Analytical characterization of a novel degradation product in a PEGylated recombinant protein.

We report the identification and characterization of a novel degradation product associated with PEGylation of a recombinant protein. After several months of storage at 2°C-8°C, an unexpected increase was observed in the proportion of an impurity that eluted with the native unPEGylated protein by size exclusion chromatography--from less than 0.01% at the start of storage to more than 0.25% at 12 months. An investigation into the nature of the impurity determined the presence of an N-terminal adduction with a mass increase of +58 Da over the native unPEGylated protein species, demonstrating that this impurity was the result of degradation. The impurity was subjected to thorough analytical characterization using orthogonal methods to establish its identity, and a mechanistic model proposed for its formation. The data implicate the presence of a monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG)-acetal aldehyde impurity in the mPEG-aldehyde raw material, indicating the need for diligent raw material testing prior to use.

Mass spectrometric-based stable isotopic 2-aminobenzoic acid glycan mapping for rapid glycan screening of biotherapeutics.

Fast, sensitive, robust methods for "high-level" glycan screening are necessary during various stages of a biotherapeutic product's lifecycle, including clone selection, process changes, and quality control for lot release testing. Traditional glycan screening involves chromatographic or electrophoretic separation-based methods, and, although reproducible, these methods can be time-consuming. Even ultrahigh-performance chromatographic and microfluidic integrated LC/MS systems, which work on the tens of minute time scale, become lengthy when hundreds of samples are to be analyzed. Comparatively, a direct infusion mass spectrometry (MS)-based glycan screening method acquires data on a millisecond time scale, exhibits exquisite sensitivity and reproducibility, and is amenable to automated peak annotation. In addition, characterization of glycan species via sequential mass spectrometry can be performed simultaneously. Here, we demonstrate a quantitative high-throughput MS-based mapping approach using stable isotope 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-AA) for rapid "high-level" glycan screening.

A multi-method approach toward de novo glycan characterization: a Man-5 case study.

Regulatory agencies' expectations for biotherapeutic approval are becoming more stringent with regard to product characterization, where minor species as low as 0.1% of a given profile are typically identified. The mission of this manuscript is to demonstrate a multi-method approach toward de novo glycan characterization and quantitation, including minor species at or approaching the 0.1% benchmark. Recently, unexpected isomers of the Man(5)GlcNAc(2) (M(5)) were reported (Prien JM, Ashline DJ, Lapadula AJ, Zhang H, Reinhold VN. 2009. The high mannose glycans from bovine ribonuclease B isomer characterization by ion trap mass spectrometry (MS). J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 20:539-556). In the current study, quantitative analysis of these isomers found in commercial M(5) standard demonstrated that they are in low abundance (<1% of the total) and therefore an exemplary "litmus test" for minor species characterization. A simple workflow devised around three core well-established analytical procedures: (1) fluorescence derivatization; (2) online rapid resolution reversed-phase separation coupled with negative-mode sequential mass spectrometry (RRRP-(-)-MS(n)); and (3) permethylation derivatization with nanospray sequential mass spectrometry (NSI-MS(n)) provides comprehensive glycan structural determination. All methods have limitations; however, a multi-method workflow is an at-line stopgap/solution which mitigates each method's individual shortcoming(s) providing greater opportunity for more comprehensive characterization. This manuscript is the first to demonstrate quantitative chromatographic separation of the M(5) isomers and the use of a commercially available stable isotope variant of 2-aminobenzoic acid to detect and chromatographically resolve multiple M(5) isomers in bovine ribonuclease B. With this multi-method approach, we have the capabilities to comprehensively characterize a biotherapeutic's glycan array in a de novo manner, including structural isomers at >/=0.1% of the total chromatographic peak area.

Determination of Fab-hinge disulfide connectivity in structural isoforms of a recombinant human immunoglobulin G2 antibody.

The detection and characterization of unexpected disulfide-mediated structural variants of human immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) antibodies was recently the subject of two copublications. In this paper, we present data to confirm the previously reported structures and elucidate the complete disulfide connectivity of each variant through the application of a novel analytical methodology. In this manner, the data illustrate the presence of at least five structural variants, including the classical structure with independent Fab domains and a hinge region. Multiple subvariants of the IgG2-A/B and IgG2-B structures are identified; these subvariants of each structure differ through the order of attachment of Fab peptides to the sequential hinge cysteines. Furthermore, the connectivity of a novel subvariant of IgG2-B containing an intrachain disulfide linkage in the lower hinge region is elucidated. The results presented in this paper reveal that the population of IgG2 disulfide structural variants is yet more complex than recently reported.

Methodology for determining disulfide linkage patterns of closely spaced cysteine residues.

