We thank Michael Reth, Hermann Sch&auml;gger, and Margarita Camacho-Carvajal for scientific support. This work was funded by FORSYS from the Bundesministerium fuer Bildung and Forschung (BMBF), by BIOSS from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), and supported in part by the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments (GSC-4, Spemann Graduate School).

<ol>
	<li>Arnold, I., Pfeiffer, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Yeast+mitochondrial+F1F0-ATP+synthase+exists+as+a+dimer:+identification+of+three+dimer-specific+subunits.">Yeast mitochondrial F1F0-ATP synthase exists as a dimer: identification of three dimer-specific subunits.</a> EMBO J. 17 (24), 7170-7178 (1998).</li><li>Camacho-Carvajal, M. M., Wollscheid, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two-dimensional+Blue+native/SDS+gel+electrophoresis+of+multi-protein+complexes+from+whole+cellular+lysates:+a+proteomics+approach.">Two-dimensional Blue native/SDS gel electrophoresis of multi-protein complexes from whole cellular lysates: a proteomics approach.</a> Mol. Cell. Proteomics. 3 (2), 176-182 (2004).</li><li>Heiss, K., Junkes, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Subproteomic+analysis+of+metal-interacting+proteins+in+human+B+cells.">Subproteomic analysis of metal-interacting proteins in human B cells.</a> Proteomics. 5 (14), 3614-3622 (2005).</li><li>Sali, A., Glaeser, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=From+words+to+literature+in+structural+proteomics.">From words to literature in structural proteomics.</a> Nature. 422, 216-225 (2003).</li><li>Schägger, H., Cramer, W. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+molecular+masses+and+oligomeric+states+of+protein+complexes+by+blue+native+electrophoresis+and+isolation+of+membrane+protein+complexes+by+two-dimensional+native+electrophoresis.">Analysis of molecular masses and oligomeric states of protein complexes by blue native electrophoresis and isolation of membrane protein complexes by two-dimensional native electrophoresis.</a> Anal. Biochem. 217 (2), 220-230 (1994).</li><li>Sch&#228;gger, H., von Jagow, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Blue+native+electrophoresis+for+isolation+of+membrane+protein+complexes+in+enzymatically+active+form.">Blue native electrophoresis for isolation of membrane protein complexes in enzymatically active form.</a> Anal. Biochem. 199 (2), 223-231 (1991).</li><li>Schamel, W. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biotinylation+of+protein+complexes+may+lead+to+aggregation+as+well+as+to+loss+of+subunits+as+revealed+by+Blue+Native+PAGE.">Biotinylation of protein complexes may lead to aggregation as well as to loss of subunits as revealed by Blue Native PAGE.</a> J Immunol Methods. 252 (1-2), 171-174 (2001).</li><li>Schamel, W. W., Arechaga, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coexistence+of+multivalent+and+monovalent+TCRs+explains+high+sensitivity+and+wide+range+of+response.">Coexistence of multivalent and monovalent TCRs explains high sensitivity and wide range of response.</a> J. Exp. Med. 202, 493-503 (2005).</li><li>Schamel, W. W., Reth, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Monomeric+and+oligomeric+complexes+of+the+B+cell+antigen+receptor.">Monomeric and oligomeric complexes of the B cell antigen receptor.</a> Immunity. 13 (1), 5-14 (2000).</li><li>Swamy, M., Minguet, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+native+antibody-based+mobility-shift+technique+(NAMOS-assay)+to+determine+the+stoichiometry+of+multiprotein+complexes.">A native antibody-based mobility-shift technique (NAMOS-assay) to determine the stoichiometry of multiprotein complexes.</a> J Immunol Methods. 324 (1-2), 74-83 (2007).</li><li>Swamy, M., Siegers, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Blue+native+polyacrylamide+gel+electrophoresis+(BN-PAGE)+for+the+identification+and+analysis+of+multiprotein+complexes.">Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) for the identification and analysis of multiprotein complexes.</a> Sci STKE. 2006 (345), 4-4 (2006).</li><li>Wittig, I., Schagger, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Features+and+applications+of+blue-native+and+clear-native+electrophoresis.">Features and applications of blue-native and clear-native electrophoresis.</a> Proteomics. 8, 3974-3990 (2008).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest declared.

