Name: a protein preparation method for the high-throughput identification of proteins interacting with a nuclear cofactor using lc-ms/ms analysis
Uploaded: 2017-01-24T12:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Protein Preparation Method for the High-throughput Identification of Proteins Interacting with a Nuclear Cofactor Using LC-MS/MS Analysis at JoVE.com

This study was supported by the Astellas Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders (HT), the Takeda Science Foundation (HT), and by a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grants-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) to HT.

1. Transfection
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	<li>Seed HEK293 cells in 100-mm culture plates (2 x 106 cells/dish). Culture the cells in Dulbecco&#39;s modified Eagle&#39;s medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, 100 &#181;g/ml streptomycin, and 100 units/ml penicillin. Incubate the cells in a humidified incubator at 5% CO2 and 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>The next day, transfect the cells with 10 &#181;g of FLAG-tagged ARIP4 plasmid using 40 &#181;l of transfection reagent according to the manufacturer&#39;s directions<s...

<ol>
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Efficient transfection is essential to obtain a successful result with this protocol. Accordingly, we recommend using Western blot analysis to determine the immunoprecipitated FLAG-tagged protein levels. This step enables users to verify that their protein of interest is properly overexpressed and, moreover, that the IP was performed successfully. FLAG-tagged protein levels should also be checked prior to the mass spectrometry analysis.
A mock sample should be used as a negative control to avo...

Protein-protein interactions play an important role in many biological functions. As such, these interactions have been implicated in signal transduction; protein transport across cell membranes; cell metabolism; and several nuclear processes, including DNA replication, DNA damage repair, recombination, and transcription1,2,3,4. Identifying the proteins involved in these interactions is therefore critical to advancing our understanding of these cellular processes.
Immunoprecipitation (IP) is a validated technique used to analyze protein-protein interactions. In order to facilitate the identification of co-immunoprecipitated proteins, mass spectrometry is often utilized5,6,7,8,9. By targeting a known member of a protein complex with an antibody, it is possible to isolate the protein complex and to subsequently identify its unknown components via mass spectrometry analysis. ARIP4 (androgen receptor-interacting protein 4), a transcriptional coregulator, interacts with nuclear receptor proteins in order to activate or repress its target promoters in a context-dependent manner9,10. To better understand the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing these nuclear factors, we describe a comprehensive method to purify and identify ARIP4 interacting proteins by using the LC-MS/MS system.

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			<td height="81" style="height:81px;width:216px;">Lipofectamine 2000 Transfection Reagent</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Thermo Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">11668019</td>
			<td style="width:167px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="41">
			<td height="41" style="height:41px;width:216px;">Protease Inhibitor Cocktail (EDTA free) (100x)</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">nacalai tesque</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">03969-21</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="41">
			<td height="41" style="height:41px;width:216px;">ANTI-FLAG M2 Affinity Gel</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">A2220</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="41">
			<td height="41" style="height:41px;">Micro Bio-Spin Columns</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">BIO-RAD</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">732-6204</td>
			<td></td>
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a protein preparation method for the high-throughput identification of proteins interacting with a nuclear cofactor using lc-ms/ms analysis

Transcriptional coregulators are vital to the efficient transcriptional regulation of nuclear chromatin structure. Coregulators play a variety of roles in regulating transcription. These include the direct interaction with transcription factors, the covalent modification of histones and other proteins, and the occasional chromatin conformation alteration. Accordingly, establishing relatively quick methods for identifying proteins that interact within this network is crucial to enhancing our understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms. LC-MS/MS-mediated protein binding partner identification is a validated technique used to analyze protein-protein interactions. By immunoprecipitating a previously-identified member of a protein complex with an antibody (occasionally with an antibody for a tagged protein), it is possible to identify its unknown protein interactions via mass spectrometry analysis. Here, we present a method of protein preparation for the LC-MS/MS-mediated high-throughput identification of protein interactions involving nuclear cofactors and their binding partners. This method allows for a better understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the targeted nuclear factors.

