Validation of a peptide mapping method for a therapeutic monoclonal antibody: what could we possibly learn about a method we have run 100 times?

Peptide mapping is a key analytical method for studying the primary structure of proteins. The sensitivity of the peptide map to even the smallest change in the covalent structure of the protein makes it a valuable 'finger-print' for identity testing and process monitoring. We recently conducted a full method validation study of an optimised reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) tryptic map of a therapeutic anti-CD4 IgG1 monoclonal antibody. We have used this method routinely for over 1 year to support bioprocess development and test production lots for clinical trials. Herein we summarize the precision and ruggedness of the testing procedure and the main findings with respect to 'coverage of amino acid sequence' and limits-of-detection for various hypothetical structural variants. We also describe, in more detail, two unanticipated insights into the method gained from the validation study. The first of these is a potentially troublesome side-product arising during the reduction/alkylation step. Once the cause of this side-product was identified, it was easily prevented. We also report on subtle changes to the peptide map upon extended storage of the digest in the autosampler. These findings helped us to develop a 'robust' method for implementation in a quality control laboratory.

A general role for the lux autoinducer in bacterial cell signalling: control of antibiotic biosynthesis in Erwinia.

Micro-organisms have evolved complex and diverse mechanisms to sense environmental changes. Activation of a sensory mechanism typically leads to alterations in gene expression facilitating an adaptive response. This may take several forms, but many are mediated by response-regulator proteins. The luxR-encoded protein (LuxR) has previously been characterised as a member of the response-regulator superfamily and is known to respond to the small diffusible autoinducer signal molecule N-(beta-ketocaproyl) homoserine lactone (KHL). Observed previously in only a few marine bacteria, we now report that KHL is in fact produced by a diverse group of terrestrial bacteria. In one of these (Erwinia carotovora), we show that it acts as a molecular control signal for the expression of genes controlling carbapenem antibiotic biosynthesis. This represents the first substantive evidence to support the previous postulate that the lux autoinducer, KHL, is widely involved in bacterial signalling.

Biosynthesis of trichothecene mycotoxins: cell-free epoxidation of a trichodiene derivative.

A cell-free enzyme system from cultures of Fusarium culmorum catalyses the 12,13-epoxidation of semi-synthetic 9 beta,10 beta-epoxytrichodiene to 9 beta,10 beta;12,13-diepoxytrichodiene. This enzyme activity may be involved in the biosynthesis of trichothecene mycotoxins and since the 12,13-epoxide is known to be essential for toxicity, the enzyme activity probably confers the toxic properties associated with this group of mycotoxins. The epoxidase requires NADPH and molecular oxygen, is inhibited by carbon monoxide, and thus appears to be a cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase. Whole cell cultures of the fungus carry out the same biotransformation, and in addition hydroxylate the diepoxide product at position 3, yielding 3 alpha-hydroxy-9 beta,10 beta;12,13-diepoxytrichodiene.

Irreversible inactivation of beta-lactamase I from Bacillus cereus by chlorinated 6-spiroepoxypenicillins.

On incubation of the chlorinated 6-spiroepoxypenicillin anilides (I) and (II) [formula: see text] with beta-lactamase 1 from Bacillus cereus, three distinct processes are observed. The inhibitors act as (a) substrates, the turnover of which respectively results in a single product, namely 6-substituted 2(H)-3,4-dihydro-1,4-thiazine, (b) a transiently inhibited enzyme complex, and finally (c) an irreversibly inactivated enzyme complex. Although differing only in their stereochemistry at one centre, the anilide (K) is a more potent irreversible inactivator of beta-lactamase I than is compound (II). Analysis of irreversibly inactivated beta-lactamase I by isoelectric focusing and inspection of peptide fragmentation maps indicated that irreversible inactivation appears to be accompanied by covalent modification. These studies reveal that the chlorinated 6-spiroepoxypenicillin anilide (I) is a mechanism-based beta-lactamase inhibitor.

Evaluation of double contrast barium enemas performed by radiographic technologists.

This study was undertaken to see if radiographic technologists could be trained to perform double contrast barium enemas of a quality comparable to that produced by gastrointestinal radiologists and radiology residents. One technologist was from a remote rural hospital and the other from a university gastrointestinal radiology department. After initial training the two technologists continued to produce work of high quality. Analysis of the films showed that there was no significant difference between those films produced in the rural hospital and in the university centre. We recommend more widespread training of radiographic technologists in this work.

The value of the fatty meal in oral cholecystography.

A fatty meal was given to 231 patients who had a well-visualized gallbladder with no stones. The radiological diagnoses on fluoroscopic spot films made before and after the fatty meal were compared. Only one case was diagnosed differently after the fatty meal. In 4 patients the post-fat film was useful in confirming a suspected diagnosis. Indications for administration of a fatty meal include (a) overlying gas shadows, (b) differentiation of a stone from a polyp, (c) adenomyomatosis, (d) a distended gallbladder, and (e) suspected common bile duct obstruction. In the absence of these indications, the time, effort, and cost involved in making the post-fat film are not justified by the additional diagnostic information obtained.