In this study, we describe the analysis of MPCs by BN-PAGE. A 2D approach is used to first separate MPCs under native conditions, and then to further subdivide them into their individual components by a second dimension SDS-PAGE.
Samples are prepared from cell lysates. For the solubilization of many MPCs, an appropriate detergent is needed, which preserves the structure of the protein complexes. Here, we use 0.1% Triton X-100. However, the optimal detergent and its suitable concentration have to be determined empirically for every MPC. In case of Triton X-100, for example, it has been reported that low detergent concentrations allow the identification of a dimeric form of the F1F0-ATPase complex (Arnold, Pfeiffer et al. 1998). Higher Triton X-100 concentrations, however, lead to the dissociation of the dimer and to a corresponding increase of the monomeric F1F0-ATPase complex. This is in line with one of our former studies, were we show that the multivalent T-cell receptor complex (TCR) is preserved when extracted with low concentrations of Brij 96, whereas the usage of higher concentration or of another detergent called digitonin results in the extraction of monomeric TCR (Schamel, Arechaga et al. 2005). Commonly used detergents that can be tested include digitonin (0.5 to 1%), Triton X-100 (0.1 to 0.5%), Brij 96 (0.1 to 0.5%), or dodecylmaltoside (0.1 to 0.5%). These reagents are nonionic detergents, which tend to be best for MPC stability. Be aware that contact with SDS and other strong detergents should be avoided (Camacho-Carvajal, Wollscheid et al. 2004).
Dialysis of the lysates is required to achieve MPC separation in a BN-gel (Camacho-Carvajal, Wollscheid et al. 2004); (Heiss, Junkes et al. 2005). It seems that the adjustment of salt concentration or the removal of low molecular weight impurities is crucial for high resolution. It is noteworthy that also membrane preparations and MPCs, which have been immunopurified and later on eluted from the antibody, are suitable for BN-PAGE (Swamy, Siegers et al. 2006). In both cases, the samples do not have to be dialyzed for BN-PAGE separation, if membrane lysis or elution is carried out in BN-lysis buffer.
For protein separation by BN-PAGE, the dye Coomassie blue is needed, which binds unspecifically to proteins and covers them with negative charges. Thereby, Coomassie blue enables the electrophoretic mobility of proteins towards the cathode at neutral pH (Sch&auml;gger and von Jagow 1991); (Sch&auml;gger, Cramer et al. 1994). Furthermore, Coomassie blue prevents protein aggregation in the stacking gel during electrophoresis. For BN-PAGE, Coomassie G250 has to be used instead of Coomassie blue R250 or colloidal Coomassie blues.
Before running a BN-gel, it is necessary to ensure that the percentage of the gel fits to the expected size of the MPC of interest. Precast BN-gels with different gradients and suitable buffers are commercially available from Invitrogen (NativePAGE Novex Bis-Tris Gel System). But BN-gels can also be prepared using a gradient mixer together with a persistaltic pump. To guarantee an intact gradient, the liquid should flow constantly during pouring and bubbles should be avoided. We recommend the loading of different sample dilutions onto the gel because overloading can lead to protein precipitation during the electrophoresis process. In addition, BN-gels should be run at 4&deg;C to prevent protein degradation and to keep the MPCs intact.
After BN-PAGE, visualization of MPCs can be achieved by Coomassie brilliant blue staining, silver staining or immunoblotting. Protein bands visualized by Coomassie or silver staining are suitable for further analysis by mass spectrometry (Camacho-Carvajal, Wollscheid et al. 2004). In case of immunoblotting, the optimal transfer conditions for the MPCs of interest have to be determined empirically. Be aware that Coomassie blue is also transferred during blotting of a BN-gel. Therefore, the gel will be colourless after the successful transfer, whereas the membrane will exert a blue colour. Further, it is important to mention that not every primary antibody, which works for detection after SDS-PAGE, is applicable to immunoblotting upon BN-PAGE. It can happen that antibodies do not recognize the MPC of interest because their epitope is hidden in the native conformation of the proteins. To overcome this problem, it is possible to denature the proteins within the BN-gel prior to the transfer by boiling the gel shortly in 1x SDS sample buffer.
In our example, we did not subject the BN-gel directly to detection of protein bands. Instead, we further divided the BN-PAGE-separated lysate by a second dimension SDS-PAGE. In the second dimension SDS-gel, monomeric proteins migrate within a hyperbolic diagonal due to the gradient gel in the first and the linear gel in the second dimension (Camacho-Carvajal, Wollscheid et al. 2004). This allows the easy identification of MPCs, since they are localized below this hyperbolic diagonal. Subcomponents of one distinct MPC are separated in a vertical line in the second dimension SDS-PAGE. Components that are constituents of several dinstinct MPCs can be identified on a horizontal line according to the size of the MPC. However, it has to be considered that several protein spots appearing in one vertical line could also be part of separate complexes that migrate at the same position in BN-PAGE. The final proof that they are present in the same MPC can be obtained by an antibody-based gel shift assay. In this assay, cellular lysate is incubated with an antibody against a protein represented by one of the identified spots prior to BN-PAGE. This results in a shift of all MPCs that contain this protein towards a higher molecular mass in the first dimension. Other proteins that are also a part of these MPCs will undergo this complex-specific shift and are therefore easy to identify in the second dimension SDS-gel.
Not only the composition of MPCs can be analyzed by BN-PAGE but also the determination of their stoichiometry is possible (Schamel and Reth 2000); (Schamel 2001), (Swamy, Minguet et al. 2007). For this purpose, a NAMOS assay (native antibody-based mobility-shift assay) can be performed. As in the antibody-based gel shift assay, the cellular lysates are incubated with monoclonal subunit-specific antibodies. This leads to the induction of electrophoretic immunoshifts in the BN-gels, which allow the inference from the extent of the shift on the stoichiometry of MPCs
In conlusion, BN-PAGE is suitable for the identification of MPCs and the determination of their size, composition, as well as relative abundance. Performed as a NAMOS assay, it also offers the possibility to determine the stoichiometry of a certain MPC. Given its general applicability, this technique is a very useful tool for the characterization of MPCs (Dekker, M&uuml;ller et al. 1996); (Wittig and Schagger 2008); (Wagner, Rehling et al. 2009); (Wittig and Sch&auml;gger 2009).

blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (bn-page) for analysis of multiprotein complexes from cellular lysates

Multiprotein complexes (MPCs) play a crucial role in cell signalling, since most proteins can be found in functional or regulatory complexes with other proteins (Sali, Glaeser et al. 2003). Thus, the study of protein-protein interaction networks requires the detailed characterization of MPCs to gain an integrative understanding of protein function and regulation. For identification and analysis, MPCs must be separated under native conditions. In this video, we describe the analysis of MPCs by blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). BN-PAGE is a technique that allows separation of MPCs in a native conformation with a higher resolution than offered by gel filtration or sucrose density ultracentrifugation, and is therefore useful to determine MPC size, composition, and relative abundance (Sch&auml;gger and von Jagow 1991); (Sch&auml;gger, Cramer et al. 1994). By this method, proteins are separated according to their hydrodynamic size and shape in a polyacrylamide matrix. Here, we demonstrate the analysis of MPCs of total cellular lysates, pointing out that lysate dialysis is the crucial step to make BN-PAGE applicable to these biological samples. Using a combination of first dimension BN- and second dimension SDS-PAGE, we show that MPCs separated by BN-PAGE can be further subdivided into their individual constituents by SDS-PAGE. Visualization of the MPC components upon gel separation is performed by standard immunoblotting. As an example for MPC analysis by BN-PAGE, we chose the well-characterized eukaryotic 19S, 20S, and 26S proteasomes.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Blue Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis BN-PAGE for Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes from Cellular Lysates at JoVE.com

