Detection of protein Z in a renal calculus composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate with the use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry following two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separation

Anal Biochem. 2004 Jan 15;324(2):191-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2003.09.018.

Abstract

Protein Z, a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein, has been detected for the first time in a renal calculus along with osteopontin and prothrombin. The renal calculus was obtained from a hyperuricemic patient. Following two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the calculus was analyzed with the use of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The spectrometer was equipped with a nanoelectrospray interface and an ion trap. Four peptides were determined from a protein in the calculus through LC-MS/MS analysis. Tandem mass spectrum database matching tools were used to identify the protein as protein Z. Authentic protein Z was also analyzed using the same method, and all four peptides determined in the calculus were similarly identified. Whereas protein Z has been reported to be one of the vitamin K-dependent calcium-binding proteins, its role has not been well established. The fact that protein Z exists in a renal calculus composed of calcium oxalate will be beneficial in any future investigations into its role in the body.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Proteins / analysis
  • Blood Proteins / isolation & purification*
  • Calcium Oxalate
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / methods*
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
  • Humans
  • Kidney Calculi / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Middle Aged
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • plasma protein Z
  • Calcium Oxalate