Name: ubiquitin chain analysis by parallel reaction monitoring
Uploaded: 2020-06-17T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Ubiquitin Chain Analysis by Parallel Reaction Monitoring at JoVE.com

The authors would like to thank C&#233;line Jeanty for her assistance in creation of cellular pellets with treatment of MG-132 as described in the representative results and Elise Mommaerts for her provision of E. coli pellets used in the protocol.

1. Preparation of a heavy peptide standard
<ol>
	<li>Depending on the supplier and quality of the heavy peptides purchased, the heavy peptides will need to be diluted. This protocol used the peptide sequences reported in Table 1, with the C&#8211;terminal amino acid modified to Lysine (13C615N2-lysine) or Arginine (13C615N4-arginine).
	<ol>
		<li>Mix the heavy peptides, diluting the mix with 50% acetonitrile (ACN) t...

<ol>
	<li>Khoury, G. A., Baliban, R. C., Floudas, C. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Proteome-wide+post-translational+modification+statistics:+frequency+analysis+and+curation+of+the+swiss-prot+database.">Proteome-wide post-translational modification statistics: frequency analysis and curation of the swiss-prot database.</a> Scientific Reports. 1, 90 (2011).</li><li>Goldstein, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+of+a+polypeptide+that+has+lymphocyte-differentiating+properties+and+is+probably+represented+universally+in+living+cells.">Isolation of a polypeptide that has lymphocyte-differentiating properties and is probably represented universally in living cells.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 72 (1), 11-15 (1975).</li><li>Glickman, M. H., Ciechanover, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+ubiquitin-proteasome+proteolytic+pathway:+Destruction+for+the+sake+of+construction.">The ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway: Destruction for the sake of construction.</a> Physiol. Rev. 82, 373-428 (2002).</li><li>Pickart, C. M., Eddins, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ubiquitin:+structures,+functions,+mechanisms.">Ubiquitin: structures, functions, mechanisms.</a> Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research. 1695 (1-3), 55-72 (2004).</li><li>Akutsu, M., Dikic, I., Bremm, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ubiquitin+chain+diversity+at+a+glance.">Ubiquitin chain diversity at a glance.</a> Journal of Cell Science. 129 (5), 875-880 (2016).</li><li>Komander, D., Rape, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Ubiquitin+Code.">The Ubiquitin Code.</a> Annual Review of Biochemistry. 81 (1), 203-229 (2012).</li><li>Mattern, M., Sutherland, J., Kadimisetty, K., Barrio, R., Rodriguez, M. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Using+Ubiquitin+Binders+to+Decipher+the+Ubiquitin+Code.">Using Ubiquitin Binders to Decipher the Ubiquitin Code.</a> Trends in Biochemical Sciences. 44 (7), 599-615 (2019).</li><li>Newton, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ubiquitin+chain+editing+revealed+by+polyubiquitin+linkage-specific+antibodies.">Ubiquitin chain editing revealed by polyubiquitin linkage-specific antibodies.</a> Cell. 134 (4), 668-678 (2008).</li><li>Spence, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell+cycle-regulated+modification+of+the+ribosome+by+a+variant+multiubiquitin+chain.">Cell cycle-regulated modification of the ribosome by a variant multiubiquitin chain.</a> Cell. 102 (1), 67-76 (2000).</li><li>Borr&#224;s, E., Sabid&#243;, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=What+is+targeted+proteomics?+A+concise+revision+of+targeted+acquisition+and+targeted+data+analysis+in+mass+spectrometry.">What is targeted proteomics? A concise revision of targeted acquisition and targeted data analysis in mass spectrometry.</a> PROTEOMICS. 17 (17-18), (2017).</li><li>Lesur, A., Domon, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Advances+in+high-resolution+accurate+mass+spectrometry+application+to+targeted+proteomics.">Advances in high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry application to targeted proteomics.</a> PROTEOMICS. 15 (5-6), 880-890 (2015).</li><li>Longworth, J., Dittmar, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+Ubiquitin+Chain+Topology+by+Targeted+Mass+Spectrometry.">Assessment of Ubiquitin Chain Topology by Targeted Mass Spectrometry.</a> Methods in Molecular Biology. 1977, 25-34 (2019).</li><li>Nielsen, M. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Iodoacetamide-induced+artifact+mimics+ubiquitination+in+mass+spectrometry.">Iodoacetamide-induced artifact mimics ubiquitination in mass spectrometry.</a> Nature Methods. 5 (6), 459-460 (2008).</li><li>Tawa, N. E., Odessey, R., Goldberg, A. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inhibitors+of+the+proteasome+reduce+the+accelerated+proteolysis+in+atrophying+rat+skeletal+muscles.">Inhibitors of the proteasome reduce the accelerated proteolysis in atrophying rat skeletal muscles.</a> The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 100 (1), 197-203 (1997).</li><li>Kim, W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Systematic+and+quantitative+assessment+of+the+ubiquitin-modified+proteome.">Systematic and quantitative assessment of the ubiquitin-modified proteome.</a> Molecular Cell. 44 (2), 325-340 (2011).</li><li>MacLean, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+Collision+Energy+Optimization+on+the+Measurement+of+Peptides+by+Selected+Reaction+Monitoring+(SRM)+Mass+Spectrometry.">Effect of Collision Energy Optimization on the Measurement of Peptides by Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) Mass Spectrometry.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 82 (24), 10116-10124 (2010).</li></ol>

