Mass spectrometry of murine leukemia virus core proteins.

A mass spectrometry (MS) approach was used to analyze viral core proteins of the murine leukemia virus (MuLV)-based gene delivery vector. The retroviral particles produced by traditional methods were concentrated and purified by ultracentrifugation and spin column for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) MS. MALDI application detected all core MuLV proteins, partial degradation of p10, phosphorylation of p12, as well as the previously unknown formation of a polymeric supramolecular complex between p15 and p30 core proteins.

[Kinetics and mechanism of peptide synthesis in solution].

The kinetics of the reaction of Boc-Xaa fluorophenyl esters (where Xaa = Ala, Val, Phe, Ser, Leu, Gly, Met, Pro, or Ile) with leucinamide was studied measuring changes in the fluorescence emission at 375 nm of the fluorophenyl chromophore accompanying the reaction. It was found that the experimental kinetic data couldn't be described by a simple scheme of the second order reaction. The measurements of the kinetic parameters of the reaction at various initial concentrations of reagents indicated that the reaction rate can be expressed as: v = kCNaCAEb, where k is the reaction rate constant, CN is the concentration of leucinamide, and LeuNH2, CAE is the concentration of fluorophenyl ester.

Inhibitory effect of various thrombin inhibitors on shear-induced platelet function and dynamic coagulation.

We assessed the effects of active site-directed, fibrinogen recognition exosite (FRE)-directed and bifunctional thrombin inhibitors, on shear-induced platelet reactivity (adhesion/aggregation) and dynamic coagulation (coagulation of flowing blood). An in vitro test for shear-induced haemostatic plug formation and dynamic coagulation (haemostatometry) was employed using non-anticoagulated rat blood. The active site-directed inhibitors (argatroban, P891, P899) caused inhibition of platelet reactivity and coagulation at 1-, 100- and 100-microM concentrations, respectively.

Size-exclusion chromatography of protected synthetic polypeptide tandems in an organic solvent.

A novel method for analytical and preparative size exclusion chromatography of large water-insoluble protected peptides in an organic solvent was developed. This method was applied to analysis and separation of protected synthetic peptide tandem repeats and to a control of the reaction of peptide fragment coupling. Columns containing Toyopearl HW-40, HW-50; HW-55 and HW-60 gels of Fine grade were used, and the selectivity of each sorbent, as well as the chromatographic behaviour of the peptides on them, were examined.