Plasma Serine Protease Inhibitor Research Articles

Direct Fibrinolytic Snake Venom Metalloproteinases Affecting Hemostasis: Structural, Biochemical Features and Therapeutic Potential.

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are predominant in viperid venoms, which provoke hemorrhage and affect hemostasis and thrombosis. P-I class enzymes consist only of a single metalloproteinase domain. Despite sharing high sequence homology, only some of them induce hemorrhage. They have direct fibrin(ogen)olytic activity. Their main biological substrate is fibrin(ogen), whose Aα-chain is degraded rapidly and independently of activation of plasminogen. It is important to understand their biochemical and physiological mechanisms, as well as their applications, to study the etiology of some human diseases and to identify sites of potential intervention. As compared to all current antiplatelet therapies to treat cardiovascular events, the SVMPs have outstanding biochemical attributes: (a) they are insensitive to plasma serine proteinase inhibitors; (b) they have the potential to avoid bleeding risk; (c) mechanistically, they are inactivated/cleared by α2-macroglobulin that limits their range of action in circulation; and (d) few of them also impair platelet aggregation that represent an important target for therapeutic intervention. This review will briefly highlight the structure–function relationships of these few direct-acting fibrinolytic agents, including, barnettlysin-I, isolated from Bothrops barnetti venom, that could be considered as potential agent to treat major thrombotic disorders. Some of their pharmacological advantages are compared with plasmin.

Constant urinary proteins in healthy humans in a 520-day isolation experiment

The aim of this study was the search of permanent proteins of the urinary proteome during a 520-day isolation experiment at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) Ground-Based Test Facility in controlled conditions, using an autonomous life support system. The object of the study was urine sampled from 6 normal male subjects aged 25 to 37. The biological material samples (the second morning urine fractions) were collected for proteomic investigations against the background, on the 50th, 93rd, 124th, 153rd, 180th, 251st, 274th, 303rd, 330th, 371st, 400th, and 427th days of isolation, and on the 7th day after its completion. The samples were analyzed using chromatography–mass spectrometry, while the obtained results were analyzed using bioinformatics resources. The following seven permanent proteins were identified and observed during the entire period of urine investigations: epidermal growth factor, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, plasma serine protease inhibitor, Alpha 1 microglobulin/bikunin precursor (AMBP), keratin (type II cytoskeletal 1), collagen alpha-1 (VI) chain, and serum albumin.

Retraction Note to: Effects of a Terrified-Sound Stress on Serum Proteomic Profiling in Mice.

The serum proteomic profiles of mice exposed to terrified-sound-induced stress and after stress release were investigated. Serum samples from 32 mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 each) and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry techniques (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with magnetic bead-based weak cation-exchange chromatography. ClinProTools software identified several distinct markers that differed between the stressed and control groups and between the stress released and stressed released controls. Of 33 m/z peaks that differed among the four groups, 17 were significantly different (P < 0.05). Five peaks (m/z: 2793.37, 2924.86, 1979.90, 3492.49, 3880.24) showed significant differences in expression after exposure to terrified-sound stress and returned to control levels after stress release. These were sequence identified as peptide regions of dimethylaniline monooxygenase, myosin-9, uncharacterized protein in Rattus norvegicus, apolipoprotein C-I, and plasma serine protease inhibitor (Serpina 5). Our study provides the first evidence of significant changes in serum proteomic profiles in mice exposed to terrified-sound stress, which suggests that protein expression profiles are affected by the stress. Normal expression levels were restored after stress release, suggesting the activation of self-adjustment mechanisms for the recovery of protein expression levels altered by this stress.

Urinary proteomic pattern in female stress urinary incontinence: a pilot study.

