This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (DP1CA174426 to Carlos F. Barbas) and ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (to J.L). Molecular graphics were generated using PyMol.

1. Cloning
<ol>
	<li>Obtain alanine-substituted two-finger ZiF domains that have been sub-cloned into the pET-28 expression vector system and are available upon request (pET-2F-ZiF).34</li>
	<li>PCR amplify EmGFP from the plasmid Emerald-pBAD with the primers 5&#8217; XmaI-EmGFP (5&#8217;-GGAAATTGCCCGGGATGGTGAGCAAGGGCGAGGAGCTGTTCAC-3&#8217;; XmaI site in bold) and 3&#8217; SacI-EmGFP (5&#8217;-CGGATCTGAGCTCTTACTTGTACAGCTCGTCCATGCCGAG-3&#8217;; SacI site in ...

<ol>
	<li>Berg, A., Dowdy, S. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protein+transduction+domain+delivery+of+therapeutic+macromolecules.">Protein transduction domain delivery of therapeutic macromolecules.</a> Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 22, 888-893 (2011).</li><li>Lindsay, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Peptide-mediated+cell+delivery:+application+in+protein+target+validation.">Peptide-mediated cell delivery: application in protein target validation.</a> Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 2, 587-594 (2002).</li><li>Luo, D., Saltzman, W. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthetic+DNA+delivery+systems.">Synthetic DNA delivery systems.</a> Nat. Biotechnol. 18, 33-37 (2000).</li><li>Guo, X., Huang, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recent+advances+in+nonviral+vectors+for+gene+delivery.">Recent advances in nonviral vectors for gene delivery.</a> Acc. Chem. Res. 45, 971-979 (2012).</li><li>Thomas, C. E., Ehrhardt, A., Kay, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Progress+and+problems+with+the+use+of+viral+vectors+for+gene+therapy.">Progress and problems with the use of viral vectors for gene therapy.</a> Nat. Rev. Genet. 4, 346-358 (2003).</li><li>Frankel, A. D., Pabo, C. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cellular+uptake+of+the+tat+protein+from+human+immunodeficiency+virus.">Cellular uptake of the tat protein from human immunodeficiency virus.</a> Cell. 55, 1189-1193 (1988).</li><li>Elliott, G., O'Hare, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intercellular+trafficking+and+protein+delivery+by+a+herpesvirus+structural+protein.">Intercellular trafficking and protein delivery by a herpesvirus structural protein.</a> Cell. 88, 223-233 (1997).</li><li>Derossi, D., Joliot, A. H., Chassaing, G., Prochiantz, 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+third+helix+of+the+Antennapedia+homeodomain+translocates+through+biological+membranes.">The third helix of the Antennapedia homeodomain translocates through biological membranes.</a> J. Biol. Chem. 269, 10444-10450 (1994).</li><li>Smith, B. A., 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=Minimally+cationic+cell-permeable+miniature+proteins+via+alpha-helical+arginine+display.">Minimally cationic cell-permeable miniature proteins via alpha-helical arginine display.</a> J. Am. Chem. Soc. 130, 2948-2949 (2008).</li><li>Daniels, D. S., Schepartz, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intrinsically+cell-permeable+miniature+proteins+based+on+a+minimal+cationic+PPII+motif.">Intrinsically cell-permeable miniature proteins based on a minimal cationic PPII motif.</a> J. Am. Chem. Soc. 129, 14578-14579 (2007).</li><li>Karagiannis, E. D., 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=Rational+design+of+a+biomimetic+cell+penetrating+peptide+library.">Rational design of a biomimetic cell penetrating peptide library.</a> ACS Nan. 7, 8616-8626 (2013).</li><li>Gao, S., Simon, M. J., Hue, C. D., Morrison, B., 3r, S., Banta, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+unusual+cell+penetrating+peptide+identified+using+a+plasmid+display-based+functional+selection+platform.">An unusual cell penetrating peptide identified using a plasmid display-based functional selection platform.</a> ACS Chem. Biol. 6, 484-491 (2011).</li><li>Fuchs, S. M., Raines, R. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Arginine+grafting+to+endow+cell+permeability.">Arginine grafting to endow cell permeability.</a> ACS Chem. Biol. 2, 167-170 (2007).</li><li>Cronican, J. 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=Potent+delivery+of+functional+proteins+into+mammalian+cells+in+vitro+and+in+vivo+using+a+supercharged+protein.">Potent delivery of functional proteins into mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo using a supercharged protein.</a> ACS Chem. Biol. 5, 747-752 (2010).</li><li>Panyam, J., Labhasetwar, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biodegradable+nanoparticles+for+drug+and+gene+delivery+to+cells+and+tissue.">Biodegradable nanoparticles for drug and gene delivery to cells and tissue.</a> Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 55, 329-347 (2003).</li><li>Zelphati, O., 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=Intracellular+delivery+of+proteins+with+a+new+lipid-mediated+delivery+system.">Intracellular delivery of proteins with a new lipid-mediated delivery system.</a> J. Biol. Chem. 276, 35103-35110 (2001).</li><li>Kaczmarczyk, S. J., Sitaraman, K., Young, H. A., Hughes, S. H., Chatterjee, D. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protein+delivery+using+engineered+virus-like+particles.">Protein delivery using engineered virus-like particles.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 108, 16998-17003 (2011).</li><li>Voelkel, C., 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=Protein+transduction+from+retroviral+Gag+precursors.">Protein transduction from retroviral Gag precursors.