Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Traini

Publications and source records attributed to M Traini.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Proteomic analysis of a developmentally regulated secretory vesicle.

Secretion of spore coat proteins from the prespore secretory vesicles (PSVs) in Dictyostelium discoideum is a signal mediated event that underlies terminal cell differentiation, and represents an important case of developmentally regulated secretion. In order to study the biochemical mechanisms that govern the regulated fusion of the PSVs with the plasma membrane and the subsequent secretion of their cargo, we purified this organelle from prespore cells. Analysis of protein extracts of highly purified PSVs indicated that, in addition to the cargo of structural spore coat proteins, many more proteins are associated with the PSVs. Their identification is paramount to the understanding of the mechanism of regulated secretion in this system. In this study we have taken the first comprehensive proteomic approach to the analysis of an entire, previously uncharacterized, organelle, with the goal of identifying the major proteins associated with the PSVs. We show that in addition to the structural spore coat proteins, the PSVs contain the enzymes needed for proper spore coat assembly (thioredoxin 2 and 3), regulatory proteins which we predict receive and transduce the developmental signal for secretion (rab7 GTPase, PI-3 kinase, NDP kinase and the calcium binding proteins calfumirin-1 and calreticulin) as well as proteins that interact with the cytoskeleton to mediate movement of the PSVs to the plasma membrane (actin binding proteins coactosin and profilin 1). In addition, the results suggest that proteins can play multiple roles in the cell, and that protein function can be dictated in part by subcellular localization. The identification of the PSV proteins is allowing us to develop testable hypotheses about the roles of these proteins within the functional context of developmentally regulated secretion.

Animals↗

Extraction of membrane proteins by differential solubilization for separation using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

We describe the extraction and enrichment of membrane proteins for separation by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) after differential solubilization of an Escherichia coli cell lysate. In a simple three-step sequential solubilization protocol applicable for whole cell lysates, membrane proteins are partitioned from other cellular proteins by their insolubility in solutions conventionally used for isoelectric focusing (IEF). As the first step, Tris-base was used to solubilize many cytosolic proteins. The resultant pellet was then subjected to conventional solubilizing solutions (urea, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate, dithiothreitol, Tris, carrier ampholytes). Following the completion of this step, 89% of the initial E. coli sample mass was solubilized. Finally, the membrane protein rich pellet was partially solubilized using a combination of urea, thiourea, tributyl phosphine and multiple zwitterionic surfactants. Using N-terminal sequence tagging and peptide mass fingerprinting we have identified 11 membrane proteins from this pellet. Two of these outer membrane proteins (Omp), OmpW and OmpX, have previously been known only as an open reading frame in E. coli, while OmpC, OmpT and OmpTOLC have not previously been identified on a 2-D gel. The prefractionation of an entire cell lysate into multiple fractions, based on solubility, results in simplified protein patterns following 2-D PAGE using broad-range pH 3.5-10 immobilized pH gradients (IPGs). Additional advantages of sample prefractionation are that protein identification and gel matching, for database construction, is a more manageable task, the procedure requires no specialized apparatus, and the sequential extraction is conducted in a single centrifuge tube, minimizing protein loss.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Towards an automated approach for protein identification in proteome projects.

The development of automated, high throughput technologies for the rapid identification of proteins is essential for large-scale proteome projects. While a degree of automation already exists in some stages of the protein identification process, such as automated acquisition of matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra, efficient interfaces between different stages are still lacking. We report the development of a highly automated, integrated system for large scale identification of proteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), based on peptide mass fingerprinting. A prototype robotic system was used to image and excise 288 protein spots from an amido black stained polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) blot. Protein samples were enzymatically digested with a commercial automated liquid handling system. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was used to acquire mass spectra automatically, and the data analysed with novel automated peptide mass fingerprinting database interrogation software. Using this highly automated system, we were able to identify 95 proteins on the basis of peptide mass fingerprinting, isoelectric point and molecular weight, in a period of less than ten working days. Advantages, problems, and future developments in robotic excision systems, liquid handling, and automated database interrogation software are discussed.

Automation↗

[Conventional and single-use burs. Cavity preparation comparison].

Our work's aim, was to value the wear of conventional and monouse burs, while preparing the cavity. Usually the conventional burs give better technical efficiency, but the monouse ones represent a notable progress both in technology and prevention.

Dental Cavity Preparation↗

Bilateral accessory digastric muscles.

Four aberrant muscles occurring in the submandibular region are described. Accessory digastric muscles were found lying in the submental triangle. All four muscles were attached to the mylohyoid raphe. On one side the anterior muscle ran to the mandible while the posterior muscle reached the hyoid bone. Three of these muscles (the exception being that attached to the mandible) fused with the ipsilateral anterior belly of digastric thus presenting an unusual bilateral arrangement.

Humans↗