Analysis of the ubiquitin state within a proteome is of increasing importance to a wide variety of biological questions. The description of the ubiquitination state of a sample must focus not only on the profile of proteins being ubiquitinated but also on the topology of such ubiquitination. The assessment of this topology by targeted MS, as described here, has a role in a wide range of biological investigations.
It should be understood that the protocol outlined here provides a global topolog...

The close regulation of protein function and stability is of paramount importance, as they are major drivers of phenotypic control of biology. The function of a protein is constructed from two components: its intrinsic polypeptide sequence and any posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Various chemical PTMs have been identified including glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation1. In 1975, Goldstein et al.2 identified a small protein and named it ubiquitin due to its ubiquitous nature. Ubiquitin was found to be important in protein degradation3. However, since then it has been established that the function of ubiquitin as a signaling molecule extends far beyond the regulation of protein stability. Ubiquitin signaling is involved in a wide range of other biological functions, such as protein stabilization, autophagy, cell cycle control, and protein trafficking4.
While other PTMs are generally binary (i.e., the protein is modified or left unmodified) for a given site, ubiquitin can modify a protein both as a monomer or as a polymeric chain, with the attached ubiquitin itself being ubiquitinated. Further, this polyubiquitination chain can develop in several topologies with the ubiquitination of the previous ubiquitin attaching to one of eight linkage sites5,6. Ubiquitin is transferred by a multistep enzymatic process (Figure 1) where the C-terminus of ubiquitin is linked to one of its seven lysine residues (K06, K11, K27, K29, K33, K48, or K63) or the N-terminal of the previous ubiquitin (referred to as the M1 or linear ubiquitination)5,6. This chain topology is key to the fate of the protein under modification. For example, the modification with a K48 or K11 linked chain leads to the degradation of the modified protein at the proteasome, while a linear chain is necessary for the activation of NF-kB signaling. Thus, the relative distribution of these chain topologies is relevant to a wide variety of biological questions.
The use of mass spectrometry (MS) is of particular benefit to ubiquitin chain topology analysis as it is not reliant on antibody-based or affinity-based interactions7,8, many of which have limited specificity and do not differentiate between the various chain types. A different detection possibility is using genetically modified ubiquitin mutants. Here, a specific lysine is exchanged for arginine, which cannot support the modification by ubiquitin. The lack of ubiquitin chain formation on the substrate protein is then interpreted as evidence for a specific topology9.
MS-based identification of ubiquitinated proteins is based on the fact that the C-terminus of ubiquitin contains an arginine residue in position 74 that is recognized by trypsin during the proteolytic preparation of the samples for MS analysis, separating the C-terminal double glycine. This GlyGly (-GG) remains attached to the &#949;-amino group of the lysine residue of the substrate protein. For ubiquitin topology analysis, the modification occurs on one of the seven lysine residues of ubiquitin. This creates a set of seven key peptides that carry a lysine residue that is modified by GG, specific for each of the topologies (Figure 2). For example, with K06 topology, the lysine at position 6 on the amino acid sequence will be protected from tryptic digestion with a -GG modification of 114 Da added to this lysine.
Identification of specific predetermined peptides by MS is referred to as targeted proteomics, or more specifically, targeted peptide acquisition10. Two methods have been developed depending on the performance of the mass spectrometer being used. These are selected reaction monitoring (SRM), also called multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). SRM involves the selection of transitions consisting of the precursor m/z and the product ion m/z. Conversely, PRM requires only the precursor m/z. Post selection, a full survey scan of the product ions is performed. This has the advantage that no selection of appropriate product ions for quantitation on the specific mass spectrometer is necessary prior to the measurement11. Both SRM and PRM can, depending on the instrument, be scheduled. Scheduling is the practice of assigning a time window during which a particular ion will be included for analysis, as peptides are eluting at defined retention times from the chromatographic system. Reducing the number of ions being interrogated at any given time increases the frequency of interrogation of those ions scheduled at that time, thus improving data accuracy.
In general, the application of targeted proteomics for ubiquitin topology is the same as any other targeted proteomics experiment. However, two key differences are important: First, the stability of ubiquitin chains must be considered. There are multiple potent deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that rapidly degrade chains upon cell lysis. The ubiquitin-specific proteases fall into two categories, the thioesterases and metalloproteases. Most of the ubiquitin-hydrolases are thioesterases and carry a cysteine residue in their active center. By alkylating this cysteine residue, they can be inactivated. As such, the use of ubiquitin stabilization buffers containing alkylating agents, like N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), and highly denaturing chemicals, and keeping samples chilled is vital to a successful analysis. Second, unlike other targeted experiments, the peptide choice is fixed. In a typical targeted experiment, a proteotypic peptide can be selected for good chromatographic and ionization performance. For some topology-characteristic peptides such as K48 these properties are good, while for others, they are less desirable. For example, K33 chromatography in a typical reverse-phase setup is poor due to the formation of a stretched elution profile, and the poor ionization properties of the K27 peptide reduce its visibility by MS12.
In this protocol, we describe how to perform ubiquitin topology assessment of a biological sample by PRM. Example data for the procedure are presented using a perturbation of the proteasome using MG-132 inhibitor treatment in several different cell types.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetonitrile (ACN)</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td>100029</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ammonium bicarbonate (ABC)</td>
			<td>Fluka</td>
			<td>9830</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Centrifuge</td>
			<td>Beckman Coulter</td>
			<td>Microfuge 16</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chloroacetamide (CAA)</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>22790</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf LoBind</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>22431081</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formic acid (FA)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>85178</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heavy Peptides</td>
			<td>JPT Peptide Technologies</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HPLC</td>
			<td>Dionex</td>
			<td>Ulitimate 3000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LC Column</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>160321</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lys C</td>
			<td>Wako</td>
			<td>125-05061</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mass Spectrometer</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>Q-Exactive Plus</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N-ethylmaleimide (NEM)</td>
			<td>ACROS Organics</td>
			<td>156100050</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Positive Control Chain K48</td>
			<td>Boston Biochem</td>
			<td>UC-240</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Positive Control Chain K63</td>
			<td>Boston Biochem</td>
			<td>UC-340-100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Positive Control Chain M1</td>
			<td>Boston Biochem</td>
			<td>UC-710B-025</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>S5881</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sonifier</td>
			<td>Branson sonifier</td>
			<td>SFX 150</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thermomixer</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>Thermomixer Comfort</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)</td>
			<td>Sigam</td>
			<td>T6508</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>77720</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypsin</td>
			<td>Promega</td>
			<td>V1511A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Urea</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>51456</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Waters &#956;Elution C18 plates</td>
			<td>Waters</td>
			<td>186002318</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