Blue Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis BN-PAGE for Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes from Cellular Lysates

In this video, we describe the characterization of multiprotein complexes (MPCs) by blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). In a first dimension, dialyzed cellular lysates are separated by BN-PAGE to identify individual MPCs. In a second dimension SDS-PAGE, MPCs of interest are further subdivided to analyze their constituents by immunoblotting.

Blue Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) for Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes from Cellular Lysates

Multiprotein complexes (MPCs) play a crucial role in cell signalling, since most proteins can be found in functional or regulatory complexes with other ...

blue-native-polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis-bn-page-for-analysis

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

130.3K Views.  University of Freiburg. In this video, we describe the characterization of multiprotein complexes (MPCs) by blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). In a first dimension, dialyzed cellular lysates are separated by BN-PAGE to identify individual MPCs. In a second dimension SDS-PAGE, MPCs of interest are further subdivided to analyze their constituents by immunoblotting.

Video: Blue Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis BN-PAGE for Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes from Cellular Lysates

Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE)

Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis DGGE

Screening for Amyloid Aggregation by Semi-Denaturing Detergent-Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Amyloid aggregation is associated with numerous protein misfolding pathologies and underlies the infectious properties of prions, which are conformationally self-templating proteins that are thought to have beneficial roles in lower organisms.  Amyloids have been notoriously difficult to study due to their insolubility and structural heterogeneity.  However, resolution of amyloid polymers based on size and detergent insolubility has been made possible by Semi-Denaturing Detergent-Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (SDD-AGE).  This technique is finding widespread use for the detection and characterization of amyloid conformational variants.  Here, we demonstrate an adaptation of this technique that facilitates its use in large-scale applications, such as screens for novel prions and other amyloidogenic proteins.  The new SDD-AGE method uses capillary transfer for greater reliability and ease of use, and allows any sized gel to be accomodated.  Thus, a large number of samples, prepared from cells or purified proteins, can be processed simultaneously for the presence of SDS-insoluble conformers of tagged proteins.

SDD-AGE is a useful technique for the detection and characterization of amyloid-like polymers in cells. Here we demonstrate an adaptation that makes this technique amenable to large-scale applications.

Amyloid aggregation is associated with numerous protein misfolding pathologies and underlies the infectious properties of prions, which are ...

Denaturing Urea Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (Urea PAGE)

Urea PAGE or denaturing urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis employs 6-8 M urea, which denatures secondary DNA or RNA structures and is used for their separation in a polyacrylamide gel matrix based on the molecular weight. Fragments between 2 to 500 bases, with length differences as small as a single nucleotide, can be separated using this method1. The migration of the sample is dependent on the chosen acrylamide concentration. A higher percentage of polyacrylamide resolves lower molecular weight fragments. The combination of urea and temperatures of 45-55 &deg;C during the gel run allows for the separation of unstructured DNA or RNA molecules.
In general this method is required to analyze or purify single stranded DNA or RNA fragments, such as synthesized or labeled oligonucleotides or products from enzymatic cleavage reactions.
In this video article we show how to prepare and run the denaturing urea polyacrylamide gels. Technical tips are included, in addition to the original protocol 1,2.

Denaturing Urea Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Urea PAGE

Denaturing urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is used to separate single-stranded DNA or RNA up to a limit of 500 nucleotides. Urea in combination with heat denatures samples and unstructured single strands migrate within the gel matrix according to their molecular weight.

Urea PAGE or denaturing urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis employs 6-8 M urea, which denatures secondary DNA or RNA structures and is used for their ...