We identified a strong ARIP4 signal, around 160 KDa, as well as those of a mock sample control and several other unknown proteins (Figure 1). LC-MS/MS analysis identified both the ARIP4 complex peptides and the potential peptide cofactors within the fraction of FLAG beads (Table 1). p62 (Sequestosome1), a known ARIP4 cofactor11 was identified in the analysis (Table 1), which confirms the efficacy of this system<sup...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Protein Preparation Method for the High-throughput Identification of Proteins Interacting with a Nuclear Cofactor Using LC-MS/MS Analysis at JoVE.com

A Protein Preparation Method for the High-throughput Identification of Proteins Interacting with a Nuclear Cofactor Using LC-MS/MS Analysis

We have established a method for the purification of coregulatory interaction proteins using the LC-MS/MS system.

Transcriptional coregulators are vital to the efficient transcriptional regulation of nuclear chromatin structure. Coregulators play a variety of roles in ...

Overall goal of this procedure is to identify proteins interacting with a Nuclear Cofactor using LC-MS/MS Analysis. This method can help answer key questions related to transcriptional mechanisms in the gene regulation field. The main advantage of this technique is that we can identify the proteins interacting with a nuclear cofactor.Moreover, this method allows us to better understand the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the targeted nuclear factors. Harvest HEK 293 cells expressing flag-tagged ARIP4 36 hours after transvection by washing the cell sheet with ice cold PBS and collecting the cells with a cell scrapper. Transfer the cells into a 1.5 milliliter tube and then centrifuge at 8000g for two minutes at four degrees Celsius.Aspirate the supernatant and re-suspend the cell pellet in five times the pellet volume of High Salt Buffer. Rotate the mixture for 20 minutes at four degrees Celsius. After 20 minutes of rotation, centrifuge the tube at 17, 700g for 10 minutes at four degrees Celsius.Next, transfer the supernatants to a new two milliliter tube and add Dilution buffer to three times the volume of supernatant. Perform another cetrifugation and then transfer the supernatant to a new two milliliter tube. During the 10 minute centrifugation wash 50 microliters of anti-flag beads with PBS.Then centrifuge the tube at 2000g for one minute at four degrees Celsius. Remove the supernatant and repeat wash steps first with 1 molar glycine hydrochloride and then with one molar tris hydrochloride. Then wash twice with Low salt buffer.Next, mix 50 microliters of washed beads with whole-cell extracts. Gently rotate the mixture for four hours at two to four degrees Celsius. Then use a blunted tip to transfer the sample into a micro spin column and allow the solution to drip through into a 1.5 milliliter tube.Snap freeze the flow through in liquid nitrogen and store at minus 80 degrees Celsius. Next, wash the flag beads with Low salt buffer five times. To elute, place the column into a 1.5 milliliter tube and centrifuge at 2000g for one minute to dry the beads.Cap the bottom of the column and then add 50 microliters of 1 molar glycine hydrochloride. Gently shake the mixture for 10 minutes at room temperature. After 10 minutes, place the column into a new 1.5 milliliter tube and centrifuge at 2000g for one minute.Neutralize the eluted solution with 10 microliters of one molar tris hydrochloride and mix well by pipetting and vortexing. Add 50 microliters of 100 millimolar ammonium bicarbonate. 10 microliters of acetonitrile, two microliters of dithiothreitol and 50 microliters of neutralized sample.Incubate for 30 minutes at 56 degrees Celsius. After incubation, leave the sample at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then add 10 microliters of 333 millimolar iodoacetamide to the sample and incubate in the dark for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C.Add 10 microliters of trypsin to the mixture and incubate overnight at 37 degrees Celsius.The next day transport the final product to an LC-MS/MS facility or to a third party mass spectrometry lab for analysis. This image shows silver staining of flag epitope tagged ARIP4 expressed in HEK 293 cells after immunal precipitation with a flag specific antibody and separation by electrophoresis. As a control, a mock purification was performed on HEK 293 cells that did not express exogenous proteins.Using our method, it is possible to identify putative nuclear cofactors via their transcriptional factor of interest and further enhance our understanding of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.

