Methods in molecular biology
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High-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) is a gas-phase separation technique which, when coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, offers benefits for analysis of complex proteomics samples such as those encountered in phosphoproteomics experiments. Results from LC-FAIMS-MS/MS are typically complementary, in terms of proteome coverage and isomer identification, to those obtained by use of solution-phase separation methods, such as prefractionation with strong cation-exchange chromatography. Here, we describe the protocol for large-scale phosphorylation analysis by LC-FAIMS-MS/MS.
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Successful therapy for TBI disabilities awaits refinement in the understanding of TBI neurobiology, quantitative measurement of treatment-induced incremental changes in recovery trajectories, and effective translation to human TBI using quantitative methods and protocols that were effective to monitor recovery in preclinical models. Details of the specific neurobiology that underlies these injuries and effective quantitation of treatment-induced changes are beginning to emerge utilizing a variety of preclinical and clinical models (for reviews see (Morales et al., Neuroscience 136:971-989, 2005; Fujimoto et al., Neurosci Biobehav Rev 28:365-378, 2004; Cernak, NeuroRx 2:410-422, 2005; Smith et al., J Neurotrauma 22:1485-1502, 2005; Bose et al., J Neurotrauma 30:1177-1191, 2013; Xiong et al., Nat Rev Neurosci 14:128-142, 2013; Xiong et al., Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 14:67-84, 2009; Johnson et al., Handb Clin Neurol 127:115-128, 2015; Bose et al., Brain neurotrauma: molecular, neuropsychological, and rehabilitation aspects, CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, 2015)). Preclinical models of TBI, essential for the efficient study of TBI neurobiology, benefit from the setting of controlled injury and optimal opportunities for biometric quantitation of injury and treatment-induced changes in the trajectories of disability. ⋯ Accordingly, use of this preclinical model offers an opportunity for (a) gaining a greater understanding of the relationships of TBI induced diffuse axonal injuries and associated long term disabilities, and (b) to provide a platform for quantitative assessment of treatment interactions upon the trajectories of TBI-induced disabilities. Using the impact acceleration closed head TBI model to induce mild/moderate injuries in the rat, we have observed and quantitated multiple morbidities commonly observed following TBI in humans (Bose et al., J Neurotrauma 30:1177-1191, 2013). This chapter describes methods and protocols used for TBI-induced multiple morbidity involving cognitive dysfunction, balance instability, spasticity and gait, and anxiety-like disorder.
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N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) is a lysosomal hydrolase degrading various N-acylethanolamines at acidic pH. Since NAAA prefers anti-inflammatory and analgesic palmitoylethanolamide to other N-acylethanolamines as a substrate, its specific inhibitors are expected as a new class of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Here, we introduce an NAAA assay system, using [(14)C]palmitoylethanolamide and thin-layer chromatography. The preparation of NAAA enzyme from native and recombinant sources as well as the chemical synthesis of N-[1'-(14)C]palmitoyl-ethanolamine is also described.
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Research models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) hold significant validity towards the human condition, with each model replicating a subset of clinical features and symptoms. After 30 years of characterization and implementation, fluid percussion injury (FPI) is firmly recognized as a clinically relevant model of TBI, encompassing concussion through severe injury. ⋯ This chapter outlines the procedures for midline (diffuse) FPI in adult male rats and mice. With these procedures, it becomes possible to generate brain-injured laboratory animals for studies of injury-induced pathophysiology and behavioral deficits, for which rational therapeutic interventions can be implemented.
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Recent military combat has heightened awareness to the complexity of blast-related traumatic brain injuries (bTBI). Experiments using animal, cadaver, or biofidelic physical models remain the primary measures to investigate injury biomechanics as well as validate computational simulations, medical diagnostics and therapies, or protection technologies. ⋯ It is recommended that the blast injury research community converge on a consistent set of experimental procedures and reporting of blast test conditions. This chapter describes the blast conditions which can be recreated within a laboratory setting and methodology for testing in vivo models within the appropriate environment.