ubiquitin chain analysis by parallel reaction monitoring

Assessment of the global profile of ubiquitin chain topologies within a proteome is of interest to answer a wide range of biological questions. The protocol outlined here takes advantage of the di-glycine (-GG) modification left after the tryptic digestion of ubiquitin incorporated in a chain. By quantifying these topology-characteristic peptides the relative abundance of each ubiquitin chain topology can be determined. The steps required to quantify these peptides by a parallel reaction monitoring experiment are reported taking into consideration the stabilization of ubiquitin chains. Preparation of heavy controls, cell lysis, and digestion are described along with the appropriate mass spectrometer setup and data analysis workflow. An example data set with perturbations in ubiquitin topology is presented, accompanied by examples of how optimization of the protocol can affect results. By following the steps outlined, a user will be able to perform a global assessment of the ubiquitin topology landscape within their biological context.

To demonstrate the use of a ubiquitin chain analysis by PRM, three cell lines were selected: a mouse melanoma cell line B16, and the two common human cell lines A549 (adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial cells) and HeLa (cervical cancer cells). These cultures grew to midexponential phase in appropriate media before being treated with 0, 10, or 100 mM MG-132 for 4 h prior to harvest. MG-132 is a proteasome inhibitor preventing the degradation of ubiquitin-conjugated proteins by the proteasome14</sup...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Ubiquitin Chain Analysis by Parallel Reaction Monitoring at JoVE.com

Ubiquitin Chain Analysis by Parallel Reaction Monitoring

This method describes the assessment of global changes in ubiquitin chain topology. The assessment is performed by the application of a mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics approach.