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Research

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Biochemistry

Method for Identifying Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Protein-protein Interaction Between HCN1 and TRIP8b

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are expressed ubiquitously throughout the brain, where they function to regulate the excitability of neurons. The subcellular distribution of these channels in pyramidal neurons of hippocampal area CA1 is regulated by tetratricopeptide repeat-containing Rab8b interacting protein (TRIP8b), an auxiliary subunit. Genetic knockout of HCN pore forming subunits or TRIP8b, both lead to an increase in antidepressant-like behavior, suggesting that limiting the function of HCN channels may be useful as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Despite significant therapeutic interest, HCN channels are also expressed in the heart, where they regulate rhythmicity. To circumvent off-target issues associated with blocking cardiac HCN channels, our lab has recently proposed targeting the protein-protein interaction between HCN and TRIP8b in order to specifically disrupt HCN channel function in the brain. TRIP8b binds to HCN pore forming subunits at two distinct interaction sites, although here the focus is on the interaction between the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains of TRIP8b and the C terminal tail of HCN1. In this protocol, an expanded description of a method for purifying TRIP8b and executing a high throughput screen to identify small molecule inhibitors of the interaction between HCN and TRIP8b, is described. The method for high throughput screening utilizes a Fluorescence Polarization (FP) -based assay to monitor the binding of a large TRIP8b fragment to a fluorophore-tagged eleven amino acid peptide corresponding to the HCN1 C terminal tail. This method allows &#39;hit&#39; compounds to be identified based on the change in the polarization of emitted light. Validation assays are then performed to ensure that &#39;hit&#39; compounds are not artifactual.

The interaction between HCN channels and their auxiliary subunit has been identified as a therapeutic target in Major Depressive Disorder. Here, a fluorescence polarization-based method for identifying small molecule inhibitors of this protein-protein interaction, is presented.

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are expressed ubiquitously throughout the brain, where they function to regulate the ...

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for the Identification of Multiple Phosphorylations of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

Aggregates of the neuronal Tau protein are found inside neurons of Alzheimer's disease patients. Development of the disease is accompanied by increased, abnormal phosphorylation of Tau. In the course of the molecular investigation of Tau functions and dysfunctions in the disease, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to identify the multiple phosphorylations of Tau. We present here detailed protocols of recombinant production of Tau in bacteria, with isotopic enrichment for NMR studies. Purification steps that take advantage of Tau's heat stability and high isoelectric point are described. The protocol for in vitro phosphorylation of Tau by recombinant activated ERK2 allows for generating multiple phosphorylations. The protein sample is ready for data acquisition at the issue of these steps. The parameter setup to start recording on the spectrometer is considered next. Finally, the strategy to identify phosphorylation sites of modified Tau, based on NMR data, is explained. The benefit of this methodology compared to other techniques used to identify phosphorylation sites, such as immuno-detection or mass spectrometry (MS), is discussed.

We describe here a method to identify multiple phosphorylations of an intrinsically disordered protein by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), using Tau protein as a case study. Recombinant Tau is isotopically enriched and modified in vitro by a kinase prior to data acquisition and analysis.

Aggregates of the neuronal Tau protein are found inside neurons of Alzheimer's disease patients. Development of the disease is accompanied by increased, ...