Introduction and hypothesisPrevious studies aiming to identify specific pre-defined urine protein biomarkers for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have not identified clinically important differences. The hypothesis of our study was that the global distribution of urinary proteins, the proteome, differs between women with and those without SUI.MethodsIn this age-matched case–control study, we compared the urinary proteome of 20 women with SUI and 20 controls. Proteins were identified by applying high-performance liquid chromatography separation and tandem mass spectrometry detection. Data analysis was performed using Mascot 2.4.1 embedded in ProteinScape 3.1.ResultsWe identified 828 different proteins. The concentration of six of those showed a significant difference between urine samples of SUI patients and those of controls (q value < 0.25). Four proteins showed a higher abundance in SUI samples compared with controls: plasma serine protease inhibitor (logFC 1.11), leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (logFC 3.91), lysosomal alpha-glucosidase (logFC 1.24), and peptidyl-prolyl cis- trans isomerase A (logFC 1.96). We identified two proteins in lower abundance in SUI samples compared with controls: uromodulin (logFC −4.87) and TALPID3 (logFC −1.99).ConclusionsOverexpression of plasma serine protease inhibitor, leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein, lysosomal alpha-glucosidase, and peptidyl-prolyl cis- trans isomerase A, and lower expression of uromodulin and TALPID3, in urine may be associated with female SUI.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00192-016-3033-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Abstract 29: Alpha-1-antitrypsin Protects High Density Lipoprotein From Functional Inactivation by Elastase

High density lipoproteins (HDL) are complexes of lipid and protein with several known atheroprotective functions. These functions are driven by specific lipids and proteins contained on the HDL particle and include reverse cholesterol transport, suppression of inflammation, and modulation of endothelial function. These activities are most important within atherosclerotic plaque, a harsh environment where HDL interact with macrophage foam cells, activated neutrophils, and dysfunctional endothelial cells. Neutrophils and macrophages secrete proteases, such as elastase, which damage structural components and soluble proteins and propagate inflammatory signaling. It has been suggested that, in plaque, HDL become damaged and dysfunctional. We recently characterized a subspecies of HDL that carries the protein alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), an abundant plasma serine protease inhibitor. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that A1AT enriched HDL are protected from proteolytic damage and functional inactivation by elastase, the main protease inhibited by A1AT. Human HDL was isolated by ultracentrifugation and was enriched with A1AT by co-incubation and unbound A1AT was removed. Treatment of native HDL with elastase resulted in significant proteolytic degradation of both apoA-I and apoA-II, visualized by coomassie stained SDS-PAGE. Analysis of lipoprotein size by one dimensional native gel electrophoresis revealed that pre-beta HDL were completely degraded by elastase. Compared to native HDL, A1AT enriched HDL samples were protected from protein and pre-beta particle degradation by elastase. We next tested the effect of elastase treatment on HDL function. In native HDL, elastase had damaging effects on ABCA1 mediated cholesterol efflux (-32%; p&lt;0.0001) and the ability to esterify free cholesterol (-14%; p&lt;0.02). A1AT enriched HDL displayed no loss of functionality upon treatment with elastase. Both of these activities are required for HDL to perform what is thought to be its most important function, reverse cholesterol transport. In conclusion, the data presented indicate that HDL particles which contain A1AT may represent a functionally important species of HDL, which have an advantage in the protease-rich plaque environment.

C1-inhibitor efficiently delays clot development in normal human whole blood and inhibits Escherichia coli-induced coagulation measured by thromboelastometry

IntroductionC1-inhibitor (C1-INH), a serine protease inhibitor in plasma plays a central role in the cross-talk among the complement, coagulation, fibrinolytic and kallikrein-kinin systems. However, previous reports indicate thrombotic risks in children following supraphysiological dosing with C1-INH. Objective: To investigate the role of supraphysiological C1-INH concentrations in clot development with and without addition of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in fresh human whole blood using thromboelastometry. Materials and methodsBlood was collected in citrate tubes, and C1-INH (3.0 to 47.6μM) or human serum albumin (HSA) was added as a control. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was analysed in the plasma. The analyses non-activated thromboelastometry (NATEM), extrinsic (EXTEM) or intrinsic thromboelastometry (INTEM) were performed using rotational thromboelastometry. ResultsC1-INH increased aPTT 1.8-fold (p< 0.05), whereas HSA had no effect. C1-INH increased NATEM clotting time (CT) from 789s to 2025 s (p< 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. C1-INH reduced the NATEM alpha angle from 47 to 28° (p<0.05) and increased the NATEM clot formation time from 261s to 595s (p< 0.05). E. coli significantly reduced the NATEM CT after 120min of incubation. C1-INH prevented E. coli-induced activation (p< 0.05). C1-INH significantly increased the INTEM CT (p< 0.05), but had no effect on EXTEM CT. C1-INH (47.6μM) significantly reduced fibrinolysis measured as NATEM and EXTEM lysis indices LI60. ConclusionsSupraphysiological C1-INH concentrations have dose-dependent anticoagulant effects in human whole blood in vitro. At very high levels C1-INH also inhibits fibrinolysis.

