Name: nonradioactive assay to measure polynucleotide phosphorylation of small nucleotide substrates
Uploaded: 2020-05-08T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Nonradioactive Assay to Measure Polynucleotide Phosphorylation of Small Nucleotide Substrates at JoVE.com

We thank Dr. Andrew Sikkema and Andrea Kaminski for their critical reading of this manuscript. This work was supported by the US National Institute of Health Intramural Research Program; US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS; ZIA ES103247 to R.E.S) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR; 146626 to M.C.P).

1. Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare buffer and reagents.
	<ol>
		<li>Make 1x Reaction Buffer by combining 20 &#181;L of 1 M Tris (pH = 8.0), 40 &#181;L of 5 M sodium chloride, 2.5 &#181;L of 2 M magnesium chloride, 100 &#181;L of 50% (v/v) glycerol, and RNase-free water to reach a total volume of 1 mL.</li>
		<li>Make urea loading dye by combining 4.8 g of urea, 200 &#181;L of 1 M Tris (pH = 8.0), 20 &#181;L of 0.5 M EDTA (pH = 8.0), 0.5 mL of 1% (w/v) bromophenol blue, and RNase-free water to reach a total volume of 10 m...

<ol>
	<li>Pillon, M. C., Stanley, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nuclease+integrated+kinase+super+assemblies+(NiKs)+and+their+role+in+RNA+processing.">Nuclease integrated kinase super assemblies (NiKs) and their role in RNA processing.</a> Current Genetics. 64 (1), 183-190 (2018).</li><li>Pillon, M. C., Sobhany, M., Borgnia, M. J., Williams, J. G., Stanley, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Grc3+programs+the+essential+endoribonuclease+Las1+for+specific+RNA+cleavage.">Grc3 programs the essential endoribonuclease Las1 for specific RNA cleavage.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A. 114 (28), E5530-E5538 (2017).</li><li>Gasse, L., Flemming, D., Hurt, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coordinated+Ribosomal+ITS2+RNA+Processing+by+the+Las1+Complex+Integrating+Endonuclease,+Polynucleotide+Kinase,+and+Exonuclease+Activities.">Coordinated Ribosomal ITS2 RNA Processing by the Las1 Complex Integrating Endonuclease, Polynucleotide Kinase, and Exonuclease Activities.</a> Molecular Cell. 60 (5), 808-815 (2015).</li><li>Dikfidan, 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=RNA+specificity+and+regulation+of+catalysis+in+the+eukaryotic+polynucleotide+kinase+Clp1.">RNA specificity and regulation of catalysis in the eukaryotic polynucleotide kinase Clp1.</a> Molecular Cell. 54 (6), 975-986 (2014).</li><li>Bernstein, N. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+molecular+architecture+of+the+mammalian+DNA+repair+enzyme,+polynucleotide+kinase.">The molecular architecture of the mammalian DNA repair enzyme, polynucleotide kinase.</a> Molecular Cell. 17 (5), 657-670 (2005).</li><li>Rio, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=5'-end+labeling+of+RNA+with+[gamma-32P]ATP+and+T4+polynucleotide+kinase.">5'-end labeling of RNA with [gamma-32P]ATP and T4 polynucleotide kinase.</a> Cold Spring Harbor Protocols. 2014 (4), 441-443 (2014).</li><li>Paredes, E., Evans, M., Das, S. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RNA+labeling,+conjugation+and+ligation.">RNA labeling, conjugation and ligation.</a> Methods. 54 (2), 251-259 (2011).</li><li>Hilario, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=End+labeling+procedures:+an+overview.">End labeling procedures: an overview.</a> Molecular Biotechnology. 28 (1), 77-80 (2004).</li><li>Eastberg, J. H., Pelletier, J., Stoddard, B. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recognition+of+DNA+substrates+by+T4+bacteriophage+polynucleotide+kinase.">Recognition of DNA substrates by T4 bacteriophage polynucleotide kinase.