• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.134-143
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• 2005

Collagen is the important structural proteins in mammals with various peptide composition and cross-linkings. The direct analysis of collagen protein was not suitable because of its structural complexity and diversity. In this study, we suggest the simple way of collagen analysis by introducing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to identify the collagen and its trypsin-digested fragments, and by subsequent time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(Q-TOF MS/MS) to analyze the amino acid sequences of identified fragments. Using the collagen samples extracted from the tail of mouse, 10 separated bands were found in SDS-PAGE, and the masses of most bands could be more finely determined by MALDI-TOF MS. When each 10 separated proteins was tryptic digested and introduced to MALDI-TOF, the Gly1056-Arg1073 fragment from $\alpha_1$-chain was identified in four bands, and the Gly1056-Arg1073 fragment from $\alpha_2$-chain was identified in five bands, both in type I collagen. Although few fragments were found because of the cross-linkings left in digested collagen sample, it could be determined that the type I collagen existed at least in 7 separated bands. When the amino acid sequences of two identified fragments were analyzed by Q-TOF MS/MS, both sequences were identical with those determined by MALDI-TOF MS. It suggested that the two peaks in MALDI-TOF MS caused by the fragments identified in this work could be used as the fingerprint to simply identify type I collagen in protein samples.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.45-49
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• 2016

An UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS analytical method was developed for cyclopeptide alkaloids in the seeds of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), which is a commonly used herb in Chinese and Korean traditional medicines. Considering the basicity of cyclopeptide alkaloids, a specific separation method was developed for an UHPLC system. The compounds were detected by DAD and ESI-qTOF-MS, and their fragmentation patterns were also acquired by MS^E technologies. Peak-picking of major compounds was performed with nine previously isolated compounds and two reference standard compounds. Tandem MS fragmentation behaviors of type-Ia and -Ib cyclopeptide alkaloids were investigated with the acquired data to develop a strategy for dereplication of other cyclopeptide alkaloid compounds in Z. jujuba var. spinosa. Two more cyclopeptide alkaloids were tentatively identified with UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS using this method.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.161-170
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• 2002

For the hairy root of Panax ginseng, we have got mass spectrums from MALDI/TOF/MS analysis and Tandem mass spectrums from ESI/Q-TOF/MS analysis. While mass spectrum provides the molecular weights of peptide fragments digested by protease such as trypsin, tandem mass spectrum produces amino acid sequence of digested peptides. Each amino acid sequences can be a query sequence in BLAST search to identify proteins. For the specimens of animals or plants of which genome sequences were known, we can easily identify expressed proteins from mass spectrums with high accuracy. However, for the other specimens such as ginseng, it is difficult to identify proteins with accuracy since all the protein sequences are not available yet. Here we compared the mass spectrums and the peptide amino acid sequences with ginseng expressed sequence tag (EST) DB. The matched EST sequence was used as a query in BLAST search for protein identification. They could offer the correct protein information by the sequence alignment with EST sequences. 90% of peptide sequences of ESI/Q-TOF/MS are matched with EST sequences. Comparing 68% matches of the same sequences with the nr database of NCBI, we got more matches by 22% from ginseng EST sequence search. In case of peptide mass fingerprinting from MALDI/TOF/MS, only about 19% (9 proteins of 47 spots) among peptide matches from nr DB were correlated with ginseng EST DB. From these results, we suggest that amino acid sequencing using tandem mass spectrum analysis may be necessary for protein identification in ginseng proteome analysis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.205-214
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• 2020

Background: This article aims to compare and analyze the contents of ginsenosides in ginseng of different plant ages from different localities in China. Methods: In this study, 77 fresh ginseng samples aged 2-4 years were collected from 13 different cultivation regions in China. The content of eight ginsenosides (Rg₃, Rc, Rg₁, Rf, Rb₂, Rb₁, Re, and Rd) was determined using rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF MS/MS) to comparatively evaluate the influences of cultivation region and age. Results: Ginsenoside contents differed significantly depending on age and cultivation region. The contents of ginsenosides Re, Rc, Rg₁, Rg₃, and Rf increased with cultivation age, whereas that of ginsenoside Rb₁ peaked in the third year of cultivation. Moreover, the highest ginsenoside content was obtained from Changbai (19.36 mg/g) whereas the lowest content was obtained from Jidong (12.05 mg/g). Ginseng from Jilin Province contained greater total ginsenosides and was richer in ginsenoside Re than ginseng of the same age group in Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces, where Rb₁ and Rg₁ contents were relatively high. Conclusion: In this study, RRLC-Q-TOF MS/MS was used to analyze ginsenoside contents in 77 ginseng samples aged 2-4 years from different cultivation regions. These patterns of variation in ginsenoside content, which depend on harvesting location and age, could be useful for interested parties to choose ginseng products according to their needs.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.29-38
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• 2012

A new approach of volatile compounds analysis is proposed using a linear ion trap Orbitrap mass spectrometer coupled with gas chromatography through an atmospheric pressure photoionization interface. In the proposed GC-HRMS/MS approach, direct chemical composition analysis is made for the precursor ions in high resolution MS spectra and the structural identifications were made through the database search of high quality MS/MS spectra. Successful analysis of a complex perfume sample was demonstrated and compared with GC-EI-Q and GC-EI-TOF. The current approach is complementary to conventional GC-EI-MS analysis and can identify low abundance co-eluting compounds. Toluene co-sprayed as a dopant through API probe significantly enhanced ionization of certain compounds and reduced oxidation during the ionization.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.198-201
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• 2019