We report the development and application of a method for determining bonding patterns in disulfide-linked peptides containing closely spaced cysteine residues. Through the utility of classic N-terminal sequencing chemistry coupled with facile liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis of the cleavage products, we report the ability to demonstrate unambiguous assignment of paired cysteine residues, using human insulin as a model protein. The conditions of the technique were selected and optimized to maintain disulfide integrity. In a forthcoming article, we will present the results of this method as applied to the complete elucidation of linkages in disulfide variants of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody of the IgG2 subclass.

High-throughput immunoglobulin G N-glycan characterization using rapid resolution reverse-phase chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

We present an optimized high-throughput method for the characterization of 2-aminobenzamide (2-AB)-labeled N-glycans from recombinant immunoglobulin G (rIgG). This method includes an optimized sample preparation protocol involving microwave-assisted deglycosylation in conjunction with an automated sample cleanup strategy and a rapid resolution reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RRRP-HPLC) separation of labeled N-glycans. The RRRP-HPLC method permits generation of a comprehensive glycan profile using fluorescence detection in 45min. In addition, the profiling method is directly compatible with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), allowing immediate and sensitive characterization of the glycan moiety by intact MS and tandem MS (MS/MS) fragmentation. We conservatively estimate an efficiency gain of fourfold with respect to the throughput capabilities of this optimized method as compared with traditional protocols (overnight deglycosylation, sample cleanup by graphitized carbon or cellulose cartridge, high-pH anion exchange chromatography, fraction collection, and processing for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight [MALDI-TOF] MS analysis) for a single sample. Even greater gains are achieved when processing of multiple samples is considered.

Artifactual isoform profile modification following treatment of human plasma or serum with protease inhibitor, monitored by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

The inclusion of protease inhibitors in serum or plasma samples has been found to significantly impact the isoform profile of selected plasma proteins as seen on 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) gels. With the addition of a protease inhibitor cocktail, several human plasma protein trains [depleted of albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG)] exhibited higher isoelectric point (pI) isoforms. This shift was especially apparent for apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1), a relatively high abundance protein. The six protease inhibitor components of the cocktail were individually investigated with albumin and IgG depleted human plasma, and it was shown that the observed effects were caused by 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), a serine protease inhibitor that covalently modifies proteins and/or peptides. Several serine-and/or tyrosine-containing peptides of apo A1 were modified with a concomitant mass increase of 183 Da, which is consistent with the mass increase expected following reaction with AEBSF. These modifications were observed with increasing propensity in the higher pI spots. An increase in both the number and proportion of modified peptides with increasing pI was also observed. A model is proposed for the random or stochastic coupling of AEBSF-derived moieties to serine and/or tyrosine residues throughout apo A1 and potentially other plasma proteins.

HUPO Plasma Proteome Project specimen collection and handling: towards the standardization of parameters for plasma proteome samples.

There is a substantial list of pre-analytical variables that can alter the analysis of blood-derived samples. We have undertaken studies on some of these issues including choice of sample type, stability during storage, use of protease inhibitors, and clinical standardization. As there is a wide range of sample variables and a broad spectrum of analytical techniques in the HUPO PPP effort, it is not possible to define a single list of pre-analytical standards for samples or their processing. We present here a compendium of observations, drawing on actual results and sound clinical theories and practices. Based on our data, we find that (1) platelet-depleted plasma is preferable to serum for certain peptidomic studies; (2) samples should be aliquoted and stored preferably in liquid nitrogen; (3) the addition of protease inhibitors is recommended, but should be incorporated early and used judiciously, as some form non specific protein adducts and others interfere with peptide studies. Further, (4) the diligent tracking of pre-analytical variables and (5) the use of reference materials for quality control and quality assurance, are recommended. These findings help provide guidance on sample handling issues, with the overall suggestion being to be conscious of all possible pre-analytical variables as a prerequisite of any proteomic study.

A large high-density lipoprotein enriched in apolipoprotein C-I: a novel biochemical marker in infants of lower birth weight and younger gestational age.

