Abstract
There is great interest in characterizing the proteins of the gastric
pathogen, Helicobacter pylori, especially those to which humans respond
immunologically. Because of the potential importance of such proteins
in diagnosis and vaccine development, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
in combination with Western blotting was used to separate and identify
potential antigens of H. pylori. Over 30 proteins were reactive in
Western blots with pooled sera from infected patients. Proteomic
analysis of 8 distinct H. pylori strains showed that most of these antigens
were produced by all strains. However, several unique proteins were
discovered which had not been previously reported but were traceable to
the TIGR genomic database. These proteins were individually digested
in situ with endoproteinase Lys-C and the resulting fragments were analyzed
by matrix assisted laser desorption time-of- flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF
MS). The mass spectral data was compared with predictions from the
H. pylori genome DNA sequence. We propose that this "proteomic" approach
for identification of previously unknown proteins will be useful in examining
regulation of H. pylori gene expression and protein localization in the
development of improved serologic tests to detect and monitor H. pylori
infection. This approach will also be useful for identifying potential
targets for anti-microbial (such as drug resistant bacteria) or vaccine
development for H. pylori and other pathogens whose genomes have been sequenced.
Background
C. Patrick McAtee is the Group Leader of Biological Chemistry at Genelabs
Technologies, Inc. in Redwood City California where his group has been
involved with several key research programs related to diagnostics and
infectious diseases. These projects have included the expression,
purification, and characterization of a Hepatitis E vaccine as well as
the discovery of the Hepatitis G virus. In collaboration with Washington
University Medical School, using novel “proteome technologies”, his group
was able to define key diagnostic and vaccine antigens as well as drug
resistance targets in Helicobacter pylori, the causative agent of gastric
ulcers and stomach cancer. Dr. McAtee is the author of numerous publications
and patents in the areas of proteomics and infectious diseases. He
received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and has completed postgraduate programs
at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and The Harvard School of Public
Health. In his spare time Dr. McAtee creates new salsas and “Nuevo-Southwestern”
inspired recipes. Proceeds from the sales of a recipe book of these culinary
creations benefit The New Horizons School, an alternative school for homeless
children in Capitola, California. A plan is underway to create a recipe
book featuring “new fusion” recipes from New York City and San Francisco
chefs that would establish a permanent endowment for the school.
Meeting details
| Date: | Tuesday | June 30, 1998 |
| Time: | 6:00 pm | Social hour, registration (no-host cocktails) |
| 7:00 pm | Dinner ($25 includes wine) | |
| 8:15 pm | Lecture (free, no reservations required) | |
| Dinner: | Choice of: | Coho Salmon Almondine |
| Vermicelli Marinara (fresh vegetables tossed in a marinara sauce) | ||
| Chicken Supreme (double chicken breast with a delicate supreme sauce) | ||
| includes | Spinach salad, New York style Cheesecake, wine, coffee | |
| Cost: | $25.00 | Reservations required |
| $10.00 | Students only |
The San Francisco Bay Area Mass Spectrometry discussion group was formed
in 1980 to provide a regular gathering for people interested in mass spectrometry
and allied topics. BAMS currently has a membership of about 280 individual
and 20 corporate members, and meets 8-10 times per year for a midweek dinner
and lecture. Meetings attract between 30 and 90 people, and are held
at a restaurant or hotel in the bay area convenient for our speaker.
We usually convene at 6:00pm for cocktails, dinner at 7:00pm, and lecture
at 8:15pm.
To become a member, please fill out and mail in a membership
form.
BAMS has been fortunate to have had many excellent
speakers in our short history.
If you have suggestions for a meeting topic please contact our program
chair.
If you have questions or comments about BAMS, please contact one of
the BAMS officers.
Please thank our corporate sponsors who
help keep BAMS membership and dinner costs low.
Here are some internet links that may be of
interest to BAMS members.
If you have comments or suggestions for this web site, please email
me at hugh-gregg@llnl.gov
Last update: 6/16/98.