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 32 (2), 653-660 (2004).</li><li>Lillehaug, J. R., Kleppe, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Kinetics+and+specificity+of+T4+polynucleotide+kinase.">Kinetics and specificity of T4 polynucleotide kinase.</a> Biochemistry. 14 (6), 1221-1225 (1975).</li><li>Richardson, C. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Phosphorylation+of+nucleic+acid+by+an+enzyme+from+T4+bacteriophage-infected+Escherichia+coli.">Phosphorylation of nucleic acid by an enzyme from T4 bacteriophage-infected Escherichia coli.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A. 54 (1), 158-165 (1965).</li><li>Galburt, E. A., Pelletier, J., Wilson, G., Stoddard, B. L. <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+a+tRNA+repair+enzyme+and+molecular+biology+workhorse:+T4+polynucleotide+kinase.">Structure of a tRNA repair enzyme and molecular biology workhorse: T4 polynucleotide kinase.</a> Structure. 10 (9), 1249-1260 (2002).</li><li>Saito, M., 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=Large-Scale+Molecular+Evolutionary+Analysis+Uncovers+a+Variety+of+Polynucleotide+Kinase+Clp1+Family+Proteins+in+the+Three+Domains+of+Life.">Large-Scale Molecular Evolutionary Analysis Uncovers a Variety of Polynucleotide Kinase Clp1 Family Proteins in the Three Domains of Life.</a> Genome Biology Evolution. 11 (10), 2713-2726 (2019).</li><li>Jain, R., Shuman, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+a+thermostable+archaeal+polynucleotide+kinase+homologous+to+human+Clp1.">Characterization of a thermostable archaeal polynucleotide kinase homologous to human Clp1.</a> RNA. 15 (5), 923-931 (2009).</li><li>Weitzer, S., Hanada, T., Penninger, J. M., Martinez, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=CLP1+as+a+novel+player+in+linking+tRNA+splicing+to+neurodegenerative+disorders.">CLP1 as a novel player in linking tRNA splicing to neurodegenerative disorders.</a> Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews RNA. 6 (1), 47-63 (2015).</li><li>Wang, L. K., Lima, C. D., Shuman, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structure+and+mechanism+of+T4+polynucleotide+kinase:+an+RNA+repair+enzyme.">Structure and mechanism of T4 polynucleotide kinase: an RNA repair enzyme.</a> EMBO Journal. 21 (14), 3873-3880 (2002).</li><li>Zhang, Y., Zhao, J., Chen, S., Li, S., Zhao, 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+novel+microchip+electrophoresis+laser+induced+fluorescence+detection+method+for+the+assay+of+T4+polynucleotide+kinase+activity+and+inhibitors.">A novel microchip electrophoresis laser induced fluorescence detection method for the assay of T4 polynucleotide kinase activity and inhibitors.</a> Talanta. 202, 317-322 (2019).</li><li>Cui, L., Li, Y., Lu, M., Tang, B., Zhang, C. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+ultrasensitive+electrochemical+biosensor+for+polynucleotide+kinase+assay+based+on+gold+nanoparticle-mediated+lambda+exonuclease+cleavage-induced+signal+amplification.">An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for polynucleotide kinase assay based on gold nanoparticle-mediated lambda exonuclease cleavage-induced signal amplification.</a> Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 99, 1-7 (2018).</li><li>Wang, L. J., Zhang, Q., Tang, B., Zhang, C. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single-Molecule+Detection+of+Polynucleotide+Kinase+Based+on+Phosphorylation-Directed+Recovery+of+Fluorescence+Quenched+by+Au+Nanoparticles.">Single-Molecule Detection of Polynucleotide Kinase Based on Phosphorylation-Directed Recovery of Fluorescence Quenched by Au Nanoparticles.