Biochemical and toxicological evaluation of nano-heparins in cell functional properties, proteasome activation and expression of key matrix molecules.

The glycosaminoglycan heparin and its derivatives act strongly on blood coagulation, controlling the activity of serine protease inhibitors in plasma. Nonetheless, there is accumulating evidence highlighting different anticancer activities of these molecules in numerous types of cancer. Nano-heparins may have great biological significance since they can inhibit cell proliferation and invasion as well as inhibiting proteasome activation. Moreover, they can cause alterations in the expression of major modulators of the tumor microenvironment, regulating cancer cell behavior. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of two nano-heparin formulations: one isolated from porcine intestine and the other from the sea squirt Styela plicata, on a breast cancer cell model. We determined whether these nano-heparins are able to affect cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion, as well as proteasome activity and the expression of extracellular matrix molecules. Specifically, we observed that nano-Styela compared to nano-Mammalian analogue has higher inhibitory role on cell proliferation, invasion and proteasome activity. Moreover, nano-Styela regulates cell apoptosis, expression of inflammatory molecules, such as IL-6 and IL-8 and reduces the expression levels of extracellular matrix macromolecules, such as the proteolytic enzymes MT1-MMP, uPA and the cell surface proteoglycans syndecan-1 and -2, but not on syndecan-4. The observations reported in the present article indicate that nano-heparins and especially ascidian heparin are effective agents for heparin-induced effects in critical cancer cell functions, providing an important possibility in pharmacological targeting.

Effects of a Terrified-Sound Stress on Serum Proteomic Profiling in Mice.

The serum proteomic profiles of mice exposed to terrified-sound-induced stress and after stress release were investigated. Serum samples from 32 mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 each) and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry techniques (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with magnetic bead-based weak cation-exchange chromatography. ClinProTools software identified several distinct markers that differed between the stressed and control groups and between the stress released and stressed released controls. Of 33 m/z peaks that differed among the four groups, 17 were significantly different (P < 0.05). Five peaks (m/z: 2793.37, 2924.86, 1979.90, 3492.49, 3880.24) showed significant differences in expression after exposure to terrified-sound stress and returned to control levels after stress release. These were sequence identified as peptide regions of dimethylaniline monooxygenase, myosin-9, uncharacterized protein in Rattus norvegicus, apolipoprotein C-I, and plasma serine protease inhibitor (Serpina 5). Our study provides the first evidence of significant changes in serum proteomic profiles in mice exposed to terrified-sound stress, which suggests that protein expression profiles are affected by the stress. Normal expression levels were restored after stress release, suggesting the activation of self-adjustment mechanisms for the recovery of protein expression levels altered by this stress.

Seminal plasma proteome of electroejaculated Bos indicus bulls

The present study describes the seminal plasma proteome of Bos indicus bulls. Fifty-six, 24-month old Australian Brahman sires were evaluated and subjected to electroejaculation. Seminal plasma proteins were separated by 2-D SDS-PAGE and identified by mass spectrometry. The percentage of progressively motile and morphologically normal sperm of the bulls were 70.4±2.3 and 64±3.2%, respectively. A total of 108 spots were identified in the 2-D maps, corresponding to 46 proteins. Binder of sperm proteins accounted for 55.8% of all spots detected in the maps and spermadhesins comprised the second most abundant constituents. Other proteins of the Bos indicus seminal plasma include clusterin, albumin, transferrin, metalloproteinase inhibitor 2, osteopontin, epididymal secretory protein E1, apolipoprotein A-1, heat shock 70kDa protein, glutathione peroxidase 3, cathelicidins, alpha-enolase, tripeptidyl-peptidase 1, zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein, plasma serine protease inhibitor, beta 2-microglobulin, proteasome subunit beta type-4, actin, cathepsins, nucleobinding-1, protein S100-A9, hemoglobin subunit alpha, cadherin-1, angiogenin-1, fibrinogen alpha and beta chain, ephirin-A1, protein DJ-1, serpin A3-7, alpha-2-macroglobulin, annexin A1, complement factor B, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, seminal ribonuclease, ribonuclease-4, prostaglandin-H2 d-isomerase, platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, and phosphoglycerate kinase 1. In conclusion, this work uniquely portrays the Bos indicus seminal fluid proteome, based on samples from a large set of animals representing the Brahman cattle of the tropical Northern Australia. Based on putative biochemical attributes, seminal proteins act during sperm maturation, protection, capacitation and fertilization.