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 107, 7805-7810 (2010).</li><li>Sinha, V. R., Trehan, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biodegradable+microspheres+for+protein+delivery.">Biodegradable microspheres for protein delivery.</a> J. Control Release. 90, 261-280 (2003).</li><li>Liu, J., Gaj, T., Patterson, J. T., Sirk, S. J., Barbas, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cell-penetrating+peptide-mediated+delivery+of+TALEN+proteins+via+bioconjugation+for+genome+engineering.">Cell-penetrating peptide-mediated delivery of TALEN proteins via bioconjugation for genome engineering.</a> PLoS One. 9, e85755 (2014).</li><li>Ramakrishna, S., 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=Gene+disruption+by+cell-penetrating+peptide-mediated+delivery+of+Cas9+protein+and+guide+RNA.">Gene disruption by cell-penetrating peptide-mediated delivery of Cas9 protein and guide RNA.</a> Genome Res. 24, 1020-1027 (2014).</li><li>Fuchs, S. M., Raines, R. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Polyarginine+as+a+multifunctional+fusion+tag.">Polyarginine as a multifunctional fusion tag.</a> Protein Sci. 14, 1538-1544 (2005).</li><li>Mai, J. C., Shen, H., Watkins, S. C., Cheng, T., Robbins, P. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficiency+of+protein+transduction+is+cell+type-dependent+and+is+enhanced+by+dextran+sulfate.">Efficiency of protein transduction is cell type-dependent and is enhanced by dextran sulfate.</a> J. Biol. Chem. 277, 30208-30218 (2002).</li><li>Al-Taei, S., 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=Intracellular+traffic+and+fate+of+protein+transduction+domains+HIV-1+TAT+peptide+and+octaarginine.+Implications+for+their+utilization+as+drug+delivery+vectors.">Intracellular traffic and fate of protein transduction domains HIV-1 TAT peptide and octaarginine. Implications for their utilization as drug delivery vectors.</a> Bioconjug. Chem. 17, 90-100 (2006).</li><li>Jones, S. 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=Characterisation+of+cell-penetrating+peptide-mediated+peptide+delivery.">Characterisation of cell-penetrating peptide-mediated peptide delivery.</a> Br. J. Pharmacol. 145, 1093-1102 (2005).</li><li>Urnov, F. D., Rebar, E. J., Holmes, M. C., Zhang, H. S., Gregory, P. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genome+editing+with+engineered+zinc+finger+nucleases.">Genome editing with engineered zinc finger nucleases.</a> Nat. Rev. Genet. 11, 636-646 (2010).</li><li>Carroll, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genome+engineering+with+zinc-finger+nucleases.">Genome engineering with zinc-finger nucleases.</a> Genetics. 188, 773-782 (2011).</li><li>Guo, J., Gaj, T., Barbas, C. F., 3rd, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Directed+evolution+of+an+enhanced+and+highly+efficient+FokI+cleavage+domain+for+zinc+finger+nucleases.">Directed evolution of an enhanced and highly efficient FokI cleavage domain for zinc finger nucleases.</a> J. Mol. Biol. 400, 96-107 (2010).</li><li>Gaj, T., Guo, J., Kato, Y., Sirk, S. J., Barbas, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Targeted+gene+knockout+by+direct+delivery+of+zinc-finger+nuclease+proteins.">Targeted gene knockout by direct delivery of zinc-finger nuclease proteins.</a> Nat. Methods. 9, 805-807 (2012).</li><li>Gersbach, C. A., Gaj, T., Barbas, C. F., 3rd, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthetic+zinc+finger+proteins:+the+advent+of+targeted+gene+regulation+and+genome+modification+technologies.">Synthetic zinc finger proteins: the advent of targeted gene regulation and genome modification technologies.</a> Acc. Chem. Res. 47, 2309-2318 (2014).</li><li>Gaj, T., Gersbach, C. A., Barbas, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ZFN,+TALEN,+and+CRISPR/Cas-based+methods+for+genome+engineering.">ZFN, TALEN, and CRISPR/Cas-based methods for genome engineering.</a> Trends Biotechnol. 31, 397-405 (2013).</li><li>Perez-Pinera, P., Ousterout, D. G., Gersbach, 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=Advances+in+targeted+genome+editing.">Advances in targeted genome editing.</a> Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 16, 268-277 (2012).</li><li>Cronican, J. 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=A+class+of+human+proteins+that+deliver+functional+proteins+into+mammalian+cells+in+vitro+and+in+vivo.">A class of human proteins that deliver functional proteins into mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo.</a> Chem. Biol. 18, 833-838 (2011).</li><li>Gaj, T., Liu, J., Anderson, K. E., Sirk, S. J., Barbas, C. F., 3rd, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protein+delivery+using+Cys2-His2+zinc-finger+domains.">Protein delivery using Cys2-His2 zinc-finger domains.</a> ACS Chem. Biol. 9, 1662-1667 (2014).</li><li>Radcliff, G., Jaroszeski, 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=Basics+of+flow+cytometry.">Basics of flow cytometry.</a> Methods Mol. Biol. 91, 1-24 (1998).</li><li>Mercer, A. C., Gaj, T., Sirk, S. J., Lamb, B. M., Barbas, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regulation+of+endogenous+human+gene+expression+by+ligand-inducible+TALE+transcription+factors.">Regulation of endogenous human gene expression by ligand-inducible TALE transcription factors.</a> ACS Synth. Biol. 3, 723-730 (2014).</li><li>Segal, D. J., Crotty, J. W., Bhakta, M. S., Barbas, C. F., Horton, N. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structure+of+Aart,+a+designed+six-finger+zinc+finger+peptide,+bound+to+DNA.">Structure of Aart, a designed six-finger zinc finger peptide, bound to DNA.</a> J. Mol. Biol. 363, 405-421 (2006).</li></ol>