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 89 (13), 7255-7261 (2017).</li><li>Liu, H., Ma, C., Wang, J., Chen, H., Wang, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Label-free+colorimetric+assay+for+T4+polynucleotide+kinase/phosphatase+activity+and+its+inhibitors+based+on+G-quadruplex/hemin+DNAzyme.">Label-free colorimetric assay for T4 polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase activity and its inhibitors based on G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzyme.</a> Analytical Biochemistry. 517, 18-21 (2017).</li><li>Du, J., Xu, Q., Lu, X., Zhang, C. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+label-free+bioluminescent+sensor+for+real-time+monitoring+polynucleotide+kinase+activity.">A label-free bioluminescent sensor for real-time monitoring polynucleotide kinase activity.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 86 (16), 8481-8488 (2014).</li><li>Jiang, C., Yan, C., Jiang, J., Yu, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Colorimetric+assay+for+T4+polynucleotide+kinase+activity+based+on+the+horseradish+peroxidase-mimicking+DNAzyme+combined+with+lambda+exonuclease+cleavage.">Colorimetric assay for T4 polynucleotide kinase activity based on the horseradish peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme combined with lambda exonuclease cleavage.</a> Analytica Chimica Acta. 766, 88-93 (2013).</li><li>Castle, C. 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=Las1+interacts+with+Grc3+polynucleotide+kinase+and+is+required+for+ribosome+synthesis+in+Saccharomyces+cerevisiae.">Las1 interacts with Grc3 polynucleotide kinase and is required for ribosome synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.</a> Nucleic Acids Research. 41 (2), 1135-1150 (2013).</li><li>Pillon, M. C., Sobhany, M., Stanley, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+the+molecular+crosstalk+within+the+essential+Grc3/Las1+pre-rRNA+processing+complex.">Characterization of the molecular crosstalk within the essential Grc3/Las1 pre-rRNA processing complex.</a> RNA. 24 (5), 721-738 (2018).</li><li>Geerlings, T. H., Vos, J. C., Raue, H. 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+final+step+in+the+formation+of+25S+rRNA+in+Saccharomyces+cerevisiae+is+performed+by+5'--&gt;3'+exonucleases.">The final step in the formation of 25S rRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is performed by 5'--&gt;3' exonucleases.</a> RNA. 6 (12), 1698-1703 (2000).</li><li>Pillon, M. 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=Cryo-EM+reveals+active+site+coordination+within+a+multienzyme+pre-rRNA+processing+complex.">Cryo-EM reveals active site coordination within a multienzyme pre-rRNA processing complex.</a> Nature Structural Molecular Biology. 26 (9), 830-839 (2019).</li><li>Solomatin, S., Herschlag, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Methods+of+site-specific+labeling+of+RNA+with+fluorescent+dyes.">Methods of site-specific labeling of RNA with fluorescent dyes.</a> Methods in Enzymology. 469, 47-68 (2009).</li><li>Giusti, W. G., Adriano, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthesis+and+characterization+of+5'-fluorescent-dye-labeled+oligonucleotides.">Synthesis and characterization of 5'-fluorescent-dye-labeled oligonucleotides.</a> PCR Methods Application. 2 (3), 223-227 (1993).</li><li>Petrov, A., Tsa, A., Puglisi, J. D. <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+RNA+by+analytical+polyacrylamide+gel+electrophoresis.">Analysis of RNA by analytical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.</a> Methods in Enzymology. 530, 301-313 (2013).</li></ol>

