Digoxigenin-ampicillin conjugate for detection of penicillin-binding proteins by chemiluminescence

L. M. Weigel, J. T. Belisle, J. D. Radolf, M. V. Norgard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes a highly sensitive new method for the identification of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that is based on the use of an ampicillin-digoxigenin conjugate (DIG-AMP conjugate) which is detected by immunoblotting and chemiluminescence. The sensitivity of chemiluminescence permitted X-ray film exposure times to be decreased to minutes, as opposed to the days or weeks which are requisite when conventionally radiolabeled β- lactams are used. Coupling of ampicillin to digoxigenin yielded a product containing digoxigenin (detected by chemiluminescence) which also was inhibitory for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Unconjugated digoxigenin at concentrations of up to 100 μg/ml was not inhibitory for either organism. For S. aureus the MICs of DIG-AMP (0.7 μg of conjugated ampicillin per ml) and of free ampicillin (0.5 μg/ml) were comparable, indicating that ampicillin retained its bioactivity when coupled to digoxigenin. However, for E. coli the MICs of DIG-AMP (70 μg of conjugated ampicillin per ml) and of free ampicillin (8 μg/ml) were widely disparate, suggesting that the DIG-AMP conjugate was too large and/or hydrophobic to traverse the E. coli outer membrane via porins. DIG-AMP binding assays with E. coli and S. aureus cell envelopes revealed profiles of PBPs similar to those detected with 125I-ampicillin or [3H]penicillin. DIG-AMP binding to PBPs was completely inhibited in competition experiments with free ampicillin or penicillin, supporting the specificity of the DIG-AMP conjugate for PBPs. DIG-AMP thus represents an advantageous alternative to radioactive β- lactams for the identification and analysis of PBPs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)330-336
Number of pages7
JournalAntimicrobial agents and chemotherapy
Volume38
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Digoxigenin-ampicillin conjugate for detection of penicillin-binding proteins by chemiluminescence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this