Here, a step-by-step protocol for protein delivery using cell-permeable zinc-finger (ZiF) domains is presented. The ZiF domain does not reduce the activity of fused enzymatic cargo34; allows for the production and purification of proteins in yields nearly identical to those observed with unmodified protein; and can transport proteins and enzymes into a wide range of cell types with efficiencies that exceed traditional cell-penetrating peptide or protein transduction domain systems. Together, these findings ind...

Highly efficient and versatile protein delivery strategies are critical for many basic research and therapeutic applications. The direct delivery of purified proteins into cells represents one of the safest and easiest methods for achieving this.1,2 Unlike strategies that rely on gene expression from nucleic acids,3-5 protein delivery poses no risk of insertional mutagenesis, is independent of the cellular transcription/translation machinery and allows for an immediate effect. However, the lack of simple and generalizable methods for endowing cell-penetrating activity onto proteins routinely confounds their direct entry into cells. Current methods for facilitating intracellular protein delivery are based on the use of naturally occurring6-8 or designed cell-penetrating peptides,9-12 supercharged transduction domains,13,14 nanoparticles15 and liposomes,16 virus-like particles17,18 and polymeric microsphere materials.19 Unfortunately, many of these approaches are hampered by low cellular uptake rates,20,21 poor stability,22 inadvertent cell-type specificity,23 low endosomal escape properties24 and toxicity.25 In addition, many protein transduction technologies reduce the bioactivity of the delivered proteins.14
Our laboratory previously demonstrated that zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) proteins &#8212; chimeric restriction endonucleases consisting of a programmable Cys2-His2 zinc-finger DNA-binding protein and the cleavage domain of the FokI restriction endonuclease26-28&#160;&#8212; are inherently cell-permeable.29 This surprising cell-penetrating activity was shown to be an intrinsic property of the custom-designed zinc-finger domain, a DNA-binding platform that has emerged as a powerful tool for targeted genome engineering,30-32 and considered to be the result of the constellation of six positively charged residues on the protein surface. Indeed, several DNA-binding proteins, including c-Jun and N-DEK have been shown to possess an innate capacity to cross cell membranes.33 More recently, our laboratory expanded on these results and demonstrated that the cell-penetrating activity of zinc-finger (ZiF) domains could be leveraged for intracellular protein delivery. Genetic fusion of either one- or two-finger ZiF domains to specific protein cargo led to uptake efficiencies that exceeded many conventional cell-penetrating peptide delivery systems.34 Most notably, ZiF-mediated delivery did not compromise the activity of fused enzymatic cargo and facilitated high levels of cytosolic delivery. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the potential of the ZiF domain for facilitating the efficient and facile delivery of proteins, and potentially more diverse types of macromolecules, into cells.
Here, a detailed step-by-step protocol on how to implement ZiF technology for protein delivery in mammalian cells is presented. We previously constructed a suite of one-, two-, three-, four-, five- and six-finger ZiF domains that lack the ability to bind DNA, due to substitution of each of the &#945;-helical DNA-binding residues, but are capable of delivering proteins into cells34 (Figure 1). The production and transduction of Emerald GFP (EmGFP) into HeLa cells using a two-finger ZiF domain is described. This protocol is extensible to almost any protein capable of soluble expression in Escherichia coli and nearly any mammalian cell type. Expected results are provided and strategies for maximizing the performance of this system are also discussed.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>XmaI</td>
			<td>New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>R0180L</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SacI</td>
			<td>New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>R0156L</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Expand High Fidelity PCR system</td>
			<td>Roche</td>
			<td>11759078001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>dNTPs</td>
			<td>New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>N0446S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4-20% Tris-Glycine Mini protein gels, 1.5 mm, 10 wells</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>EC6028BOX</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2x Laemmli Sample Buffer</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>161-0737</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>T4 DNA Ligase</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>15224-017</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BL21 (DE3) Competent E. coli</td>
			<td>New England Biolabs</td>
			<td>C2527I</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IPTG</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>R0391</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zinc Chloride</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>208086-5G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kanamycin Sulfate</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>BP906-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>G8270-100G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tris Base</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>BP152-25</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Chloride</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>S9888-25G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DTT</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>PR-V3151&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PMSF</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>36978</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ni-NTA Agarose Resin</td>
			<td>QIAGEN</td>
			<td>30210</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycerol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>G5516-500ML</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Imidazole</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>I5513-25G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Amicon Ultra-15 Centrifugal Filter Units</td>
			<td>EMO Millipore</td>
			<td>UFC900324</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>11966-025</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>10437-028</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antibiotic-Antimycotic&#160;</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>15240-062</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24-Well Flat Bottom Plate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>CLS3527-100EA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Poly-Lysine</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P7280</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DPBS, No Calcium, No Magnesium</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>21600010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparan Sulfate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>H4777</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypsin</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>25300054</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hela cells</td>
			<td>ATCC</td>
			<td>CCL-2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nano Drop ND-1000 spectrophotometer&#160;</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>QIAquick PCR Purification Kit</td>
			<td>QIAGEN</td>
			<td>28104</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>QIAquick Gel Extraction Kit</td>
			<td>QIAGEN</td>
			<td>28704</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