Described is an assay to measure kinase activity of Grc3 PNK on fluorescently-labeled nucleotide substrates. This protocol can be applied to characterize other PNK enzymes by adapting the Reaction Buffer and oligonucleotide substrate. For instance, the protocol calls for a trace amount of EDTA. The addition of EDTA is beneficial for two reasons: First, this approach favors magnesium-bound Grc3 by preventing the enzyme from binding to trace amounts of contaminating metals in the mixture. Second, a small amount of EDTA inh...

Polynucleotide kinases (PNK) play critical roles in many DNA and RNA processing pathways, such as DNA repair and ribosome assembly1,2,3,4,5. These fundamental enzymes catalyze the transfer of the terminal (gamma) monophosphate from a nucleoside triphosphate (NTP, most often ATP) to the 5&#39; hydroxyl end of a nucleotide substrate. One of the most well characterized PNKs is bacteriophage T4 PNK, which has broad substrate specificity and is heavily utilized by molecular biology labs for incorporating radioactive isotope labels onto the 5 terminus of a DNA or RNA substrate6,7,8,9,10,11,12. Another example of a PNK enzyme is CLP1, which is found in Eukarya, Eubacteria, and Archaea, and is implicated in several RNA processing pathways4,13,14,15.
Historically, most assays that measure polynucleotide kinase activity are dependent upon radioactive isotope labeling and subsequent autoradiography5,16. In recent years a number of additional assays have been developed to measure PNK activity, including single molecule approaches, microchip electrophoresis, molecular beacons, as well as colorimetric and luminescence-based assays17,18,19,20,21,22. While many of these new approaches provide enhanced detection limits and avoid the use of radioactivity, each has drawbacks, such as cost, reliance on immobilized resin, and limitations in substrate choice.
Grc3 is a polynucleotide kinase that plays a pivotal role in the processing of pre-ribosomal RNA2,3,23. Grc3 forms an obligate complex with the endoribonuclease Las1, which cleaves the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) of the pre-ribosomal RNA3. Cleavage of the ITS2 by Las1 generates a product harboring a 5&#39; hydroxyl that is subsequently phosphorylated by the Grc3 kinase3. To investigate the nucleotide and substrate specificity of Grc3, an inexpensive assay that allowed testing of different oligonucleotide substrates was required. Therefore, a PNK phosphorylation assay using fluorescently-labeled substrates was developed. This assay was successfully used to determine that Grc3 can utilize any NTP for phosphoryl transfer activity, but favors ATP24. This protocol adapts the original assay to measure PNK activity of Grc3 on an RNA mimic of its pre-ribosomal RNA substrate (SC-ITS2, Table 1). One challenging aspect of this fluorescence-based approach is the reliance on large polyacrylamide gels to effectively resolve phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated substrates. The protocol provides specific details on how to pour these large gels and avoid common pitfalls when doing so.
Working with RNA requires particular care because it is strongly susceptible to degradation. There are simple preventative steps one can take to limit ribonuclease contamination. A separate RNA workstation that can be easily treated with an RNase inhibitor-containing cleaning agent is often helpful. Always wearing gloves when handling samples and use of RNase-free certified consumables is necessary. Because water is another common source of contamination, it is best to use freshly purified water and sterilize all solutions using a 0.22 &#956;m filter.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>0.4 mm 34-well comb</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>1653848</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>0.4 mm spacer</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>1653812</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>0.5 M EDTA ph 8.0</td>
			<td>KD Medical</td>
			<td>RGF-3130</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1M Magnesium Chloride</td>
			<td>KD Medical</td>
			<td>CAC-5290</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1M Tris pH 8.0</td>
			<td>KD Medical</td>
			<td>RGF-3360</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>40% Acrylamide/Bis Solution 29:1</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>1610146</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5M Sodium Chloride</td>
			<td>KD Medical</td>
			<td>RGF-3720</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ammonium persulfate (APS)</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>161-0700</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ATP</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>A2383-1G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>boric acid</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>B0394</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>bromophenol blue sodium salt</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>B5525-5G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass Plates</td>
			<td>Thomas Scientific</td>
			<td>1188K51</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hoefer SQ3 Sequencer</td>
			<td>Hoefer</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Image J Software</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td><a href="https://imagej.nih.gov/ij/" target="_blank">https://imagej.nih.gov/ij/</a></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Labeled RNA oligonucleotides</td>
			<td>IDT</td>
			<td>Custom Order</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pharmacia EPS 3500 Power Supply</td>
			<td>Pharmacia</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Steriflip 0. 22 um Filter</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>5FCP00525</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TEMED</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>161-0800</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tris base</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>TRIS-RO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Typhoon FLA 9500 gel imager</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultra Pure DEPC Water</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>750023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultra Pure Glycerol</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>19E1056865</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>urea</td>
			<td>Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td>U15-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

nonradioactive assay to measure polynucleotide phosphorylation of small nucleotide substrates