Assessment of the global profile of ubiquitin chain topologies within a proteome is of interest to answer a wide range of biological questions. The ...

As different ubiquitin chain topologies have a broad range of biological effects, understanding changes in their abundance is relevant to a wide variety of biological states. Applying parallel reaction monitoring to ubiquitin chain analysis allows the specific identification and quantification of the ubiquitin chain topologies. Unlike typical PRM experiments, analysis of ubiquitin chain topology is restricted to specific modified peptides, many of which are not ideal for MS analysis.Visual demonstration of this technique highlights the adjustments and the expected results observed for these non-ideal peptides. Begin by preparing an ammonium bicarbonate solution, n-ethylmaleimide solution, and ubiquitin stabilization buffer as described in the text manuscript. Resuspend the biological sample in the ubiquitin stabilization buffer and lyse the cells with an appropriate method.After cell lysis, centrifuge the sample at 18, 000 times G for 10 minutes at four degrees Celsius and transfer the supernatant to a fresh low protein binding microcentrifuge tube. If necessary, store the samples at negative 20 degrees Celsius before proceeding. To thaw the samples, mix them rapidly with a ThermoMixer and do not use temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius.Once thawed, centrifuge the samples at 18, 000 times G for 10 minutes at four degrees Celsius and transfer 20 micrograms to a fresh low bind microcentrifuge tube, then adjust the volume to 50 microliters with ubiquitin stabilization buffer. Prepare a negative control with a normalized volume of ubiquitin stabilization buffer and a positive control with the buffer and commercially available chain types. Prepare a solution of 50 millimolar ammonium bicarbonate in water and adjust the pH to eight with one molar sodium hydroxide.Pellet an E.coli culture by centrifugation at 5, 000 times G for five minutes. Wash the cells twice with PBS and resuspend them in ubiquitin stabilization buffer at five micrograms per milliliter. Add one microgram of E.coli lysate to each sample and control.Then prepare 500 millimolar TCEP in MS Grade water and add it to each sample to a final concentration of 50 millimolar. Vortex the samples briefly and incubate them for 30 minutes at room temperature. Next, prepare a solution of 500 millimolar chloroacetaldehyde and ammonium bicarbonate and add it to the samples and controls to a final concentration of 55 millimolar.Vortex the samples briefly and incubate them in the dark for 20 minutes. Add Endopeptidase Lys-C to the samples and incubate them at 37 degrees Celsius for three hours. After the incubation, dilute the samples with 200 microliters of 50 millimolar ammonium bicarbonate, add trypsin, and incubate them for another 12 hours.On the next day, add 10%formic acid solution to each sample and control at a 1:10 volume-to-volume ratio. Verify that the pH is less than three. Then add 0.5 microliters of heavy peptide standard to each sample.After standard C18 sample cleanup, proceed with mass spectrometry analysis of the samples with a PRM-based methodology. To export the isolation list, select isolation list from the export menu, select the instrument type and set the method to standard. Click OK which will open a prompt to save a CSV file that can be used to create a PRM method.Next, import the scheduling run by selecting File, Import, and Results. Choose several files to import simultaneously and click OK, then select the files and wait for the import to complete. When ready, review the identifications by clicking on the mass for each heavy peptide entry.Correct recognition of the peak is often determined automatically, but manual curation may be required. Retention times selected for the heavy variants are also applied to the light versions, creating a schedule for the PRM. To modify the scheduling window, select the peak and click on Settings and Peptide Settings.Then change the time window in the Prediction tab. The schedule inclusion list can then be exported using File, Export, and Isolation List. Choose the appropriate instrument type, set method type to scheduled, and click OK.To analyze the data, import all samples and perform curation, removing transitions with interference or poor signal-to-noise ratios, then export data by either right-clicking on relevant graphs and selecting Copy Data or clicking on File, Export, and Report.Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 prevents the degradation of ubiquitin conjugated proteins, which results in an increase of the K48 chain in the mouse melanoma cell line B16, as well as the two human cell lines, A549 and HeLa. Parallel reaction monitoring or PRM performs a full product ion scan after selection of the precursor ion, which means that product ions should be curated post run. The chromatogram for K48 is shown before and after curation.Product ions that have a signal with an inconsistent elution profile and low-intensity were removed. The transition selected during curation should be consistent between experiments, but may differ depending on chromatographic conditions, analysis settings, and the biological background of the sample. Shown here are typical product ion chromatograms for each of the identified ubiquitin chain topologies in this experiment.When designing a PRM experiment, collision energy can be optimized to improve the signal. When collision energies from 14 to 28 were applied, it was found that a higher collision energy of 26 was optimal for K63, while a lower energy of 18 was ideal for M1.Favorable collision energies were found for the topology characteristic peptides in this experiment and a selection of unmodified ubiquitin fragments, but they may need to be optimized based on the mass spectrometer and fragmentation method used. While attempting this procedure, it is important to remember that for ubiquitin chain analysis, a balance of conditions must be created to ensure that ubiquitin chain linkages are maintained whilst promoting their digestion into peptides.This method is vital for the understanding of ubiquitin signaling as it provides an accurate quantification of the ubiquitin chain topology. It could be combined with a pull-down or an organelle fractionation to address which ubiquitin chain topology is associated with the targeted protein sample.