direct protein delivery to mammalian cells using cell-permeable cys2-his2 zinc-finger domains

Due to their modularity and ability to be reprogrammed to recognize a wide range of DNA sequences, Cys2-His2 zinc-finger DNA-binding domains have emerged as useful tools for targeted genome engineering. Like many other DNA-binding proteins, zinc-fingers also possess the innate ability to cross cell membranes. We recently demonstrated that this intrinsic cell-permeability could be leveraged for intracellular protein delivery. Genetic fusion of zinc-finger motifs leads to efficient transport of protein and enzyme cargo into a broad range of mammalian cell types. Unlike other protein transduction technologies, delivery via zinc-finger domains does not inhibit enzyme activity and leads to high levels of cytosolic delivery. Here a detailed step-by-step protocol is presented for the implementation of zinc-finger technology for protein delivery into mammalian cells. Key steps for achieving high levels of intracellular zinc-finger-mediated delivery are highlighted and strategies for maximizing the performance of this system are discussed.

Two-finger ZiF-EmGFP fusion proteins can be expressed in E. coli with &#62;95% homogeneity and high yields (&#62;25 mg/ml) (Figure 2). In general, one- and two-finger ZiF fusion proteins can be produced in quantities nearly identical to those of wild-type unmodified protein. However, in some contexts, five- and six-finger ZiF fusion proteins are unable to be produced in yields high enough for downstream applications.
Direct application of two-finger ZiF-EmGFP protein ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Direct Protein Delivery to Mammalian Cells Using Cell-permeable Cys2-His2 Zinc-finger Domains at JoVE.com

Direct Protein Delivery to Mammalian Cells Using Cell-permeable Cys2-His2 Zinc-finger Domains

Zinc-finger domains are intrinsically cell-permeable and capable of mediating protein delivery into a broad range of mammalian cell types. Here, a detailed step-by-step protocol for implementing zinc-finger technology for intracellular protein delivery is presented.

Direct Protein Delivery to Mammalian Cells Using Cell-permeable Cys2-His2 Zinc-finger Domains

Due to their modularity and ability to be reprogrammed to recognize a wide range of DNA sequences, Cys2-His2 zinc-finger DNA-binding domains have emerged ...

direct-protein-delivery-to-mammalian-cells-using-cell-permeable-cys2

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

9.8K ビュー.  The Scripps Research Institute. ジンクフィンガードメインは、本質的に細胞透過性及び広範囲の哺乳類細胞型へのタンパク質の送達を媒介することができる。ここでは、細胞内タンパク質の送達のためのジンクフィンガーの技術を実施するための詳細なステップバイステップのプロトコルが提供される。 

ビデオ: Direct Protein Delivery to Mammalian Cells Using Cell-permeable Cys2-His2 Zinc-finger Domains

Zinc-finger domains are intrinsically cell-permeable and capable of mediating protein delivery into a broad range of mammalian cell types. Here, a detailed step-by-step protocol for implementing zinc-finger technology for intracellular protein delivery is...

engineering cell-permeable protein

Engineering Cell-permeable Protein

Protein transduction enables the direct delivery of biologically active proteins into cells. In contrast to conventional methods such as DNA transfection or viral transduction this non-invasive paradigm allows highly efficient cellular manipulation in a titratable manner circumventing cellular toxicity and the risk of oncogenic transformation by permanent genetic...

genome editing with compozr custom zinc finger nucleases (zfns)

Genome Editing with CompoZr Custom Zinc Finger Nucleases ZFNs

The CompoZr Custom Zinc-Finger Nuclease (ZFN) Service enables precise genome editing in any organism or cell line at any locus defined by the user.  This article describes the process for the design, manufacture, validation and implementation of the CompoZr Custom ZFN...

Genome Editing with CompoZr Custom Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs)

characterizing mammalian zinc transporters using an in vitro zinc transport assay

Author Spotlight: Exploring Cellular Zinc Regulation Through ZnT1 Functionality 

Zinc transport has proven challenging to measure due to the weak causal links to protein function and the low temporal resolution. This protocol describes a method for monitoring, with high temporal resolution, Zn2+ extrusion from living cells by utilizing a Zn2+ sensitive fluorescent dye, thus providing a direct measure of Zn2+...