Polynucleotide kinases (PNKs) are enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of the 5&#39; hydroxyl end of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. The activity of PNKs can be quantified using direct or indirect approaches. Presented here is a direct, in vitro approach to measure PNK activity that relies on a fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotide substrate and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This approach provides resolution of the phosphorylated products while avoiding the use of radiolabeled substrates. The protocol details how to set up the phosphorylation reaction, prepare and run large polyacrylamide gels, and quantify the reaction products. The most technically challenging part of this assay is pouring and running the large polyacrylamide gels; thus, important details to overcome common difficulties are provided. This protocol was optimized for Grc3, a PNK that assembles into an obligate pre-ribosomal RNA processing complex with its binding partner, the Las1 nuclease. However, this protocol can be adapted to measure the activity of other PNK enzymes. Moreover, this assay can also be modified to determine the effects of different components of the reaction, such as the nucleoside triphosphate, metal ions, and oligonucleotides.

A successful representative denaturing gel of a titration of ATP with a fixed amount of Las1-Grc3 complex is shown in Figure 1. Addition of enzyme resulted in Las1-mediated RNA cleavage of the SC-ITS2 RNA substrate, leading to a defined RNA fragment (5-OH C2 RNA). Upon the addition of ATP, the C2 RNA fragment was phosphorylated by Grc3 PNK (5-P C2 RNA). In denaturing gels the phosphorylated RNA migrates faster than its unphosphorylated counterpart. As shown i...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Nonradioactive Assay to Measure Polynucleotide Phosphorylation of Small Nucleotide Substrates at JoVE.com

Nonradioactive Assay to Measure Polynucleotide Phosphorylation of Small Nucleotide Substrates

This protocol describes a nonradioactive assay to measure kinase activity of polynucleotide kinases (PNKs) on small DNA and RNA substrates.

Polynucleotide kinases (PNKs) are enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of the 5&#39; hydroxyl end of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. The activity of ...

This method can answer key questions about the phosphorylation of the five-prime end of DNA or RNA molecules by a special class of enzymes known as polynucleotide kinase. The main advantage of this technique is it has the resolution to detect very small changes in DNA and RNA substrates. Begin by preparing the RNA enzyme kinase reactions.For each reaction, combine one microliter of 500 nanomolar RNA substrate. 8.3 microliters of 130 nanomolar last one, GRC three and 0.2 microliters of five millimolar EDTA. Set the heat block to 37 degrees Celsius.Then mix 0.5 microliters of an ATP sub stock from the concentration series with one RNA enzyme mixture and place the reaction on the heat block. Continue mixing the reactions and placing them on the heat block at ten second intervals. After a 60 minute incubation on the heat block, quench each reaction by spiking it with 10 microliters of urea loading dye.Immediately perform downstream analysis or store the reactions at negative 20 degrees Celsius to be analyzed at a later date. To prepare a 15%denaturing acrylamide gel solution, combine 22.5 milliliters of pre-mixed 40%29 to one acrylamide/bis acrylamide solution. Six milliliters of ten x TBE.28.8 grams of urea. And RNase free water to a total volume of 59 milliliters. Then gently stir the solution.Heat the solution in the microwave for 20 seconds. Stir it and immediately return it to the microwave for another 20 seconds. Gently stir the solution until the urea is completely dissolved.Place the glass beaker into a shallow water bath, containing cold water for five minutes, making sure that the level of cold water surrounding the glass beaker is above the level of solution inside the glass beaker. When the solution is cool, filter and de-gas it with a 0.2 two micrometer disposable filtration unit to remove particulates and microscopic air bubbles. Wash a short and long glass plate with soap and water then spray each plate with 95%ethanol and wipe the glass to remove any moisture.Elevate the long plate off the bench top by placing it on top of a box. Then position 0.4 millimeter spacers along the long edges of the plate. Lay the short plate on top of the long plate, making sure that the edges of the short plate, long plate and spacers are aligned.Then clamp each side with three evenly spaced metal clamps. Add 24 microliters of TEMED to the acrylamide solution and mix it. Then add 600 microliters of 10%APS and immediately pour the solution between the glass plates.Pouring the acrylamide solution between the glass plate sandwich can be really challenging. To avoid air bubbles, tap the glass plate sandwich while you're pouring your solution. Carefully add a clean 32-well comb to the top of the glass plate sandwich.And allow the acrylamide to polymerize for 30 minutes. To run the gel, set the heat block to 75 degrees Celsius. Remove the metal clamps.And thoroughly wash and dry the glass plate sandwich. Position the plate sandwich and the gel apparatus with the short plate facing forward and prepare 0.5 X TBE running buffer by combining 100 milliliters of 10 X TBE with 1.9 liters of RNase free water. Add 600 milliliters of the running buffer to the upper and lower chambers of the apparatus.Gently remove the comb from the gel and thoroughly rinse the wells with a syringe. Pre-run the gel at 50 Watts for 30 minutes. Then rinse the wells again.Post spin the quench reactions and incubate them at 75 degrees Celsius for three minutes. Repeat the pulse spin and immediately load 10 microliters of each sample onto the gel. Then run the gel for three hours at 50 Watts.When the run has finished, turn off the power supply and drain the upper chamber of the apparatus. Wash and dry the outer side of the glass plate sandwich. Then cover it with foil and transfer it to a laser scanner for imaging.Mount the glass plate sandwich onto the stage of the laser scanner. Set the excitation and emission wavelengths for the desired floor for and image the gel. Shown here is a representative successful denaturing gel of a titration of ATP with a fixed amount of last one GRC three complex.Addition of enzyme resulted in last one mediated RNA cleavage of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ITS two RNA substrate, leading to a defined RNA fragment. Upon the addition of ATP, the C2 RNA fragment was phosphorylated by GrC3 PNK. To visualize the phosphorylation of the C2 RNA fragment, the relative amount of unphosphorylated and phosphorylated C2 RNA was plotted against the ATP concentration.Our representative unsuccessful denaturing gel is shown here. The 21 nucleotide RNA substrate contained degradation products, which overlapped with the phosphorylated product and made it impossible to accurately quantify phosphorylation. In contrast, the shortest RNA degradation product could be successfully analyzed because this area of the gel did not contain any additional RNA species that hindered accurate quantification of its phosphorylated counterpart.Most important thing to remember when attempting this protocol is to rinse the wells of the gel to ensure even loading of your sample. Following this procedure, an RNA turnover experiment could be performed. To measure rates of RNA degradation, phosphorylation often signals initiation of RNA degradation.This technique paves the way for answering detailed questions about the activities specificity and kinetics of polynucleotide kinases.

Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

Oligopeptide Competition Assay for Phosphorylation Site Determination

Protein phosphorylation at specific sites determines its conformation and interaction with other molecules. Thus, protein phosphorylation affects ...

Quantitative Immunofluorescence to Measure Global Localized Translation

The mechanisms regulating mRNA translation are involved in various biological processes, such as germ line development, cell differentiation, and ...

Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells

The microtubule-associated protein tau is a neuronal protein that localizes mostly in axons. Generally tau is essential for normal neuronal functioning ...

Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay

Identification of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Specific Phosphorylation Sites by an In Vitro Kinase Assay

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) is a master controller for the cell cycle in all eukaryotes and phosphorylates an estimated 8 - 13% of the proteome; ...

Proofreading and DNA Repair Assay Using Single Nucleotide Extension and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis

The maintenance of the genome and its faithful replication is paramount for conserving genetic information. To assess high fidelity replication, we have ...

Dual DNA Rulers to Study the Mechanism of Ribosome Translocation with Single-Nucleotide Resolution

The ribosome translocation refers to the ribosomal movement on the mRNA by exactly three nucleotides (nt), which is the central step in protein synthesis. ...

Use of Microscale Thermophoresis to Measure Protein-Lipid Interactions

The ability to determine the binding affinity of lipids to proteins is an essential part of understanding protein-lipid interactions in membrane ...

Using an Extracellular Flux Analyzer to Measure Changes in Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation during Mouse Sperm Capacitation

Mammalian sperm acquire fertilization capacity in the female reproductive tract in a process known as capacitation. Capacitation-associated processes ...

Measuring Nucleotide Binding to Intact, Functional Membrane Proteins in Real Time

We have developed a method to measure binding of adenine nucleotides to intact, functional transmembrane receptors in a cellular or membrane environment. ...

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 ...