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Biochemistry

2 in 1: One-step Affinity Purification for the Parallel Analysis of Protein-Protein and Protein-Metabolite Complexes

Cellular processes are regulated by interactions between biological molecules such as proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids. While the investigation of protein-protein interactions (PPI) is no novelty, experimental approaches aiming to characterize endogenous protein-metabolite interactions (PMI) constitute a rather recent development. Herein, we present a protocol that allows simultaneous characterization of the PPI and PMI of a protein of choice, referred to as bait. Our protocol was optimized for Arabidopsis cell cultures and combines affinity purification (AP) with mass spectrometry (MS)-based protein and metabolite detection. In short, transgenic Arabidopsis lines, expressing bait protein fused to an affinity tag, are first lysed to obtain a native cellular extract. Anti-tag antibodies are used to pull down protein and metabolite partners of the bait protein. The affinity-purified complexes are extracted using a one-step methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)/methanol/water method. Whilst metabolites separate into either the polar or the hydrophobic phase, proteins can be found in the pellet. Both metabolites and proteins are then analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS or UPLC-MS/MS). Empty-vector (EV) control lines are used to exclude false positives. The major advantage of our protocol is that it enables identification of protein and metabolite partners of a target protein in parallel in near-physiological conditions (cellular lysate). The presented method is straightforward, fast, and can be easily adapted to biological systems other than plant cell cultures.

Protein-protein and protein-metabolite interactions are crucial for all cellular functions. Herein, we describe a protocol that allows parallel analysis of these interactions with a protein of choice. Our protocol was optimized for plant cell cultures and combines affinity purification with mass spectrometry-based protein and metabolite detection.

Cellular processes are regulated by interactions between biological molecules such as proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids. While the investigation of ...

Analysis of Thylakoid Membrane Protein Complexes by Blue Native Gel Electrophoresis

Photosynthetic electron transfer chain (ETC) converts solar energy to chemical energy in the form of NADPH and ATP. Four large protein complexes embedded in the thylakoid membrane harvest solar energy to drive electrons from water to NADP+ via two photosystems, and use the created proton gradient for production of ATP. Photosystem PSII, PSI, cytochrome b6f (Cyt b6f) and ATPase are all multiprotein complexes with distinct orientation and dynamics in the thylakoid membrane. Valuable information about the composition and interactions of the protein complexes in the thylakoid membrane can be obtained by solubilizing the complexes from the membrane integrity by mild detergents followed by native gel electrophoretic separation of the complexes. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) is an analytical method used for the separation of protein complexes in their native and functional form. The method can be used for protein complex purification for more detailed structural analysis, but it also provides a tool to dissect the dynamic interactions between the protein complexes. The method was developed for the analysis of mitochondrial respiratory protein complexes, but has since been optimized and improved for the dissection of the thylakoid protein complexes. Here, we provide a detailed up-to-date protocol for analysis of labile photosynthetic protein complexes and their interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana.

A protocol for the elucidation of plant thylakoid protein complex organization and composition with blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) and 2D-SDS-PAGE is described. The protocol is optimized for Arabidopsis thaliana, but can be used for other plant species with minor modifications.

Photosynthetic electron transfer chain (ETC) converts solar energy to chemical energy in the form of NADPH and ATP. Four large protein complexes embedded ...

