more efficient rinsing procedures of the entire dialysis system. Temperature control is favourable for the immuno assays as well as for the dialysis process in that the kinetics are temperature dependent.     

标签谷胱甘肽S-转移酶的二价亲和标记试剂的制备与应用

设计合成融合表达标签谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GST)的二价亲和标记试剂,用于功能化磁珠后位点选择性固定化标签GST,为磁分离筛选配体混合物库提供固定化融合靶蛋白的候选方案。 为减少疏水配体在标签GST活性位点的结合,需同时占据标签GST双活性中心内疏水结合位点并发生共价修饰的二价亲和标记试剂。以双苯环为疏水定位基、溴乙酰基为巯基修饰基团、羧基为连接官能团得单价标记试剂,以二乙基三胺为连接臂将单价标记试剂与连接臂两端伯胺连接得标签GST的对称二价亲和标记试剂,再以线性三胺连接臂中间的氨基与羧基磁珠偶联得功能化磁珠。 表征目标化合物对标签GST的标记动力学、结合比;功能化磁珠对标签GST的不可逆固定化动力学和固载容量,及将磁珠表面二价亲和标记试剂转变成还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)加合物后对标签GST可逆固定化的效果;以碱性磷酸酶及疏水荧光配体为模型考察磁珠固定化标签GST后的非特异结合。 目标化合物对标签GST半抑制浓度为(22±0.2) μmol/L,其与GSH的饱和加合物半抑制浓度为(0.41±0.06) μmol/L,二者与标签GST二聚体结合比接近1：1。 功能化磁珠对标签GST不可逆及可逆固定化的容量均接近25 mg/g磁珠。 偶联GST的磁珠对蛋白非特异吸附很弱,再进一步用单价亲和标记试剂和GSH加合物封闭固定化标签GST剩余的活性位点后对疏水小分子也无显著结合。 结果表明,所设计二价亲和标记试剂功能化磁珠适合用于标签GST及其融合表达蛋白的位点选择性固定化。     

Sensitive Determination of 17β-Estradiol using a Magneto Sensor Based on Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer

The analysis of 17β-estradiol with high sensitivity and selectivity is extremely relevant to control the impacts that this compound can cause on health and the environment. Thus, we describe the development and application of a magneto carbon paste electrode based on magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MCPE-MMIP) for determination of 17β-estradiol. The analyte adsorbed on the MMIP was immobilized on the electrode surface by magnetic capture. The morphological and structural characterization of the obtained MMIP suggests that the material was effectively synthesized. MCPE-MMIP showed an improvement in the sensitivity for 17β-estradiol detection when compared to electrode configurations in the absence of this material. The optimum conditions (0.10 mol L⁻¹ phosphate buffer pH 7.0) were reached by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV), in which the method presented linearity ranged from 0.06 to 175 μmol L⁻¹ with limits of detection and quantification of 0.02 and 0.06 μmol L⁻¹, respectively. The proposed sensor was applied effectively in the analysis of 17β-estradiol in river water and raw milk samples, exhibiting excellent recovery values (between 96.20 and 104 %), which were confirmed by HPLC analysis.     

Blocking Effect of Demethylzeylasteral on the Interaction between Human ACE2 Protein and SARS-CoV-2 RBD Protein Discovered Using SPR Technology

The novel coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) has been affecting global health since the end of 2019, and there is no sign that the epidemic is abating. Targeting the interaction between the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used as the primary method to screen a library of 960 compounds. A compound 02B05 (demethylzeylasteral, CAS number: 107316-88-1) that had high affinities for S-RBD and ACE2 was discovered, and binding affinities (K_D, μM) of 02B05-ACE2 and 02B05-S-RBD were 1.736 and 1.039 μM, respectively. The results of a competition experiment showed that 02B05 could effectively block the binding of S-RBD to ACE2 protein. Furthermore, pseudovirus infection assay revealed that 02B05 could inhibit entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus into 293T cells to a certain extent at nontoxic concentration. The compoundobtained in this study serve as references for the design of drugs which have potential in the treatment of COVID-19 and can thus accelerate the process of developing effective drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.     

Determining PPARγ-ligand binding affinity using fluorescent assay with cis -parinaric acid as a probe

Upon the study of small-molecules binding to proteins, the traditional methods for calculating dissociation constants (K _d and K _i ) have shortcomings in dealing with the single binding site models. In this paper, two equations have been derived to solve this problem. These two equations are independent of the total concentration or initial degree of saturation of receptor and the activity of the competitive molecule. Through nonlinear fitting against these two equations, K _d value of a probe can be obtained by binding assay, and K _i value of a ligand can be obtained by competitive assay. Moreover, only the total concentrations of receptor([R]_t), ligand([L]_t) and probe([P]_t) are required for the data fitting. In this work, K _i values of some typical ligands of PPARγ were successfully determined by use of our equations, among which the K _i value of PPARγ-LY171883 was reported for the first time.     

Nanoneedle method for high-sensitivity low-background monitoring of protein activity

We describe a new method for measuring the activity of protein in miniscule quantities using a carbon nanotube nanoneedle. The unique features of this new method are (a) the immobilization of a few molecules; (b) subsequent translocation and isolation of them near the tip of a position-actuated nanoneedle; and (c) a fixed, defined, and unhindered molecular position to allow rapid real-time sensing and monitoring. The kinetic bioactivity of immobilized alkaline phosphatase (AP) molecules was measured as test model. Results show no decrease in enzymatic activity compared to that of the solution-phase enzyme reaction, suggesting that the immobilization provided unhindered access for ligand binding and minimal conformational modulation caused by undesired surface interactions.     