A Protein from Aloe vera that Inhibits the Cleavage of Human Fibrin(ogen) by Plasmin

A protease inhibitor protein with the molecular mass of 11,804.931 Da (analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) was isolated from Aloe vera leaf gel and designated as AVPI-12. The isoelectric point of the protein is about 7.43. The first ten amino acid sequence from the N-terminal was found to be R-D-W-A-E-P-N-D-G-Y, which did not match other protease inhibitors in database searches and other publications, indicating AVPI-12 is a novel protease inhibitor. The band protein of AVPI-12 migrated further on nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) than reducing SDS-PAGE. This result indicated that the molecule of AVPI-12 did not contain interchain disulfide bonds, but appeared to have intrachain disulfide bonds instead. AVPI-12 strongly resisted digestion by the serine proteases human plasmin and bovine trypsin. The protein could protect the γ-subunit of human fibrinogen from plasmin and trypsin digestion, similar to the natural plasma serine protease inhibitor α2-macroglobulin. The protein also could protect the γ-subunit of fibrinogen from the cysteine protease papain. AVPI-12 also exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of the fibrinogenolytic activity of plasmin, similar to α2-macroglobulin. The fibrinolytic inhibitory activity of AVPI-12 and the small-angle X-ray scattering showed that the protein could protect human fibrin clot from complete degradation by plasmin. The inhibition of the fibrinogenolytic and fibrinolytic activities of plasmin by AVPI-12 suggests that the inhibitor has potential for use in antifibrinolytic treatment.

A rare variant of alpha 1 antitrypsin mutations detected in Vietnamese children with liver disease

Alpha 1 antitrypsin (A1AT) is the major plasma serine protease inhibitor that is produced in liver cells. A1AT deficiency is recognized globally as a common genetic cause of liver disease in children, which results from mutations in the SERine Protease INhibitor A1 (SERPINA1) gene. The importance of A1AT deficiency in Viet Nam is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the A1AT variants present in paediatric patients with liver diseases in order to clarify whether A1AT deficiency is present in Viet Nam. A1AT studies were carried out in 130 children with liver disease of indeterminate aetiology. A1AT levels were determined by immunoturbidimetry. Phenotype analysis of A1AT was performed by isoelectric focusing (IEF) in all patients. Genotype analyses to determine A1AT mutations were performed by direct sequencing. We identified a rare variant of A1AT named Zbristol. The Zbristol appeared to be deficient in the plasma to about the same degree as the PI S protein resulting in low concentration of A1AT in one of these two Vietnamese patients. No other deficient A1AT allele was detected, although 11 patients (8.5%) showed a reduced serum concentration of A1AT. These are the first two cases of a rare A1AT deficiency allele to be found in Viet Nam clearly inferring that A1AT deficiency is not just a disease of Caucasians. As such, the laboratory diagnosis of A1AT deficiency including A1AT concentration determination and phenotype and genotype testing should form part of the routine differential diagnosis of paediatric liver disease of indeterminate aetiology in Vietnamese patients.

