Glutathionylated γG and γA subunits of hemoglobin F: a novel post-translational modification found in extremely premature infants by LC-MS and nanoLC-MS/MS.

David C. Ehrmann, Kristie Rose, M. Wade Calcutt, Amy B. Beller, Salisha Hill, Theresa J. Rogers, Steven D. Steele, David L. Hachey, Judy L. Aschner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of various disease processes and is a putative mechanism in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the most common complication of extreme preterm birth. Glutathione, a major endogenous antioxidant and redox buffer, also mediates cellular functions through protein thiolation. We sought to determine if post-translational thiol modification of hemoglobin F occurs in neonates by examining erythrocyte samples obtained during the first month of life from premature infants, born at 23 0/7 - 28 6/7 weeks gestational age, who were enrolled at our center in the Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP). Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we report the novel finding of in vivo and in vitro glutathionylation of γG and γA subunits of Hgb F. Through tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS), we confirmed the adduction site as the Cys-γ94 residue and through high-resolution mass spectrometry determined that the modification occurs in both γ subunits. We also identified glutathionylation of the β subunit of Hgb A in our patient samples; we did not find modified α subunits of Hgb A or F. In conclusion, we are the first to report that glutathionylation of γG and γA of Hgb F occurs in premature infants. Additional studies of this post-translational modification are needed to determine its physiologic impact on Hgb F function and if sG-Hgb is a biomarker for clinical morbidities associated with oxidative stress in premature infants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)178-183
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of mass spectrometry : JMS
Volume49
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2014
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Spectroscopy

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