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis for the Separation of DNA Fragments

Agarose gel electrophoresis is the most effective way of separating DNA fragments of varying sizes ranging from 100 bp to 25 kb1. Agarose is isolated from the seaweed genera Gelidium and Gracilaria, and consists of repeated agarobiose (L- and D-galactose) subunits2. During gelation, agarose polymers associate non-covalently and form a network of bundles whose pore sizes determine a gel&#39;s molecular sieving properties. The use of agarose gel electrophoresis revolutionized the separation of DNA. Prior to the adoption of agarose gels, DNA was primarily separated using sucrose density gradient centrifugation, which only provided an approximation of size. To separate DNA using agarose gel electrophoresis, the DNA is loaded into pre-cast wells in the gel and a current applied. The phosphate backbone of the DNA (and RNA) molecule is negatively charged, therefore when placed in an electric field, DNA fragments will migrate to the positively charged anode. Because DNA has a uniform mass/charge ratio, DNA molecules are separated by size within an agarose gel in a pattern such that the distance traveled is inversely proportional to the log of its molecular weight3. The leading model for DNA movement through an agarose gel is &#34;biased reptation&#34;, whereby the leading edge moves forward and pulls the rest of the molecule along4. The rate of migration of a DNA molecule through a gel is determined by the following: 1) size of DNA molecule; 2) agarose concentration; 3) DNA conformation5; 4) voltage applied, 5) presence of ethidium bromide, 6) type of agarose and 7) electrophoresis buffer. After separation, the DNA molecules can be visualized under uv light after staining with an appropriate dye. By following this protocol, students should be able to: 
 
1. Understand the mechanism by which DNA fragments are separated within a gel matrix 
2. Understand how conformation of the DNA molecule will determine its mobility through a gel matrix 
3. Identify an agarose solution of appropriate concentration for their needs 
4. Prepare an agarose gel for electrophoresis of DNA samples 
5. Set up the gel electrophoresis apparatus and power supply 
6. Select an appropriate voltage for the separation of DNA fragments 
7. Understand the mechanism by which ethidium bromide allows for the visualization of DNA bands 
8. Determine the sizes of separated DNA fragments 
&#160;

A basic protocol for the separation of DNA fragments using agarose gel electrophoresis is described.

Agarose gel electrophoresis is the most effective way of separating DNA fragments of varying sizes ranging from 100 bp to 25 kb1. Agarose is isolated from ...

Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro

Proteins carry out crucial tasks in organisms by exerting functions elicited from their specific three dimensional folds. Although the native structures of polypeptides fulfill many purposes, it is now recognized that most proteins can adopt an alternative assembly of beta-sheet rich amyloid. Insoluble amyloid fibrils are initially associated with multiple human ailments, but they are increasingly shown as functional players participating in various important cellular processes. In addition, amyloid deposited in patient tissues contains nonproteinaceous components, such as nucleic acids and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These cofactors can facilitate the formation of amyloid, resulting in the generation of different types of insoluble precipitates. By taking advantage of our understanding how proteins misfold via an intermediate stage of soluble amyloid precursor, we have devised a method to convert native proteins to amyloid fibrils in vitro. This approach allows one to prepare amyloid in large quantities, examine the properties of amyloid generated from specific proteins, and evaluate the structural changes accompanying the conversion.

Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro

Proteins can either adopt a native structure or misfold into insoluble amyloid. Conditions that favor the misfolding pathway lead to the formation of different types of amyloid fibrils. The methods described here allow rapid conversion of native proteins into amyloid in vitro.

Proteins carry out crucial tasks in organisms by exerting functions elicited from their specific three dimensional folds. Although the native structures ...