CONTEXT: Low birth weight is associated with increased cardiovascular disease in adulthood, and differences in the molecular weight, composition, and quantity of lipoprotein subclasses are associated with coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine if there are novel patterns of lipoprotein heterogeneity in low-birth-weight infants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective study at a US medical center of a representative sample of infants (n = 163; 70 white and 93 black) born at 28 or more weeks of gestational age between January 3, 2000, and September 27, 2000. This sample constituted 20% of all infants born during the study period at this site. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma levels and particle sizes of lipoprotein subclasses and plasma concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins (high-density lipoprotein [HDL] and low-density lipoprotein [LDL]), and apolipoproteins. RESULTS: An elevated lipoprotein peak of a particle with density between 1.062 and 1.072 g/mL was identified using physical-chemical methods. This subclass of large HDL was enriched in apolipoprotein C-I (apo C-I). Based on the amount of the apo C-I-enriched HDL peak, 156 infants were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: 0 (none detected), 17%; 1 (possibly present), 41%; 2 (probably present), 22%; 3 (elevated), 19%. Infants in group 3, compared with those in the other 3 groups, had significantly (P<.001) lower mean birth weight (2683.7 vs 3307.1 g) and younger mean gestational age (36.2 vs 39.3 wk). After correction for age, infants in group 3 had significantly higher levels of total and large HDL cholesterol and of total and large LDL cholesterol and LDL particle number. However, infants in group 3 had lower levels of small HDL, very low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides than infants in the other 3 groups. This lipoprotein profile differed from that in infants born small for gestational age, who had significantly higher triglyceride (P<.001) and apo B (P = .04) levels, but lower levels of total and large HDL cholesterol (P<.001) and apo A-I (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Because apo C-I-enriched HDL, and purified apo C-I alone, promotes apoptosis in vitro, increased amounts of this particle may have physiological significance and identify a novel group of low-birth-weight infants apparently distinct from traditionally classified small-for-gestational-age infants.

Efficient micro-recovery and guanidination of peptides directly from MALDI target spots.

A method is presented for the recovery and subsequent guanidination of tryptic peptides from samples previously spotted on a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) target. The procedure is shown to have applicability to both in-solution and in-gel digests, yielding improved confidence in protein identification and sequence coverage in all instances. Recovery from the plate is essentially quantitative, with no residual analyte observed on the target spot. The technique is rapid, simple, and has extended applicability to other processing steps, including (but not limited to) derivatization for specific peptide studies or enzymatic treatment for subsequent profiling of posttranslational modifications. This method circumvents the failure of an initial analysis to generate suitable information and is particularly relevant for the analysis of precious samples.

Metal ion complexes of EDTA: a solute system for density gradient ultracentrifugation analysis of lipoproteins.

In the study reported here, we apply some of the features of coordination chemistry to solve a long-standing problem in the separation and characterization of lipoprotein particles. Lipoproteins are circulating micelle-like particles responsible for lipid transport. They exist in three major classes: very-low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein in well-defined density ranges using the density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU) method. The analytical instrumentation of DGU has improved over the years in response to clinical evidence that certain lipoprotein species are linked to a high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. A long-standing problem has been a lack of appropriate gradient-forming solutes that can generate a useful gradient from a homogeneous solution. We have found that a new class of solutes based on metal ion complexes has the potential of providing a wide selection of compounds where the features can be modulated by choice of ligand, complexing metal ion, and counterion. In this study, we have chosen the cesium salt of BiEDTA (CsBiEDTA) and have investigated the dynamics of density gradient formation in the ultracentrifuge. We show that a useful density gradient can be formed within a few hours beginning with a homogeneous solution. We also present data on the migration behavior of lipoproteins under gradient-forming conditions and show that high-resolution density profiles can be obtained with good precision. The resolution of the CsBiEDTA profile is compared with those obtained using high molecular weight organic solutes.

Lipoprotein heterogeneity at birth: influence of gestational age and race on lipoprotein subclasses and Lp (a) lipoprotein.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of gestational age, gender, and race, on lipoprotein heterogeneity at birth. DESIGN: Prospective study of representative sample of infants. SETTING: The Johns Hopkins Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 163 infants (70 White and 93 Black) >28 weeks gestational age. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lipids, lipoprotein subclasses, apolipoproteins, Lp (a) lipoprotein. RESULTS: The number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, large LDL subclass, and LDL cholesterol level, were all significantly higher in the younger infants. The large high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass was significantly higher, while the small HDL subclass was significantly lower in the younger infants. Female infants had a greater HDL size than did males (P=.03). There were no differences between the age groups for HDL cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein subclasses, or levels of triglycerides, or apolipoproteins B and A-I. White infants had a notably higher mean (SD) level (nmol/L) of total LDL particles (476 [251]), compared to the Black infants (372 [177]) (P=.009). The Black infants had a significantly (P=.02) higher mean (SD) Lp (a) lipoprotein level (mg/dL), compared to the White infants, 2.8 (3.2) vs 1.7 (2.4). Black small-for-gestational age infants had significantly higher levels of very low and intermediate density lipoproteins and apolipoprotein B, compared to appropriate-for-gestational age infants. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational age has a significant effect on both LDL and HDL subclasses. Differences in LDL particle number and Lp (a) between White and Black infants mirror those seen later in life.