Effects of vitamin E on pathological changes induced by diabetes in rat lungs

Twenty-fourmale rats were divided into three groups: Control (C), non-treated diabetic (NTD), and vitamin E-treated diabetic (VETD) groups. After 6 weeks, we evaluated the changes in the alveolar epithelium, alveolar septum thickness, Hcy, and cathepsin G levels in the lung tissue and plasma serine protease inhibitor levels.The results revealed a significant increase in alveolar septum thickness, a high number of type II pneumocytes, high number of glycogen granules, increased vascular elastic membrane thickness, and increased Hcy and cathepsin G levels in the diabetic rats. Plasma level of serine protease inhibitors showed a significant decrease in the NTD animals. The vitamin E-treated rats showed significant amelioration of lung tissue changes, as well as restoration of high cathepsin G, Hcy levels, and serine protease inhibitors when compared to the control rats. These results suggest that diabetes induces lung tissue changes that may be stimulated by Hcy and cathepsin G mediated oxidative stress by, and protective effect could be achieved by using vitamin E.

Inhibition of Aeromonas sobria serine protease (ASP) by α2-macroglobulin

ASP is a serine protease secreted by Aeromonas sobria. ASP cleaves various plasma proteins, which is associated with onset of sepsis complications, such as shock and blood coagulation disorder. To investigate a host defense mechanism against this virulence factor, we examined the plasma for ASP inhibitor(s). Human plasma inhibited ASP activity for azocasein, which was almost completely abolished by treating plasma with methylamine, which inactivates α2-macroglobulin (α2-MG). The ASP-inhibitor complex in ASP-added plasma was not detected by immunoblotting using anti-ASP antibody; however, using gel filtration of the plasma ASP activity for an oligopeptide, the ASP substrate was eluted in the void fraction (Mw>200 000), suggesting ASP trapping by α2-MG. Indeed, human α2-MG inhibited ASP azocaseinolytic activity in a dose-dependent manner, rapidly forming a complex with the ASP. Fibrinogen degradation by ASP was completely inhibited in the presence of α2-MG. α1-Protease inhibitor, antithrombin, and α2-plasmin inhibitor neither inhibited ASP activity nor formed a complex with ASP. Surprisingly, ASP degraded these plasma serine protease inhibitors. Thus, α2-MG is the major ASP inhibitor in the human plasma and can limit ASP virulence activities in A. sobria infection sites. However, as shown by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, slow ASP inhibition by α2-MG in plasma may indicate insufficient ASP control in vivo.

P-0196 ALPHA-1 Antitrypsin Genotypes in Bladder and Colon Cancer Tissue

ABSTRACT Introduction Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a glycoprotein with 52KD molecular weight. It synthesized and secreted mainly from the liver and to a lesser extent from intestine. It functions as a major plasma serine protease inhibitor. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, specially, PiZ found to be associated with many diseases such as liver, kidney and lung diseases as well as tumors. Increased incidence of certain alleles like Z and S in certain tumor types such as liver carcinoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and bile duct carcinoma was demonstrated in a number of studies. The aim of this study is to test for the presence of S and Z alleles of alpha-1 antitrypsin in colon cancer tissues. Methods Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in combination with Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) was used to test for Z and S alleles in paraffin embedded tumor tissues. Results Results showed that all tested samples were of normal (MM) genotype, no Z or S mutations were detected. Conclusion These results demonstrated that there is no relationship between alpha-1 antitrypsin S and Z genotypes and the occurrence of colon cancer.

Elastase Inhibitory Activity of Airway α1-Antitrypsin Is Protected by Treatment With a Catalytic Antioxidant in a Baboon Model of Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Recent studies in animal models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) suggest that antioxidant treatments may be beneficial for the disease. However, the mechanisms by which these drugs improve the course of BPD are not completely known. Alpha1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) is one of the major serine protease inhibitors in human plasma that has antielastase and antiapoptotic activities. Both activities of α1-AT are dependent on its reactive site loop (RSL), which is highly susceptible to oxidative inactivation. In this study, we investigated the elastase inhibitory activity of α1-AT in two different baboon models of BPD, the "new BPD" and the "severe BPD" models, and determined the effect of treatment with a catalytic antioxidant, Mn(III) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTE-2-PyP), on the elastase inhibitory activity of α1-AT in the severe BPD model. Our results demonstrate the presence of sufficient elastase inhibitory activity of the airway α1-AT in the new but not in the severe BPD model. Treatment of severe BPD group baboons with the catalytic antioxidant MnTE-2-PyP resulted in augmentation of the elastase inhibitory activity of α1-AT. These findings suggest that prevention of the oxidative inactivation of α1-AT may be one of the mechanisms by which antioxidant therapy improves the pulmonary outcomes in animal models of severe BPD.