A homology-based model of the human 5-HT2A receptor derived from an in silico activated G-protein coupled receptor

A homology-based model of the 5-HT_2A receptor was produced utilizing an activated form of the bovine rhodopsin (Rh) crystal structure [1,2]. In silico activation of the Rh structure was accomplished by isomerization of the 11-cis-retinal (1) chromophore, followed by constrained molecular dynamics to relax the resultant high energy structure. The activated form of Rh was then used as a structural template for development of a human 5-HT_2A receptor model. Both the 5-HT_2A receptor and Rh are members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) super-family. The resulting homology model of the receptor was then used for docking studies of compounds representing a cross-section of structural classes that activate the 5-HT_2A receptor, including ergolines, tryptamines, and amphetamines. The ligand/receptor complexes that ensued were refined and the final binding orientations were observed to be compatible with much of the data acquired through both diversified ligand design and site directed mutagenesis.     

Evaluation of non-specific binding suppression schemes for neutravidin and alkaline phosphatase at the surface of reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes

Non-specific binding (NSB) of high-molecular-weight proteins onto electrode surfaces can complicate the application of electroanalytical techniques to clinical and environmental research, particularly in biosensor applications. We present herein various strategies to modify the surface of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes to suppress non-specific binding of biomolecules onto its surface. Non-specific binding and specific binding (SB) of two enzyme conjugates, neutravidin-alkaline phosphatase (NA-ALP) and biotinylated alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), and also neutravidin itself, were studied using hydroquinone diphosphate (HQDP) as an enzyme substrate for ALP inside the pores of RVC electrodes that had been subjected to various modification schemes. The extent of NSB and SB of these biomolecules inside RVC pores was assessed by measuring the initial rate of generation of an electroactive product, hydroquinone (HQ), of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction, using linear scan voltammetry (LSV) for HQ detection. Electrodes functionalized with phenylacetic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) showed low NSB and high SB (when biotin capture ligands were included in the modification scheme) in comparison with unmodified electrodes and RVC electrodes modified in other ways. A simple sandwich bioassay for neutravidin was performed on the RVC electrode with the lowest NSB. A concentration detection limit of 52 ± 2 ng mL⁻¹ and an absolute detection limit of 5.2 ± 0.2 ng were achieved for neutravidin when this assay was performed using a 100 μL sample size.     

Determining PPARγ-ligand binding affinity using fluorescent assay with cis-parinaric acid as a probe

Upon the study of small-molecules binding to proteins, the traditional methods for calculating dissociation constants (Kd and Ki) have shortcomings in dealing with the single binding site models. In this paper, two equations have been derived to solve this problem. These two equations are independent of the total concentration or initial degree of saturation of receptor and the activity of the competitive molecule. Through nonlinear fitting against these two equations, Kd value of a probe can be obtained by binding assay, and Ki value of a ligand can be obtained by competitive assay. Moreover, only the total concentrations of receptor([R]t), ligand([L]t) and probe([P]t) are required for the data fitting. In this work, Ki values of some typical ligands of PPARγ were successfully determined by use of our equations, among which the Ki value of PPARγ-LY171883 was reported for the first time.     

The measurement of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 4 activities via the quantification of inorganic phosphate with malachite green

A spectrometric method was investigated to measure the activities of recombinant human cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), based on the use of malachite green (MLG) to quantify phosphate released from adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMP) by the action of calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase (CIAP). Glycerol at 2% stabilized the complex between MLG and phosphomolybdate, whose absorbance at 630 nm was proportional to phosphate concentrations with resistance to common substances in PDE4 reaction mixtures except papaverine. CIAP had the Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) of (12.0 ± 2.1) μM (n = 3) for AMP at pH 7.4, and was resistant to EDTA below 0.20 mM. By the coupled end-point assay at 30.0 U L⁻¹ CIAP with reaction durations within 30 min, the rates to release phosphate in PDE4 reaction mixtures containing 10.0 mM MgCl₂ and 0.10 mM EDTA linearly responded to the amounts of PDE4 over wide ranges. Meanwhile, K_m of PDE4 was (8.8 ± 0.2) μM (n = 2), zinc ion inhibited PDE4 and rolipram had the inhibition constant about 10 nM. These results supported that by the coupled end-point assay, this method was promising to screen of PDE inhibitors that had no interference with the MLG assay of phosphate.     

Partition Affinity Ligand Assay (PALA)

In a competitive binding assay, the ligand to be quantified competes with a fixed amount of labeled ligand for the sites on a limiting amount of binding protein. The amount of label bound is therefore dependent on the ratio between native and labeled ligand. In a binding assay, one must separate the free ligands from bound. The better the separation, the higher the sensitivity of the assay. But effective methods are often laborious and time-consuming and thus we have developed a novel approach, the Partition Affinity Ligand Assay (PALA).     

SEC–MS as an Approach to Isolate and Directly Identifying Small Molecular GPCR–Ligands from Complex Mixtures Without Labeling

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the most successful targets in drug discovery. However, the development of assays with an appropriately labeled high affinity reporter compound is laborious. In the present study an MS-based binding assay is described using the rat histamine receptor 2 (rH2) as a model GPCR system. Instead of using a purified receptor it is demonstrated that it is possible to use an unpurified receptor to extract active compounds from a solution or small mixture of compounds. By using SEC it is possible to separate the bound ligand from the unbound ligand. The major advantage of this approach is that there is no labeling of ligands required (direct monitoring based on the appropriate m/z values).