High Throughput, Absolute Determination of the Content of a Selected Protein at Tissue Levels Using Quantitative Dot Blot Analysis (QDB)

Lacking a convenient, quantitative, high throughput immunoblot method for absolute determination of the content of a specific protein at cellular and tissue level significantly hampers the progress in proteomic research. Results derived from currently available immunoblot techniques are also relative, preventing any efforts to combine independent studies with a large-scale analysis of protein samples. In this study, we demonstrate the process of quantitative dot blot analysis (QDB) to achieve absolute quantification in a high throughput format. Using a commercially available protein standard, we are able to determine the absolute content of capping actin protein, gelsolin-like (CAPG) in protein samples prepared from three different mouse tissues (kidney, spleen, and prostate) together with a detailed explanation of the experimental details. We propose the QDB analysis as a convenient, quantitative, high throughput immunoblot method of absolute quantification of individual proteins at the cellular and tissue level. This method will substantially aid biomarker validation and pathway verification in various areas of biological and biomedical research.

High Throughput, Absolute Determination of the Content of a Selected Protein at Tissue Levels Using Quantitative Dot Blot Analysis QDB

Here we demonstrate a detailed process of quantitative dot blot analysis (QDB) by determining the absolute content of a targeted protein, capping actin protein, gelsolin-like (CAPG), in three different mouse tissues. We demonstrate a high throughput, convenient, quantitative immunoblot technique for biomarker validation at the cellular and tissue level.

Lacking a convenient, quantitative, high throughput immunoblot method for absolute determination of the content of a specific protein at cellular and ...

A Simple Method for High Throughput Chemical Screening in Caenorhabditis Elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful organism for testing chemical effects on physiology. Whole organism small molecule screens offer significant advantages for identifying biologically active chemical structures that can modify complex phenotypes such as lifespan. Described here is a simple protocol for producing hundreds of 96-well culture plates with fairly consistent numbers of C. elegans in each well. Next, we specified how to use these cultures to screen thousands of chemicals for effects on the lifespan of the nematode C. elegans. This protocol makes use of temperature sensitive sterile strains, agar plate conditions, and simple animal handling to facilitate the rapid and high throughput production of synchronized animal cultures for screening.

A Simple Method for High Throughput Chemical Screening in Caenorhabditis Elegans

Here we describe a simple protocol for rapidly producing hundreds of nematode growth media agar, 96-well culture plates with consistent numbers of Caenorhhabditis elegans per well. These cultures are useful for the phenotypic screening of whole organisms. We focus here on using these cultures to screen chemicals for pro-longevity effects.

Caenorhabditis elegans is a useful organism for testing chemical effects on physiology. Whole organism small molecule screens offer significant advantages ...

Efficient Purification and LC-MS/MS-based Assay Development for Ten-Eleven Translocation-2 5-Methylcytosine Dioxygenase

The epigenetic transcription regulation mediated by 5-methylcytosine (5mC) has played a critical role in eukaryotic development. Demethylation of these epigenetic marks is accomplished by sequential oxidation by ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases (TET1-3), followed by the thymine-DNA glycosylase-dependent base excision repair. Inactivation of the TET2 gene due to genetic mutations or by other epigenetic mechanisms is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with diverse cancers, especially hematopoietic malignancies. Here, we describe an efficient single step purification of enzymatically active untagged human TET2 dioxygenase using cation exchange chromatography. We further provide a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach that can separate and quantify the four normal DNA bases (A, T, G, and C), as well as the four modified cytosine bases (5-methyl, 5-hydroxymethyl, 5-formyl, and 5-carboxyl). This assay can be used to evaluate the activity of wild type and mutant TET2 dioxygenases.

Here, we present a protocol for an efficient single step purification of the active untagged human ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET2) 5-methylcytosine dioxygenase using ion-exchange chromatography and its assay using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based approach.

The epigenetic transcription regulation mediated by 5-methylcytosine (5mC) has played a critical role in eukaryotic development. Demethylation of these ...