1181 URINARY PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS TO IDENTIFY HOST RESPONSE PROTEINS IN CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfections/Inflammation of the Genitourinary Tract: Kidney & Bladder1 Apr 20111181 URINARY PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS TO IDENTIFY HOST RESPONSE PROTEINS IN CATHETER-ASSOCIATED URINARY TRACT INFECTION Kathleen Mach, Xuefeng Ling, and Joseph Liao Kathleen MachKathleen Mach Stanford, CA More articles by this author , Xuefeng LingXuefeng Ling Stanford, CA More articles by this author , and Joseph LiaoJoseph Liao Stanford, CA More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2011.02.793AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) is the most common healthcare associated infection. Diagnosis of CAUTI is challenging as symptoms are frequently nonspecific and differentiation from asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) may be difficult. Hence, a better understanding of the host response to infection, ASB, or simply catheter presence will provide insight to direct clinical management. METHODS To identify proteins differentially expressed, we used two proteomic approaches, mass spectrometry (MS) and electrochemiluminescence arrays (ECL). Urine was collected with IRB approval from catheter-dependent patients and stored at -80°C until analysis. For MS (Thermo Velos Orbitrap), we analyzed 25 bacteria (+) and 25 bacteria (−) samples. MS output was searched against a database of human and bacterial proteomes with Sequest software. Spectral counting was used to determine relative quantitation, and data was visualized with Scaffold software. ECL analysis used a Meso Scale Discovery kit with a panel of 4 cytokines, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and TNFα. For ECL, 6 bacteria (−) samples and 20 bacteria (+) samples divided into 11 ASB and 9 CAUTI, as determined by clinical diagnosis at the time of collection, were assayed. RESULTS Analysis of MS data identified greater than 1000 host and bacterial proteins. The top differentially expressed host proteins in each sample group are listed in the table. As MS provides relative data, we are currently verifying and quantitating these proteins in healthy, ASB and CAUTI urine. In the analysis of urinary cytokines (Figure), we note differences in the mean IL-1β and IL-8 level between the bacteria (−) and (+) samples, and a trend in differences in ASB and CAUTI samples. Host Proteins function Higher in bacteria (positive) Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) Breakdown of extracellular matrix Plastin-2 (LCP1) Actin-binding protein Myeloperoxidase (MPO) Lysosomal protein, microbicidal activity of neutrophils Protein S100-A9 (S100A9) Proinflammatory protein, expressed in neutrophils and monocytes Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) Iron sequestration, binds to bacterial siderophores Neutrophil collagenase (MMP8) Breakdown of extracellular matrix Lactoferrin (LTF) Iron homeostasis, anti-microbial infections, anti-inflammatory activity Higher in bacteria (negative) Plasma serine protease inhibitor (SerpinA5) Heparin-binding serine protease inhibitor with broad antimicrobial activity Osteopontin (OPN) Secreted, integrin-binding protein, functions in the regulation of immune responses. Vasorin (VASN) TGFβ binding protein CONCLUSIONS Our data support the utility and complementary nature of the two technologies: MS scans the entire proteome, while ECL arrays detect known targets with a superior detection limit and quantitation. Additional investigation in a larger patient cohort is warranted and is underway. © 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 185Issue 4SApril 2011Page: e474 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2011 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kathleen Mach Stanford, CA More articles by this author Xuefeng Ling Stanford, CA More articles by this author Joseph Liao Stanford, CA More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

α1-Antichymotrypsin inactivates staphylococcal cysteine protease in cross-class inhibition

Staphylococcal cysteine proteases are implicated as virulence factors in human and avian infections. Human strains of Staphylococcus aureus secrete two cysteine proteases (staphopains A and B), whereas avian strains express staphopain C (ScpA2), which is distinct from both human homologues. Here, we describe probable reasons why the horizontal transfer of a plasmid encoding staphopain C between avian and human strains has never been observed. The human plasma serine protease inhibitor α1-antichymotrypsin (ACHT) inhibits ScpA2. Together with the lack of ScpA2 inhibition by chicken plasma, these data may explain the exclusively avian occurrence of ScpA2. We also clarify the mechanistic details of this unusual cross-class inhibition. Analysis of mutated ACHT variants revealed that the cleavage of the Leu383-Ser384 peptide bond results in ScpA2 inhibition, whereas hydrolysis of the preceding peptide bond leads to ACHT inactivation. This evidence is consistent with the suicide-substrate-like mechanism of inhibition.