Characterizing Mammalian Zinc Transporters Using an In Vitro Zinc Transport Assay

zinc-finger nuclease enhanced gene targeting in human embryonic stem cells

Zinc-finger Nuclease Enhanced Gene Targeting in Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Reporter cell lines offer a means to visualize, track and isolate cells of interest from heterogeneous populations.&#160;However, gene-targeting using conventional homologous recombination in human embryonic stem cells is extremely inefficient. Herein, we describe targeting CNS midbrain specific transcription factor PITX3 locus with EGFP using zinc-finger nuclease enhanced homologous...

atomic absorbance spectroscopy to measure intracellular zinc pools in mammalian cells

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells

Cultured primary or established cell lines are commonly used to address fundamental biological and mechanistic questions as an initial approach before using animal models. This protocol describes how to prepare whole cell extracts and subcellular fractions for studies of zinc (Zn) and other trace elements with atomic absorbance...

production of apolipoprotein c-iii knockout rabbits using zinc finger nucleases

Production of Apolipoprotein C-III Knockout Rabbits using Zinc Finger Nucleases

Recent development in gene targeting tools makes production of knockout  (KO) rabbits possible. In the present work, we generated five Apolipoprotein (Apo) C-III KO rabbits using Zinc Finger Nucleases  (ZFN). This work demonstrated that ZFN is a highly efficient method to produce  KO...

using lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of chemically modified mrna into mammalian cells

Using Lipid Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Chemically Modified mRNA into Mammalian Cells

The protocol presents in vitro transcription (IVT) of chemically modified mRNA, cationic liposome preparation, and functional analysis of liposome enabled mRNA transfections in mammalian...

isolation of murine spermatogenic cells using a violet-excited cell-permeable dna binding dye

Isolation of Murine Spermatogenic Cells using a Violet-Excited Cell-Permeable DNA Binding Dye

Here we present a simple and efficient method to isolate live meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells from adult mouse testes. Using a low-cytotoxicity, violet-excited DNA binding dye and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, one can isolate highly enriched spermatogenic cell populations for many downstream...

engineering intracellular protein sensors in mammalian cells

Engineering Intracellular Protein Sensors in Mammalian Cells

Here, we present a protocol for engineering genetically-encoded intracellular protein sensor-actuator(s). The device specifically detects target proteins through intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) and responds by switching on gene transcriptional output. A general framework is built to rapidly replace intrabodies, enabling rapid detection of any desired protein, without altering the general...

implementation of a permeable membrane insert-based infection system to study the effects of secreted bacterial toxins on mammalian host cells

Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells

Here, a method using a permeable membrane insert-based infection system to study the effects of Streptolysin S, a secreted toxin produced by Group A Streptococcus, on keratinocytes is described. This system can be readily applied to the study of other secreted bacterial proteins on various host cell types during...

protein complex affinity capture from cryomilled mammalian cells

Protein Complex Affinity Capture from Cryomilled Mammalian Cells

Here we describe protocols to disrupt mammalian cells by solid-state milling at a cryogenic temperature, produce a cell extract from the resulting cell powder, and isolate protein complexes of interest by affinity capture upon antibody-coupled micron-scale paramagnetic...

identification of protein interaction partners in mammalian cells using silac-immunoprecipitation quantitative proteomics

Identification of Protein Interaction Partners in Mammalian Cells Using SILAC-immunoprecipitation Quantitative Proteomics

SILAC immunoprecipitation experiments represent a powerful means for discovering novel protein:protein interactions. By allowing the accurate relative quantification of protein abundance in both control and test samples, true interactions may be easily distinguished from experimental contaminants, and low affinity interactions preserved through use of less-stringent buffer...

direct intraventricular delivery of drugs to the rodent central nervous system

Direct Intraventricular Delivery of Drugs to the Rodent Central Nervous System

We describe a method to target drugs to the central nervous system by either implanting a catheter or performing a bolus injection into the right lateral ventricle in mice. We focus specifically on the delivery of antisense oligonucleotides. This technique is readily adaptable to other drugs and to...

direct drug delivery to kidney via the renal artery

Direct Drug Delivery to Kidney via the Renal Artery

This manuscript describes a method for targeted delivery to a single kidney via a catheter placed in the infrarenal abdominal aorta in the...

closed system cell culture protocol using hyperstack vessels with gas permeable material technology

Closed System Cell Culture Protocol Using HYPERStack Vessels with Gas Permeable Material Technology

An Introduction into the technology, protocol and handling of the Corning HYPERStack Vessels and accessories used for high yield adherent cell culture.  The protocol will show how to use the closed system vessels for increasing cell harvesting over current stacked plate...

genome editing in mammalian cell lines using crispr-cas

Genome Editing in Mammalian Cell Lines using CRISPR-Cas

CRISPR-Cas is a powerful technology to engineer the complex genomes of plants and animals. Here, we detail a protocol to efficiently edit the human genome using different Cas endonucleases. We highlight important considerations and design parameters to optimize editing...

direct infusion device for molecule delivery in plants

Author Spotlight: Direct Infusion Device for Molecule Delivery in Plants  

This manuscript describes a novel direct plant infusion device for screening the effectiveness of molecules against the bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) or its insect vector (Diaphorina citri, Kuwayama) that, in combination, are associated with Huanglongbing citrus...