Analysis of Protein Folding, Transport, and Degradation in Living Cells by Radioactive Pulse Chase

Radioactive pulse-chase labeling is a powerful tool for studying the conformational maturation, the transport to their functional cellular location, and the degradation of target proteins in live cells. By using short (pulse) radiolabeling times (&lt;30 min) and tightly controlled chase times, it is possible to label only a small fraction of the total protein pool and follow its folding. When combined with nonreducing/reducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoprecipitation with (conformation-specific) antibodies, folding processes can be examined in great detail. This system has been used to analyze the folding of proteins with a huge variation in properties such as soluble proteins, single and multi-pass transmembrane proteins, heavily N- and O-glycosylated proteins, and proteins with and without extensive disulfide bonding. Pulse-chase methods are the basis of kinetic studies into a range of additional features, including co- and posttranslational modifications, oligomerization, and polymerization, essentially allowing the analysis of a protein from birth to death. Pulse-chase studies on protein folding are complementary with other biochemical and biophysical methods for studying proteins in vitro by providing increased temporal resolution and physiological information. The methods as described within this paper are adapted easily to study the folding of almost any protein that can be expressed in mammalian or insect-cell systems.

Here we describe a protocol for a general pulse-chase method that allows the kinetic analysis of folding, transport, and degradation of proteins to be followed in live cells.

Radioactive pulse-chase labeling is a powerful tool for studying the conformational maturation, the transport to their functional cellular location, and ...

Real-time Observation of the DNA Strand Exchange Reaction Mediated by Rad51

The DNA strand exchange reaction mediated by Rad51 is a critical step of homologous recombination. In this reaction, Rad51 forms a nucleoprotein filament on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and captures double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) non-specifically to interrogate it for a homologous sequence. After encountering homology, Rad51 catalyzes DNA strand exchange to mediate pairing of the ssDNA with the complementary strand of the dsDNA. This reaction is highly regulated by numerous accessary proteins in vivo. Although conventional biochemical assays have been successfully employed to examine the role of such accessory protein in vitro, kinetic analysis of intermediate formation and its progression into a final product has proven challenging due to the unstable and transient nature of the reaction intermediates. To observe these reaction steps directly in solution, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based real-time observation systems of this reaction were established. Kinetic analysis of real-time observations shows that the DNA strand exchange reaction mediated by Rad51 obeys a three-step reaction model involving the formation of a three-strand DNA intermediate, maturation of this intermediate, and the release of ssDNA from the mature intermediate. The Swi5-Sfr1 complex, an accessary protein conserved in eukaryotes, strongly enhances the second and third steps of this reaction. The FRET-based assays presented here enable us to uncover the molecular mechanisms through which recombination accessary proteins stimulate the DNA strand exchange activity of Rad51. The primary goal of this protocol is to enhance the repertoire of techniques available to researchers in the field of homologous recombination, particularly those working with proteins from species other than Schizosaccharomyces pombe, so that the evolutionary conservation of the findings presented herein can be determined.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based real-time observation systems of the DNA strand exchange reaction mediated by Rad51 were developed. Using the protocols presented here, we are able to detect the formation of reaction intermediates and their conversion into products, while also analyzing the enzymatic kinetics of the reaction.

The DNA strand exchange reaction mediated by Rad51 is a critical step of homologous recombination. In this reaction, Rad51 forms a nucleoprotein filament ...

Hybrid Clear/Blue Native Electrophoresis for the Separation and Analysis of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Supercomplexes

Complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery form supramolecular protein arrangements named supercomplexes (SCs), which are believed to confer structural and functional advantages to mitochondria. SCs have been identified in many species, from yeast to mammal, and an increasing number of studies report disruption of their organization in genetic and acquired human diseases. As a result, an increasing number of laboratories are interested in analyzing SCs, which can be methodologically challenging. This article presents an optimized protocol that combines the advantages of Blue- and Clear-Native PAGE methods to resolve and analyze SCs in a time-effective manner. With this hybrid CN/BN-PAGE method, mitochondrial SCs extracted with optimal amounts of the mild detergent digitonin are exposed briefly to the anionic dye Coomassie Blue (CB) at the beginning of the electrophoresis, without exposure to other detergents. This short exposure to CB allows to separate and resolve SCs as effectively as with traditional BN-PAGE methods, while avoiding the negative impact of high CB levels on in-gel activity assays, and labile protein-protein interactions within SCs. With this protocol it is thus possible to combine precise and rapid in gel activity measurements with analytical techniques involving 2D electrophoresis, immuno-detection, and/or proteomics for advanced analysis of SCs.

Here we present a protocol to extract, resolve and identify mitochondrial supercomplexes which minimizes exposure to detergents and Coomassie Blue. This protocol offers an optimal balance between resolution, and preservation of enzyme activities, while minimizing the risk of losing labile protein-protein interactions.

Complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery form supramolecular protein arrangements named supercomplexes (SCs), which are believed to confer ...

High-Resolution Complexome Profiling by Cryoslicing BN-MS Analysis

Proteins generally exert biological functions through interactions with other proteins, either in dynamic protein assemblies or as a part of stably formed complexes. The latter can be elegantly resolved according to molecular size using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). Coupling of such separations to sensitive mass spectrometry (BN-MS) has been well-established and theoretically allows for exhaustive assessment of the extractable complexome in biological samples. However, this approach is rather laborious and provides limited complex size resolution and sensitivity. Also, its application has remained restricted to abundant mitochondrial and plastid proteins. Thus, for a majority of proteins, information regarding integration into stable protein complexes is still lacking. Presented here is an optimized approach for complexome profiling comprising preparative-scale BN-PAGE separation, sub-millimeter sampling of broad gel lanes by cryomicrotome slicing, and mass spectrometric analysis with label-free protein quantification. The procedures and tools for critical steps are described in detail. As an application, the report describes complexome analysis of a solubilized endosome-enriched membrane fraction from mouse kidneys, with 2,545 proteins profiled in total. The results demonstrate identification of uniform, low-abundance membrane proteins such as intracellular ion channels as well as high resolution, complex protein assembly patterns, including glycosylation isoforms. The results are in agreement with independent biochemical analyses. In summary, this methodology allows for comprehensive and unbiased identification of protein (super)complexes and their subunit composition, providing a basis for investigating stoichiometry, assembly, and interaction dynamics of protein complexes in any biological system.

A versatile cryoslicing BN-MS protocol using a microtome is presented for high-resolution complexome profiling.

Proteins generally exert biological functions through interactions with other proteins, either in dynamic protein assemblies or as a part of stably formed ...

Profiling Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like Dependent Post-translational Modifications and Identification of Significant Alterations

Ubiquitin (ub) and ubiquitin-like (ubl) dependent post-translational modifications of proteins play fundamental biological regulatory roles within the cell by controlling protein stability, activity, interactions, and intracellular localization. They enable the cell to respond to signals and to adapt to changes in its environment. Alterations within these mechanisms can lead to severe pathological situations such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. The aim of the technique described here is to establish ub/ubls dependent PTMs profiles, rapidly and accurately, from cultured cell lines. The comparison of different profiles obtained from different conditions allows the identification of specific alterations, such as those induced by a treatment for example. Lentiviral mediated cell transduction is performed to create stable cell lines expressing a two-tags (6His and Flag) version of the modifier (ubiquitin or a ubl such as SUMO1 or Nedd8). These tags permit the purification of ubiquitin and therefore of ubiquitinated proteins from the cells. This is done through a two-step purification process: The first one is performed in denaturing conditions using the 6His tag, and the second one in native conditions using the Flag tag. This leads to a highly specific and pure isolation of modified proteins which are subsequently identified and semi-quantified by liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology. Easy informatics analysis of MS data using Excel software enables the establishment of PTM profiles by eliminating background signals. These profiles are compared between each condition in order to identify specific alterations which will then be studied more specifically, starting with their validation by standard biochemistry techniques.

This protocol aims at establishing ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-likes (Ubls) specific proteomes in order to identify alterations of these kind of post-translational modifications (PTMs), associated with a specific condition such as a treatment or a phenotype.

Ubiquitin (ub) and ubiquitin-like (ubl) dependent post-translational modifications of proteins play fundamental biological regulatory roles within the ...

Functional Characterization of RING-Type E3 Ubiquitin Ligases In Vitro and In Planta

Ubiquitination, as a posttranslational modification of proteins, plays an important regulatory role in homeostasis of eukaryotic cells. The covalent attachment of 76 amino acid ubiquitin modifiers to a target protein, depending on the length and topology of the polyubiquitin chain, can result in different outcomes ranging from protein degradation to changes in the localization and/or activity of modified protein. Three enzymes sequentially catalyze the ubiquitination process: E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme, E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, and E3 ubiquitin ligase. E3 ubiquitin ligase determines substrate specificity and, therefore, represents a very interesting study subject. Here we present a comprehensive approach to study the relationship between the enzymatic activity and function of the RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase. This four-step protocol describes 1) how to generate an E3 ligase deficient mutant through site-directed mutagenesis targeted at the conserved RING domain; 2&#8211;3) how to examine the ubiquitination activity both in vitro and in planta; 4) how to link those biochemical analysis to the biological significance of the tested protein. Generation of an E3 ligase-deficient mutant that still interacts with its substrate but no longer ubiquitinates it for degradation facilitates the testing of enzyme-substrate interactions in vivo. Furthermore, the mutation in the conserved RING domain often confers a dominant negative phenotype that can be utilized in functional knockout studies as an alternative approach to an RNA-interference approach. Our methods were optimized to investigate the biological role of the plant parasitic nematode effector RHA1B, which hijacks the host ubiquitination system in plant cells to promote parasitism. With slight modification of the in vivo expression system, this protocol can be applied to the analysis of any RING-type E3 ligase regardless of its origins.