Recently, it has been reported that Bacillus mojavensis possesses antifungal properties and plant growth-promoting activities, which are similar to the characteristics of siderophore. In this study, the siderophore produced by B. mojavensis was assessed using a solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS/MS). After B. mojavensis was incubated in phenol medium for 16 hr and lyophilized, the sample was dissolved in water and loaded to an SPE cartridge to remove interferences. The cartridge was washed with 5% methanol in water and eluted with 2% formic acid in methanol sequentially. The eluted solution was evaporated under a stream of nitrogen gas and reconstituted in methanol. The reconstituted sample was filtered, and $1{\mu}l$ of the sample was assessed using Q-TOF MS/MS. The mass spectrometer was operated using the positive electrospray ionization mode. Based on the mass spectrum and tandem mass spectrum, the siderophore produced by B. mojavensis was bacillibactin, one of the catechol types of siderophore with a molecular weight of 882.2556. This siderophore analysis could provide a justification for the study of B. mojavensis as a functional food and for pharmaceutical applications.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.149-157
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• 2018

Background: Panax notoginseng leaves (PNL) exhibit extensive activities, but few analytical methods have been established to exclusively determine the dammarane triterpene saponins in PNL. Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS) and HPLC-UV methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of ginsenosides in PNL, respectively. Results: Extraction conditions, including solvents and extraction methods, were optimized, which showed that ginsenosides Rc and Rb3, the main components of PNL, are transformed to notoginsenosides Fe and Fd, respectively, in the presence of water, by removing a glucose residue from position C-3 via possible enzymatic hydrolysis. A total of 57 saponins were identified in the methanolic extract of PNL by UPLC/Q-TOF MS. Among them, 19 components were unambiguously characterized by their reference substances. Additionally, seven saponins of PNL-ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rb3, and notoginsenosides Fc, Fe, and Fd-were quantified using the HPLC-UV method after extraction with methanol. The separation of analytes, particularly the separation of notoginsenoside Fc and ginsenoside Rc, was achieved on a Zorbax ODS C8 column at a temperature of $35^{\circ}C$. This developed HPLC-UV method provides an adequate linearity ($r^2$ > 0.999), repeatability (relative standard deviation, RSD < 2.98%), and inter- and intraday variations (RSD < 4.40%) with recovery (98.7-106.1%) of seven saponins concerned. This validated method was also conducted to determine seven components in 10 batches of PNL. Conclusion: These findings are beneficial to the quality control of PNL and its relevant products.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.270-276
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• 2018

Background: Notoginsenoside Ft1 is a promising potential candidate for cardiovascular and cancer disease therapy owing to its positive pharmacological activities. However, the yield of Ft1 is ultralow utilizing reported methods. Herein, an acid hydrolyzing strategy was implemented in the acquirement of rare notoginsenoside Ft1. Methods: Chemical profiles were identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-ESI-MS). The acid hydrolyzing dynamic changes of chemical compositions and the possible transformation pathways of saponins were monitored by ultrahigh-performance LC coupled with tandem MS (UHPLC-MS/ MS). Results and conclusion: Notoginsenoside Ft1 was epimerized from notoginsenoside ST4, which was generated through cleaving the carbohydrate side chains at C-20 of notoginsenosides Fa and Fc, and vinaginsenoside R7, and further converted to other compounds via hydroxylation at C-25 or hydrolysis of the carbohydrate side chains at C-3 under the acid conditions. High temperature contributed to the hydroxylation reaction at C-25 and 25% acetic acid concentration was conducive to the preparation of notoginsenoside Ft1. C-20 epimers of notoginsenoside Ft1 and ST4 were successfully separated utilizing solvent method of acetic acid solution. The theoretical preparation yield rate of notoginsenoside Ft1 was about 1.8%, which would be beneficial to further study on its bioactivities and clinical application.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.255-265
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rb1, a bioactive component isolated from the Panax ginseng, acts as a remedy to prevent myocardial injury. However, it is obscure whether the cardioprotective functions of Rb1 are related to the regulation of endogenous metabolites, and its potential molecular mechanism still needs further clarification, especially from a comprehensive metabolomics profiling perspective. Methods: The mice model of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cardiomyocytes injury were applied to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Rb1. Meanwhile, the comprehensive metabolomics profiling was conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q/TOF-MS) and a tandem liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Rb1 treatment profoundly reduced the infarct size and attenuated myocardial injury. The metabolic network map of 65 differential endogenous metabolites was constructed and provided a new inspiration for the treatment of AMI by Rb1, which was mainly associated with mitophagy. In vivo and in vitro experiments, Rb1 was found to improve mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial function and promote mitophagy. Interestingly, the mitophagy inhibitor partly attenuated the cardioprotective effect of Rb1. Additionally, Rb1 markedly facilitated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), and AMPK inhibition partially weakened the role of Rb1 in promoting mitophagy. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rb1 protects acute myocardial ischemia injury through promoting mitophagy via AMPKα phosphorylation, which might lay the foundation for the further application of Rb1 in cardiovascular diseases.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.248-257
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• 2019

This study aimed to determine the chemical components of different cultivars (Gabjubaekmok, Sangjudungsi, and Godongsi) of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) and the effects of maturity. The detected free sugars were fructose and glucose, and glucose levels tended to increase with maturity. Palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and stearic acid, and potassium were major components. In the amino acid component analysis, the following were usually present in the following month: glutamic acid in Gabjubaekmok in July, lysine in Sangjudungsi in August, and threonine in Godongsi in October. Vitamin C tended to increase with aging, and fruit harvested in July had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In the metabolite analysis, there were significant differences among cultivars and with maturity. The major physiological compounds were analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass ($UPLC/Q-TOF/MS^2$) and were citric acid and gallic aicd. As maturity progressed, citric acid increased but gallic acid decreased.