Direct Infusion Device for Molecule Delivery in Plants

zinc finger nuclease-based genome editing: a technique for modifying genome in human pluripotent stem cells by double-stranded homology dependant repair mechanism

This video demonstrates a technique of zinc-finger nuclease-based genome editing in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). As hPSCs can potentially be differentiated into various cell types, this technology is helpful for in vitro pathological and pharmacological studies in a patient-specific...

Zinc Finger Nuclease-Based Genome Editing: A Technique for Modifying Genome in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells by Double-Stranded Homology Dependant Repair Mechanism

co-transplantation of human ovarian tissue with engineered endothelial cells: a cell-based strategy combining accelerated perfusion with direct paracrine delivery

Co-transplantation of Human Ovarian Tissue with Engineered Endothelial Cells: A Cell-based Strategy Combining Accelerated Perfusion with Direct Paracrine Delivery

For some patients, the only option for fertility preservation is cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. Unfortunately, delayed revascularization undermines follicular viability. Here, we present a protocol to co-transplant human ovarian tissue with endothelial cells for utilization as a cell-based strategy combining accelerated perfusion with a direct paracrine delivery of bioactive...

Long-term Imaging Mammalian Cells using Wide-Field Microscopy

Trypsinizing and Subculturing Mammalian Cells

As cells reach confluency, they must be subcultured or passaged. Failure to subculture confluent cells results in reduced mitotic index and eventually in cell death. The first step in subculturing is to detach cells from the surface of the primary culture vessel by trypsinization or mechanical means. The resultant cell suspension is then subdivided, or reseeded, into fresh cultures. Secondary cultures are checked for growth and fed periodically, and may be subsequently subcultured to produce tertiary cultures. The time between passaging of cells varies with the cell line and depends on the growth rate.

As cells reach confluency, they must be subcultured or passaged. This video will demonstrate a procedure for subculturing both adherent and suspension cells.

As cells reach confluency, they must be subcultured or passaged. Failure to subculture confluent cells results in reduced mitotic index and eventually in ...

The protein transduction technique enables the direct delivery of biologically active material into mammalian cells [for review see 1,2]. For this one can make use of the translocating ability of so-called cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), also designated as protein transduction domains (PTDs). The TAT-CPP derived from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat (trans-activator of transcription) protein has been widely used. The positively charged TAT promotes cell permeability thereby overcoming the barriers of the cellular membrane by endocytosis or/and direct membrane penetration2. In combination with a nuclear localization signal (NLS) fusion proteins are able to enter the nucleus exhibiting functionality. Our video presentation demonstrates, as an exemplification for the engineering of cell-permeable proteins, the construction, production and application of a cell-permeable version of the DNA-modifying enzyme Cre.
Cre is a site-specific recombinase that is able to recognize and recombine 34 base pair loxP sites in mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore the Cre/loxP system is widely used to conditionally induce mutations in the genome of living cells3,4. The delivery of active Cre recombinase to cells, however, represents a limitation.
We describe the pSESAME vector system, which allows a direct insertion of the gene-of-interest and provides a platform to rapidly clone different domains and tags used within the vector in a convenient and standardized manner. Rearranging of the different tags has been shown to modify the biochemical properties of the fusion proteins providing a possibility to achieve higher yield and better solubility. We demonstrate how to express and purify recombinant cell-permeant proteins in and from E. coli. The functionality of the recombinant Cre protein is finally validated in cell culture by assessing its intracellular recombinase activity.

Protein transduction enables the direct delivery of biologically active proteins into cells. In contrast to conventional methods such as DNA transfection or viral transduction this non-invasive paradigm allows highly efficient cellular manipulation in a titratable manner circumventing cellular toxicity and the risk of oncogenic transformation by permanent genetic modification.

The protein transduction technique enables the direct delivery of biologically active material into mammalian cells [for review see 1,2]. For this one can ...

Using the GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System for Molecular Weight-Based Fractionation with Liquid Phase Recovery

The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System is a novel protein fractionation system designed to maximize protein recovery during molecular weight based fractionation. The system is comprised of single-use, 8-sample capacity cartridges and a benchtop GELFREE Fractionation Instrument. During separation, a constant voltage is applied between the anode and cathode reservoirs, and each protein mixture is electrophoretically driven from a loading chamber into a specially designed gel column gel. Proteins are concentrated into a tight band in a stacking gel, and separated based on their respective electrophoretic mobilities in a resolving gel. As proteins elute from the column, they are trapped and concentrated in liquid phase in the collection chamber, free of the gel. The instrument is then paused at specific time intervals, and fractions are collected using a pipette. This process is repeated until all desired fractions have been collected. If fewer than 8 samples are run on a cartridge, any unused chambers can be used in subsequent separations.
This novel technology facilitates the quick and simple separation of up to 8 complex protein mixtures simultaneously, and offers several advantages when compared to previously available fractionation methods. This system is capable of fractionating up to 1mg of total protein per channel, for a total of 8mg per cartridge. Intact proteins over a broad mass range are separated on the basis of molecular weight, retaining important physiochemical properties of the analyte. The liquid phase entrapment provides for high recovery while eliminating the need for band or spot cutting, making the fractionation process highly reproducible1.

