muramidase and maltotriose

A novel mass spectrometric method for the selective detection of specific protein-ligand complexes is presented. The new method is based on electrosonic spray ionization of samples containing protein and ligand molecules, and mass spectrometric detection using the precursor ion scanning function on a triple quadrupole instrument. Mass-selected intact protein-ligand complex ions are subjected to fragmentation by means of collision-induced dissociation in the collision cell of the instrument, while the second mass analyzer is set to the m/z of protonated ligand ions or their alkali metal adducts. The method allows for the detection of only those ions which yield ions characteristic of the ligand molecules upon fragmentation. Since the scan range of first analyzer is set well above the m/z of the ligand ion, and the CID conditions are established to permit fragmentation of only loosely bound, noncovalent complexes, the method is specific to the detection of protein-ligand complexes under described conditions. Behavior of biologically specific and nonspecific complexes was compared under various instrumental settings. Parameters were optimized to obtain maximal selectivity for specific complexes. Specific and nonspecific complexes were found to show markedly different fragmentation characteristics, which can be a basis for selective detection of complexes with biological relevance. Preparation of specific and nonspecific complexes containing identical building blocks was attempted. Complex ions with identical stoichiometry but different origin showed the expected difference in fragmentation characteristics, which gives direct evidence for the different mechanism of specific versus nonspecific complex ion formation.

Topics: Cytochromes c; Ligands; Muramidase; Protein Binding; Ribonuclease, Pancreatic; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Trisaccharides

1. The cell-bound alpha-amylase of Streptococcus bovis has been isolated from other carbohydrases in the cell extract by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The enzyme has been compared with the extracellular alpha-amylase produced by this organism. 2. The two amylases had similar action patterns on amylose, the main product being maltotriose with smaller amounts of maltose and a little glucose. 3. The cell-bound amylase hydrolysed maltopentaose and maltohexaose at a similar rate to the hydrolysis of amylose. Maltotetraose was hydrolysed six times more slowly, and maltotriose 280 times more slowly, than amylose. 4. Studies with end-labelled maltodextrins revealed that the cell-bound alpha-amylase preferentially hydrolysed the third linkage from the non-reducing end, liberating maltotriose. The linkage at the reducing end of maltotriose was more easily hydrolysed than the other. 5. Egg-white lysozyme and the extracellular enzymes of Streptomyces albus lysed the cell walls of Streptococcus bovis, releasing amylase into the medium. In the presence of 0.6 m-sucrose 10% of the maximal amylase activity was released by lysozyme. Suspension of the spheroplasts in dilute buffer caused the rupture of the cytoplasmic membrane and the liberation of amylase. 6. A sensitive method for determining the ability of amylases to degrade starch granules is described.

Topics: alpha-Amylases; Amylases; Bacteriolysis; Biochemical Phenomena; Biochemistry; Chromatography; Galactosidases; Hydrolysis; Maltose; Muramidase; Oligosaccharides; Polysaccharides; Protoplasts; Research; Starch; Streptococcus; Streptococcus bovis; Sucrose; Trioses; Trisaccharides; Trypsin