The goal of this manuscript is to present an outline for the comprehensive biochemical and functional studies of the RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases. This multistep pipeline, with detailed protocols, validates an enzymatic activity of the tested protein and demonstrates how to link the activity to function.

Ubiquitination, as a posttranslational modification of proteins, plays an important regulatory role in homeostasis of eukaryotic cells. The covalent ...

Parallel Interrogation of &#946;-Arrestin2 Recruitment for Ligand Screening on a GPCR-Wide Scale using PRESTO-Tango Assay

As the largest and most versatile gene superfamily and mediators of a gamut of cellular signaling pathways, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the most promising targets for the pharmaceutical industry. Ergo, the design, implementation, and optimization of GPCR ligand screening assays is crucial, as they represent remote-control tools for drug discovery and for manipulating GPCR pharmacology and outcomes. In the past, G-protein dependent assays typified this area of research, detecting ligand-induced events and quantifying the generation of secondary messengers. However, since the advent of functional selectivity, as well as an increased awareness of several other G protein-independent pathways and the limitations associated with G-protein dependent assays, there is a greater push towards the creation of alternative GPCR ligand screening assays. Towards this endeavor, we describe the application of one such resource, the PRESTO-Tango platform, a luciferase reporter-based system that enables the parallel and simultaneous interrogation of the human GPCR-ome, a feat which was previously considered technically and economically unfeasible. Based on a G-protein independent &#946;-arrestin2 recruitment assay, the universality of &#946;-arrestin2-mediated trafficking and signaling at GPCRs makes PRESTO-TANGO an apt tool for studying approximately 300 non-olfactory human GPCRs, including approximately 100 orphan receptors. PRESTO-Tango&#39;s sensitivity and robustness make it suitable for primary high-throughput screens using compound libraries, employed to uncover new GPCR targets for known drugs or to discover new ligands for orphan receptors.

Parallel Interrogation of &amp;#946;-Arrestin2 Recruitment for Ligand Screening on a GPCR-Wide Scale using PRESTO-Tango Assay

Given that GPCRs are attractive druggable targets, GPCR ligand screening is thus indispensable for the identification of lead compounds and for deorphanization studies. Towards these efforts, we describe PRESTO-Tango, an open-source resource platform used for simultaneous profiling of transient &#946;-arrestin2 recruitment at approximately 300 GPCRs using a TEV-based reporter assay.

As the largest and most versatile gene superfamily and mediators of a gamut of cellular signaling pathways, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent ...

Single Cell Analysis Of Transcriptionally Active Alleles By Single Molecule FISH

Gene transcription is an essential process in cell biology, and allows cells to interpret and respond to internal and external cues. Traditional bulk population methods (Northern blot, PCR, and RNAseq) that measure mRNA levels lack the ability to provide information on cell-to-cell variation in responses. Precise single cell and allelic visualization and quantification is possible via single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH). RNA-FISH is performed by hybridizing target RNAs with labeled oligonucleotide probes. These can be imaged in medium/high throughput modalities, and, through image analysis pipelines, provide quantitative data on both mature and nascent RNAs, all at the single cell level. The fixation, permeabilization, hybridization and imaging steps have been optimized in the lab over many years using the model system described herein, which results in successful and robust single cell analysis of smFISH labeling. The main goal with sample preparation and processing is to produce high quality images characterized by a high signal-to-noise ratio to reduce false positives and provide data that are more accurate. Here, we present a protocol describing the pipeline from sample preparation to data analysis in conjunction with suggestions and optimization steps to tailor to specific samples.&#160;

Single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) is a method to accurately quantify levels and localization of specific RNAs at the single cell level. Here, we report our validated lab protocols for wet-bench processing, imaging and image analysis for single cell quantification of specific RNAs.

Gene transcription is an essential process in cell biology, and allows cells to interpret and respond to internal and external cues. Traditional bulk ...