Quantification of Bacterial Histidine Kinase Autophosphorylation Using a Nitrocellulose Binding Assay

Summary

We report and demonstrate an optimized nitrocellulose binding assay that can be used to quantify autophosphorylation of purified bacterial histidine kinases. Our method has several advantages over traditional SDS-PAGE based techniques, providing a valuable alternative for characterizing these important proteins.

Abstract

We demonstrate a useful method for quantifying autophosphorylation of purified bacterial histidine kinases. Histidine kinases are known for their involvement in two-component signal transduction, a ubiquitous system through which bacteria sense and respond to environmental stimuli. Two-component signaling features autophosphorylation of a histidine kinase, followed by phosphotransfer to the receiver domain of a response regulator protein, which ultimately leads to an output response. Autophosphorylation of the histidine kinase is responsive to the presence of a cognate environmental stimulus, thereby giving bacteria a means to detect and respond to changes in the environment. Despite their importance in bacterial biology, histidine kinases remain poorly understood due to the inherent lability of phosphohistidine. Conventional methods for studying these proteins, such as SDS-PAGE autoradiography, have significant shortcomings. We have developed a nitrocellulose binding assay that can be used to characterize histidine kinases. The protocol for this assay is simple and easy to execute. Our method is higher throughput, less time-consuming, and offers a greater dynamic range than SDS-PAGE autoradiography.

Introduction

Adaptive response is crucial for bacterial survival. In order to detect and respond to environmental changes, bacteria use a stimulus-response system known as two-component signaling.^1,2 In a typical two-component system, the histidine kinase detects a cognate stimulus, autophosphorylates its conserved histidine residue, then transfers phosphate to a conserved aspartate residue on the receiver domain of a response regulator protein.³ This event triggers a change in the activity of the response regulator, which stimulates a downstream effect.^4,5 Thus, bacteria are able to sense and adapt to changes in the local environment. Some two-com....

Protocol

Caution: This protocol requires appropriate training in the use and handling of radioactive materials. Please use the requisite personal protective equipment when performing this assay, including beta radiation shielding. Radioactive waste must be handled carefully, as large volumes of waste are generated during the washing phase of the experiment. Ensure that the waste is stored in an upright container such as a large bucket or bottle that will not be easily knocked over or spilled. Once the experiment is concluded, carefully transfer all l.......

Discussion

The nitrocellulose binding assay we have described has many advantages over previously used methods to characterize histidine kinases. In comparison to traditional SDS/PAGE-based autoradiography, our method is higher throughput and less time-consuming. The nitrocellulose membrane is easier to handle than SDS gels, and does not need to be fixed. Ponceau staining the nitrocellulose allows for the protein spots to be visualized. This provides an easy way to cut out each spot for scintillation counting, and determine that pr.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Phosphoric acid	VWR	AAAA18067-AP	For quenching reactions and washing nitrocellulose
Tris base	RPI	T60040-5000.0	Tris-HCl pH 8.0, for kinase reaction buffer
Potassium chloride	RPI	P41000-2500.0	For kinase reaction buffer
Magnesium chloride	RPI	M24000-500.0	For kinase reaction buffer
Glycerol	RPI	G22020-4000.0	For kinase reaction buffer
5'-ATP	Promega	E6011	Kinase substrate
[γ-32P]-5'-ATP	Perkin Elmer	NEG002Z250UC	6000 Ci/mmol
96-well dot blot apparatus	Bio-rad	1706545	For spotting reactions
Nitrocellulose	Whatman	32-10401396-PK	For spotting reactions
Ponceau S	Sigma aldrich	P3504-50G	For staining nitrocellulose