The accompanying video describes the use of the GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System, which partitions complex protein samples on the basis of molecular weight and recovers the fractions in liquid phase. The video describes how the technology works, how it is used, and provides resultant data, with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of fractionated bovine liver homogenate.

The GELFREE 8100 Fractionation System is a novel protein fractionation system designed to maximize protein recovery during molecular weight based ...

Genome editing is a powerful technique that can be used to elucidate gene function and the genetic basis of disease. Traditional gene editing methods such as chemical-based mutagenesis or random integration of DNA sequences confer indiscriminate genetic changes in an overall inefficient manner and require incorporation of undesirable synthetic sequences or use of aberrant culture conditions, potentially confusing biological study. By contrast, transient ZFN expression in a cell can facilitate precise, heritable gene editing in a highly efficient manner without the need for administration of chemicals or integration of synthetic transgenes.
Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are enzymes which bind and cut distinct sequences of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). A functional CompoZr ZFN unit consists of two individual monomeric proteins that bind a DNA "half-site" of approximately 15-18 nucleotides (see Figure 1). When two ZFN monomers "home" to their adjacent target sites the DNA-cleavage domains dimerize and create a double-strand break (DSB) in the DNA.1 Introduction of ZFN-mediated DSBs in the genome lays a foundation for highly efficient genome editing. Imperfect repair of DSBs in a cell via the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway can result in small insertions and deletions (indels). Creation of indels within the gene coding sequence of a cell can result in frameshift and subsequent functional knockout of a gene locus at high efficiency.2 While this protocol describes the use of ZFNs to create a gene knockout, integration of transgenes may also be conducted via homology-directed repair at the ZFN cut site.
The CompoZr Custom ZFN Service represents a systematic, comprehensive, and well-characterized approach to targeted gene editing for the scientific community with ZFN technology. Sigma scientists work closely with investigators to 1) perform due diligence analysis including analysis of relevant gene structure, biology, and model system pursuant to the project goals, 2) apply this knowledge to develop a sound targeting strategy, 3) then design, build, and functionally validate ZFNs for activity in a relevant cell line. The investigator receives positive control genomic DNA and primers, and ready-to-use ZFN reagents supplied in both plasmid DNA and in-vitro transcribed mRNA format. These reagents may then be delivered for transient expression in the investigator&#x2019;s cell line or cell type of choice. Samples are then tested for gene editing at the locus of interest by standard molecular biology techniques including PCR amplification, enzymatic digest, and electrophoresis. After positive signal for gene editing is detected in the initial population, cells are single-cell cloned and genotyped for identification of mutant clones/alleles.

The CompoZr Custom Zinc-Finger Nuclease (ZFN) Service enables precise genome editing in any organism or cell line at any locus defined by the user. This article describes the process for the design, manufacture, validation and implementation of the CompoZr Custom ZFN Service.

Genome editing is a powerful technique that can be used to elucidate gene function and the genetic basis of disease. Traditional gene editing methods such ...

siRNA Screening to Identify Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like System Regulators of Biological Pathways in Cultured Mammalian Cells

Post-translational modification of proteins with ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like molecules (UBLs) is emerging as a dynamic cellular signaling network that regulates diverse biological pathways including the hypoxia response, proteostasis, the DNA damage response and transcription.&#160; To better understand how UBLs regulate pathways relevant to human disease, we have compiled a human siRNA &#8220;ubiquitome&#8221; library consisting of 1,186 siRNA duplex pools targeting all known and predicted components of UBL system pathways. This library can be screened against a range of cell lines expressing reporters of diverse biological pathways to determine which UBL components act as positive or negative regulators of the pathway in question.&#160; Here, we describe a protocol utilizing this library to identify ubiquitome-regulators of the HIF1A-mediated cellular response to hypoxia using a transcription-based luciferase reporter.&#160; An initial assay development stage is performed to establish suitable screening parameters of the cell line before performing the screen in three stages: primary, secondary and tertiary/deconvolution screening. &#160;The use of targeted over whole genome siRNA libraries is becoming increasingly popular as it offers the advantage of reporting only on members of the pathway with which the investigators are most interested.&#160; Despite inherent limitations of siRNA screening, in particular false-positives caused by siRNA off-target effects, the identification of genuine novel regulators of the pathways in question outweigh these shortcomings, which can be overcome by performing a series of carefully undertaken control experiments.

Here, we describe a methodology to perform a targeted siRNA &#8220;ubiquitome&#8221; screen to identify novel ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like regulators of the HIF1A-mediated cellular response to hypoxia.&#160; This can be adapted to any biological pathway where a robust read out of reporter activity is available.

Post-translational modification of proteins with ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like molecules (UBLs) is emerging as a dynamic cellular signaling network that ...

Quantitative proteomics combined with immuno-affinity purification, SILAC immunoprecipitation, represent a powerful means for the discovery of novel protein:protein interactions. By allowing the accurate relative quantification of protein abundance in both control and test samples, true interactions may be easily distinguished from experimental contaminants. Low affinity interactions can be preserved through the use of less-stringent buffer conditions and remain readily identifiable. This protocol discusses the labeling of tissue culture cells with stable isotope labeled amino acids, transfection and immunoprecipitation of an affinity tagged protein of interest, followed by the preparation for submission to a mass spectrometry facility. This protocol then discusses how to analyze and interpret the data returned from the mass spectrometer in order to identify cellular partners interacting with a protein of interest. As an example this technique is applied to identify proteins binding to the eukaryotic translation initiation factors: eIF4AI and eIF4AII.

