Identification of N-homocysteinylation sites in plasma proteins

Amino Acids. 2014 Jan;46(1):235-44. doi: 10.1007/s00726-013-1617-7. Epub 2013 Nov 30.

Abstract

A protocol for the identification of N-homocysteinylation sites in plasma proteins is described. Human plasma or purified fibrinogen is subjected to trypsin digestion and analysis of N-Hcy-peptides by liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS). Human fibrinogen is isolated from the plasma by the glycine precipitation method. Identification of N-Hcy-Lys-peptides in tryptic digests of in vivo-derived samples is facilitated by the use of N-Hcy-albumin and N-Hcy-fibrinogen synthesized in vitro from commercially available human proteins. This protocol allows identification of N-homocysteinylation sites at Lys4, Lys12, Lys137, and Lys525 in albumin directly in trypsin-digested human serum samples. N-Hcy-Lys562, N-Hcy-Lys344, and N-Hcy-Lys385 were identified in human fibrinogen from patients with cystathionine β-synthase deficiency. The protocol can be completed in 4 days.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Proteins / analysis*
  • Blood Proteins / metabolism
  • Homocysteine / analysis*
  • Homocysteine / metabolism
  • Homocystinuria / blood*
  • Humans
  • Peptides / analysis*
  • Peptides / blood
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Peptides
  • Homocysteine