A New Approach for the Comparative Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes Based on 15N Metabolic Labeling and Quantitative Mass Spectrometry

The introduced protocol provides a tool for the analysis of multiprotein complexes in the thylakoid membrane, by revealing insights into complex composition under different conditions. In this protocol the approach is demonstrated by comparing the composition of the protein complex responsible for cyclic electron flow (CEF) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, isolated from genetically different strains. The procedure comprises the isolation of thylakoid membranes, followed by their separation into multiprotein complexes by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, SDS-PAGE, immunodetection and comparative, quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) based on differential metabolic labeling (14N/15N) of the analyzed strains. Detergent solubilized thylakoid membranes are loaded on sucrose density gradients at equal chlorophyll concentration. After ultracentrifugation, the gradients are separated into fractions, which are analyzed by mass-spectrometry based on equal volume. This approach allows the investigation of the composition within the gradient fractions and moreover to analyze the migration behavior of different proteins, especially focusing on ANR1, CAS, and PGRL1. Furthermore, this method is demonstrated by confirming the results with immunoblotting and additionally by supporting the findings from previous studies (the identification and PSI-dependent migration of proteins that were previously described to be part of the CEF-supercomplex such as PGRL1, FNR, and cyt f). Notably, this approach is applicable to address a broad range of questions for which this protocol can be adopted and e.g. used for comparative analyses of multiprotein complex composition isolated from distinct environmental conditions.

A New Approach for the Comparative Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes Based on 15N Metabolic Labeling and Quantitative Mass Spectrometry

The described comparative, quantitative proteomic approach aims at obtaining insights into the composition of multiprotein complexes&#160;under different conditions and is demonstrated by comparing genetically different strains. For quantitative analysis equal volumes of different fractions from a sucrose density gradient are mixed and analyzed by mass spectrometry.

The introduced protocol provides a tool for the analysis of multiprotein complexes in the thylakoid membrane, by revealing insights into complex ...

AFM-based Mapping of the Elastic Properties of Cell Walls: at Tissue, Cellular, and Subcellular Resolutions

We describe a recently developed method to measure mechanical properties of the surfaces of plant tissues using atomic force microscopy (AFM) micro/nano-indentations, for a JPK&#160;AFM. Specifically, in this protocol we measure the apparent Young&#8217;s modulus of cell walls at subcellular resolutions across regions of up to 100 &#181;m&#160;x 100 &#181;m in floral meristems, hypocotyls, and roots. This requires careful preparation of the sample, the correct selection of micro-indenters and indentation depths. To account for cell wall properties only, measurements are performed in highly concentrated solutions of mannitol in order to plasmolyze the cells and thus remove the contribution of cell turgor pressure.
In contrast to other extant techniques, by using different indenters and indentation depths, this method allows simultaneous multiscale measurements, i.e. at subcellular resolutions and across hundreds of cells comprising a tissue. This means that it is now possible&#160;to spatially-temporally characterize the changes that take place in the mechanical properties of cell walls during development, enabling these changes to be correlated with growth and differentiation. This represents a key step to understand how coordinated microscopic cellular changes bring about macroscopic morphogenetic events.
However, several limitations remain: the method can only be used on fairly small samples (around 100 &#181;m in diameter) and only on external tissues; the method is sensitive to tissue topography; it measures only certain aspects of the tissue&#8217;s complex mechanical properties. The technique is being developed rapidly and it is likely that most of these limitations will be resolved in the near future.

We describe a method to map mechanical properties of plant tissues using an atomic force microscope (AFM). We focus on how to record mechanical changes that take place in cell walls during plant development at wide-field mesoscale, enabling these changes to be correlated with growth and morphogenesis.

We describe a recently developed method to measure mechanical properties of the surfaces of plant tissues using atomic force microscopy (AFM) ...

Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins

Mucins, the heavily-glycosylated proteins lining mucosal surfaces, have evolved as a key component of innate defense by protecting the epithelium against invading pathogens. The main role of these macromolecules is to facilitate particle trapping and clearance while promoting lubrication of the mucosa. During protein synthesis, mucins undergo intense O-glycosylation and multimerization, which dramatically increase the mass and size of these molecules. These post-translational modifications are critical for the viscoelastic properties of mucus. As a result of the complex biochemical and biophysical nature of these molecules, working with mucins provides many challenges that cannot be overcome by conventional protein analysis methods. For instance, their high-molecular-weight prevents electrophoretic migration via regular polyacrylamide gels and their sticky nature causes adhesion to experimental tubing. However, investigating the role of mucins in health (e.g., maintaining mucosal integrity) and disease (e.g., hyperconcentration, mucostasis, cancer) has recently gained interest and mucins are being investigated as a therapeutic target. A better understanding of the production and function of mucin macromolecules may lead to novel pharmaceutical approaches, e.g., inhibitors of mucin granule exocytosis and/or mucolytic agents. Therefore, consistent and reliable protocols to investigate mucin biology are critical for scientific advancement. Here, we describe conventional methods to separate mucin macromolecules by electrophoresis using an agarose gel, transfer protein into nitrocellulose membrane, and detect signal with mucin-specific antibodies as well as infrared fluorescent gel reader. These techniques are widely applicable to determine mucin quantitation, multimerization and to test the effects of pharmacological compounds on mucins.

Mucins are high-molecular-weight glycoconjugates, with size ranging from 0.2 to 200 megadalton (MDa). As a result of their size, mucins do not penetrate conventional polyacrylamide gels and require larger pores for separation. We provide a detailed protocol for mucin agarose gel electrophoresis to assess relative quantification and study polymer assembly.


Mucins, the heavily-glycosylated proteins lining mucosal surfaces, have evolved as a key component of innate defense by protecting the epithelium against ...

Purification of Native Complexes for Structural Study Using a Tandem Affinity Tag Method

Affinity purification approaches have been successful in isolating native complexes for proteomic characterization. Structural heterogeneity and a degree of compositional heterogeneity of a complex do not usually impede progress in conducting such studies. In contrast, a complex intended for structural characterization should be purified in a state that is both compositionally and structurally homogeneous as well as at a higher concentration than required for proteomics. Recently, there have been significant advances in the application of electron microscopy for structure determination of large macromolecular complexes. This has heightened interest in approaches to purify native complexes of sufficient quality and quantity for structural determination by electron microscopy. The Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) method has been optimized to extract and purify an 18-subunit, ~ 0.8 MDa ribonucleoprotein assembly from budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) suitable for negative stain and electron cryo microscopy. Herein is detailed the modifications made to the TAP method, the rationale for making these changes, and the approaches taken to assay for a compositionally and structurally homogeneous complex.

The Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) method has been used extensively to isolate native complexes from cellular extract, primarily eukaryotic, for proteomics. Here, we present a TAP method protocol optimized for purification of native complexes for structural studies.

Affinity purification approaches have been successful in isolating native complexes for proteomic characterization. Structural heterogeneity and a degree ...

Analysis of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complexes in Cultured Human Cells using Blue Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Immunoblotting

Mitochondrial respiration is performed by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes within mitochondria. Internal and environmental factors can perturb the assembly and stability of OXPHOS complexes. This protocol describes the analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes by blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) in application to cultured human cells. First, mitochondria are extracted from the cells using digitonin, then using lauryl maltoside, the intact OXPHOS complexes are isolated from the mitochondrial membranes. The OXPHOS complexes are then resolved by gradient gel electrophoresis in the presence of the negatively charged dye, Coomassie blue, which prevents protein aggregation and ensures electrophoretic mobility of protein complexes towards the cathode. Finally, the OXPHOS complexes are detected by standard immunoblotting. Thus, BN-PAGE is a convenient and inexpensive technique that can be used to evaluate the assembly of entire OXPHOS complexes, in contrast to the basic SDS-PAGE allowing the study of only individual OXPHOS complex subunits.

This protocol demonstrates the analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes by blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Here the method applied to cultured human cells is described.

Mitochondrial respiration is performed by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes within mitochondria. Internal and environmental factors can perturb ...