Identifying serum biomarkers for TACE therapy efficiency of hepatocellular carcinoma

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is the first line of treatment in inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. Magnetic affinity beads can be used to extract peptides from un-fractionated serum samples. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) can detect the presence and the molecular mass of peptides. In this study, we used a highly optimized ClinProt-matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) to screen hepatocellular carcinoma markers for TACE. 40 sera from 20 patients, including before and after TACE to explore those biomarkers, might be related with therapy efficiency, and some of the patients who received another therapy were analyzed as well. The spectra were analyzed statistically using FlexAnalysis™ and Clin-Prot™ bioinformatic software. The seven most significant differential peaks (p < 0.0.5) were selected out by ClinProTool software to identify hepatocellular carcinoma markers for TACE therapy. Furthermore, the differential peptide of 3883Da was identified as plasma serine protease inhibitor precursor (Protein C inhibitor). This study provides a direct link between peptide marker profiles and TACE therapy, and the markers may have clinical utility for monitoring efficiency of therapy.

Hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA): its regulation by protein C inhibitor

Protein C inhibitor (PCI; SERPINA5) is a plasma serine protease inhibitor, and a potent inhibitor of activated protein C (APC), which plays a critical role in the anticoagulant protein C pathway. Recently, PCI was also found to form a complex with the serine protease hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA), inhibiting the HGFA-catalyzed activation of the single-chain hepatocyte growth factor precursor. In vivo studies using human PCI-transgenic (hPCI-Tg) mice, which mimic PCI expression in humans, showed that the regeneration rate of the liver after partial hepatectomy was significantly impaired as compared with wild-type mice. The decreased liver regeneration in hPCI-Tg mice was restored by pretreatment with antibody against human PCI. Furthermore, APC protected hepatic nonparenchymal cells from thrombin-induced inflammation in vitro, suggesting that plasma PCI may inhibit the cytoprotective action of APC on hepatic cells in hPCI-Tg mice. It was shown that the levels of HGFA-PCI are increased in plasma of patients who have been subjected to hepatectomy, as compared with complex levels in the plasma of normal individuals. Thus, PCI may play a role as a potent inhibitor of HGFA and APC in plasma and/or at the sites of tissue injury in the regulation of tissue regeneration.

Protein C inhibitor regulates both cathepsin L activity and cell-mediated tumor cell migration

Background Protein C inhibitor (PCI) is a plasma serine protease inhibitor (serpin) that regulates several serine proteases in coagulation including thrombin and activated protein C. However, the physiological role of PCI remains under investigation. The cysteine protease, cathepsin L, has a role in many physiological processes including cardiovascular diseases, blood vessel remodeling, and cancer. Methods and results We found that PCI inhibits cathepsin L with an inhibition rate (k 2) of 3.0 × 10 5 M − 1 s − 1. Whereas, the PCI P1 mutant (R354A) inhibits cathepsin L at rates similar to wild-type PCI, mutating the P2 residue results in a slight decrease in the rate of inhibition. We then assessed the effect of PCI and cathepsin L on the migration of human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells. Cathepsin L was expressed in both the cell lysates and conditioned media of MDA-MB-231 cells. Wound-induced and transwell migration of MDA-MB-231 cells was inhibited by exogenously administered wtPCI and PCI P1 but not PCI P14 mutant. In addition, migration of MDA-MB-231 cells expressing wtPCI was significantly decreased compared to non-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells or MDA-MB-231 cells expressing the PCI P14 mutant. Downregulation of cathepsin L by either a specific cathepsin L inhibitor or siRNA technology also resulted in a decrease in the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusions Overall, our data show that PCI regulates tumor cell migration partly by inhibiting cathepsin L. General significance Consequently, inhibiting cathepsin L by serpins like PCI may be a new pathway of regulating hemostasis, cardiovascular and metastatic diseases.