SILAC immunoprecipitation experiments represent a powerful means for discovering novel protein:protein interactions. By allowing the accurate relative quantification of protein abundance in both control and test samples, true interactions may be easily distinguished from experimental contaminants, and low affinity interactions preserved through use of less-stringent buffer conditions.

Quantitative proteomics combined with immuno-affinity purification, SILAC immunoprecipitation, represent a powerful means for the discovery of novel ...

One major limitation with current human embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation protocols is the generation of heterogeneous cell populations.&#160;These cultures contain the cells of interest, but are also contaminated with undifferentiated ESCs, non-neural derivatives and other neuronal subtypes.&#160; This limits their use in in vitro and in vivo applications, such as in vitro modeling for drug discovery or cell replacement therapy. To help overcome this, reporter cell lines, which offer a means to visualize, track and isolate cells of interest, can be engineered.&#160;However, to achieve this in human embryonic stem cells via conventional homologous recombination is extremely inefficient.&#160;This protocol describes targeting of the Pituitary homeobox 3 (PITX3) locus in human embryonic stem cells using custom designed zinc-finger nucleases, which introduce site-specific double-strand DNA breaks, together with a PITX3-EGFP-specific DNA donor vector. Following the generation of the PITX3 reporter cell line, it can then be differentiated using published protocols for use in studies such as in vitro Parkinson&#8217;s disease modeling or cell replacement therapy.

Reporter cell lines offer a means to visualize, track and isolate cells of interest from heterogeneous populations.&#160;However, gene-targeting using conventional homologous recombination in human embryonic stem cells is extremely inefficient. Herein, we describe targeting CNS midbrain specific transcription factor PITX3 locus with EGFP using zinc-finger nuclease enhanced homologous recombination.

One major limitation with current human embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation protocols is the generation of heterogeneous cell ...

Examination of Proteins Bound to Nascent DNA in Mammalian Cells Using  BrdU-ChIP-Slot-Western Technique

Histone deacetylases 1 and 2 (HDAC1,2) localize to the sites of DNA replication. In the previous study, using a selective inhibitor and a genetic knockdown system, we showed novel functions for HDAC1,2 in replication fork progression and nascent chromatin maintenance in mammalian cells. Additionally, we used a BrdU-ChIP-Slot-Western technique that combines chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled DNA with slot blot and Western analyses to quantitatively measure proteins or histone modification associated with nascent DNA.
Actively dividing cells were treated with HDAC1,2 selective inhibitor or transfected with siRNAs against Hdac1 and Hdac2 and then newly synthesized DNA was labeled with the thymidine analog bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). The BrdU labeling was done at a time point when there was no significant cell cycle arrest or apoptosis due to the loss of HDAC1,2 functions. Following labeling of cells with BrdU, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of histone acetylation marks or the chromatin-remodeler was performed with specific antibodies. BrdU-labeled input DNA and the immunoprecipitated (or ChIPed) DNA was then spotted onto a membrane using the slot blot technique and immobilized using UV. The amount of nascent DNA in each slot was then quantitatively assessed using Western analysis with an anti-BrdU antibody. The effect of loss of HDAC1,2 functions on the levels of newly synthesized DNA-associated histone acetylation marks and chromatin remodeler was then determined by normalizing the BrdU-ChIP signal obtained from the treated samples to the control samples.

In this protocol, we describe a novel BrdU-ChIP-Slot-Western technique to examine proteins and histone modifications associated with newly synthesized or nascent DNA.

Histone deacetylases 1 and 2 (HDAC1,2) localize to the sites of DNA replication. In the previous study, using a selective inhibitor and a genetic ...

A Graphical User Interface for Software-assisted Tracking of Protein Concentration in Dynamic Cellular Protrusions

Filopodia are dynamic, finger-like cellular protrusions associated with migration and cell-cell communication. In order to better understand the complex signaling mechanisms underlying filopodial initiation, elongation and subsequent stabilization or retraction, it is crucial to determine the spatio-temporal protein activity in these dynamic structures. To analyze protein function in filopodia, we recently developed a semi-automated tracking algorithm that adapts to filopodial shape-changes, thus allowing parallel analysis of protrusion dynamics and relative protein concentration along the whole filopodial length. Here, we present a detailed step-by-step protocol for optimized cell handling, image acquisition and software analysis. We further provide instructions for the use of optional features during image analysis and data representation, as well as troubleshooting guidelines for all critical steps along the way. Finally, we also include a comparison of the described image analysis software with other programs available for filopodia quantification. Together, the presented protocol provides a framework for accurate analysis of protein dynamics in filopodial protrusions using image analysis software.

We present a software solution for semi-automated tracking of relative protein concentration along the length of dynamic cellular protrusions.

Filopodia are dynamic, finger-like cellular protrusions associated with migration and cell-cell communication. In order to better understand the complex ...