Transverse Sectioning of Mature Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Kernels for Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging Using Pipette Tips as Immobilization Support

Starch granules (SGs) exhibit different morphologies depending on the plant species, especially in the endosperm of the Poaceae family. Endosperm phenotyping can be used to classify genotypes based on SG morphotype using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. SGs can be visualized using SEM by slicing through the kernel (pericarp, aleurone layers, and endosperm) and exposing the organellar contents. Current methods require the rice kernel to be embedded in plastic resin and sectioned using a microtome or embedded in a truncated pipette tip and sectioned by hand using a razor blade. The former method requires specialized equipment and is time-consuming, while the latter introduces a new host of problems depending on rice genotype. Chalky rice varieties, particularly, pose a problem for this type of sectioning due to the friable nature of their endosperm tissue. Presented here is a technique for preparing translucent and chalky rice kernel sections for microscopy, requiring only pipette tips and a scalpel blade. Preparing the sections within the confines of a pipette tip prevents rice kernel endosperm from shattering (for translucent or &#8216;vitreous&#8217; phenotypes) and crumbling (for chalky phenotypes). Using this technique, endosperm cell patterning and the structure of intact SGs can be observed.

Transverse Sectioning of Mature Rice Oryza sativa L. Kernels for Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging Using Pipette Tips as Immobilization Support

This protocol allows for the preparation of transverse sections of cereal seeds (e.g., rice) for the analysis of endosperm and starch granule morphology using scanning electron microscopy.

Starch granules (SGs) exhibit different morphologies depending on the plant species, especially in the endosperm of the Poaceae family. Endosperm ...

Removal and Replacement of Endogenous Ligands from Lipid-Bound Proteins and Allergens

Many major allergens bind to hydrophobic lipid-like molecules, including Mus m 1, Bet v 1, Der p 2, and Fel d 1. These ligands are strongly retained and have the potential to influence the sensitization process either through directly stimulating the immune system or altering the biophysical properties of the allergenic protein. In order to control for these variables, techniques are required for the removal of endogenously bound ligands and, if necessary, replacement with lipids of known composition. The cockroach allergen Bla g 1 encloses a large hydrophobic cavity which binds a heterogeneous mixture of endogenous lipids when purified using traditional techniques. Here, we describe a method through which these lipids are removed using reverse-phase HPLC followed by thermal annealing to yield Bla g 1 in either its Apo-form or reloaded with a user-defined mixture of fatty acid or phospholipid cargoes. Coupling this protocol with biochemical assays reveal that fatty acid cargoes significantly alter the thermostability and proteolytic resistance of Bla g 1, with downstream implications for the rate of T-cell epitope generation and allergenicity. These results highlight the importance of lipid removal/reloading protocols such as the one described herein when studying allergens from both recombinant and natural sources. The protocol is generalizable to other allergen families including lipocalins (Mus m 1), PR-10 (Bet v 1), MD-2 (Der p 2) and Uteroglobin (Fel d 1), providing a valuable tool to study the role of lipids in the allergic response.

This protocol describes the removal of endogenous lipids from allergens, and their replacement with user-specified ligands through reverse-phase HPLC coupled with thermal annealing. 31P-NMR and circular dichroism allow for the rapid confirmation of ligand removal/loading, and the recovery of native allergen structure.

Many major allergens bind to hydrophobic lipid-like molecules, including Mus m 1, Bet v 1, Der p 2, and Fel d 1. These ligands are strongly retained and ...

An Economical and Versatile High-Throughput Protein Purification System Using a Multi-Column Plate Adapter

Protein purification is imperative to the study of protein structure and function and is usually used in combination with biophysical techniques. It is also a key component in the development of new therapeutics. The evolving era of functional proteomics is fueling the demand for high-throughput protein purification and improved techniques to facilitate this. It was hypothesized that a multi column plate adaptor (MCPA) can interface multiple chromatography columns of different resins with multi-well plates for parallel purification. This method offers an economical and versatile method of protein purification that can be used under gravity or vacuum, rivaling the speed of an automated system. The MCPA can be used to recover milligram yields of protein by an affordable and time efficient method for subsequent characterization and analysis. The MCPA has been used for high-throughput affinity purification of SH3 domains. Ion exchange has also been demonstrated via the MCPA to purify protein post Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, indicating how this system can be adapted to other purification types. Due to its setup with multiple columns, individual customization of parameters can be made in the same purification, unachievable by the current plate-based methods.

