Photoaffinity site-specific covalent labeling of human corticosteroid-binding globulin

A method was developed for the synthesis of high-specific-activity 21-diazo-21-[6,7-(3)H]deoxycorticosterone, an analog of corticosterone. This analog was used as a photoaffinity label of a high affinity steroid-binding protein, human corticosteroid-binding globulin. Based on direct binding studies and crosscompetition experiments, this diazo derivative exhibited the requisite affinity (within a factor of 1.5 times that of corticosterone) and site specificity to qualify as an affinity labeling legand. Irradiation of corticosteroid-binding globulin with the 21-diazo derivative resulted in irreversible binding to corticosteroid-binding globulin, identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Specificity of covalent binding to corticosteroid-binding globulin was established by competition analysis with various steroids. Irreversibility of photodependent binding was shown by persistence of the complex on electrophoresis (in contrast to the noncovalently linked complex), and resistance to exchange with corticosterone or pregnanediol and to solvent extraction. Site specificity of covalent binding was inferred from the effects of a scavenger, Tris-HC1, and fluorescence quenching of a neighboring tryptophan.