A multi-column plate adapter allows chromatography columns to be interfaced with multi-well collection plates for parallel affinity or ion exchange purification providing an economical high throughput protein purification method. It can be used under gravity or vacuum yielding milligram quantities of protein via affordable instrumentation.

Protein purification is imperative to the study of protein structure and function and is usually used in combination with biophysical techniques. It is ...

A High-Throughput Enzyme-Coupled Activity Assay to Probe Small Molecule Interaction with the dNTPase SAMHD1

Sterile alpha motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a pivotal regulator of intracellular deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pools, as this enzyme can hydrolyze dNTPs into their corresponding nucleosides and inorganic triphosphates. Due to its critical role in nucleotide metabolism, its association to several pathologies, and its role in therapy resistance, intense research is currently being carried out for a better understanding of both the regulation and cellular function of this enzyme. For this reason, development of simple and inexpensive high-throughput amenable methods to probe small molecule interaction with SAMHD1, such as allosteric regulators, substrates, or inhibitors, is vital. To this purpose, the enzyme-coupled malachite green assay is a simple and robust colorimetric assay that can be deployed in a 384-microwell plate format allowing the indirect measurement of SAMHD1 activity. As SAMHD1 releases the triphosphate group from nucleotide substrates, we can couple a pyrophosphatase activity to this reaction, thereby producing inorganic phosphate, which can be quantified by the malachite green reagent through the formation of a phosphomolybdate malachite green complex. Here, we show the application of this methodology to characterize known inhibitors of SAMHD1 and to decipher the mechanisms involved in SAMHD1 catalysis of non-canonical substrates and regulation by allosteric activators, exemplified by nucleoside-based anticancer drugs. Thus, the enzyme-coupled malachite green assay is a powerful tool to study SAMHD1, and furthermore, could also be utilized in the study of several enzymes which release phosphate species.

SAMHD1 is a deoxynucleoside triphosphate triphosphohydrolase with critical roles in human health and disease. Here we present a versatile enzyme-coupled SAMHD1 activity assay, deployed in a 384-well microplate format, that allows for the evaluation of small molecules and nucleotide analogues as SAMHD1 substrates, activators, and inhibitors.

Sterile alpha motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a pivotal regulator of intracellular deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pools, as this ...

Sample Preparation using a Lipid Monolayer Method for Electron Crystallographic Studies

Electron crystallography is a powerful tool for high-resolution structure determination. Macromolecules such as soluble or membrane proteins can be grown into highly ordered two-dimensional (2D) crystals under favorable conditions. The quality of the grown 2D crystals is crucial to the resolution of the final reconstruction via 2D image processing. Over the years, lipid monolayers have been used as a supporting layer to foster the 2D crystallization of peripheral membrane proteins as well as soluble proteins. This method can also be applied to 2D crystallization of integral membrane proteins but requires more extensive empirical investigation to determine detergent and dialysis conditions to promote partitioning to the monolayer. A lipid monolayer forms at the air-water interface such that the polar lipid head groups remain hydrated in the aqueous phase and the non-polar, acyl chains, tails partition into the air, breaking the surface tension and flattening the water surface. The charged nature or distinctive chemical moieties of the head groups provide affinity for proteins in solution, promoting binding for 2D array formation. A newly formed monolayer with the 2D array can be readily transfer into an electron microscope (EM) on a carbon-coated copper grid used to lift and support the crystalline array. In this work, we describe a lipid monolayer methodology for cryogenic electron microscopic (cryo-EM) imaging.

Lipid monolayers have been used as a foundation for forming two-dimensional (2D) protein crystals for structural studies for decades. They are stable at the air-water interface and can serve as a thin supporting material for electron imaging. Here we present the proven steps on preparing lipid monolayers for biological studies.

Electron crystallography is a powerful tool for high-resolution structure determination. Macromolecules such as soluble or membrane proteins can be grown ...