We would like to thank the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) grant BE1911/8-1, the LOEWE project GLUE, and the collaborative research center Transport and Communication across Membranes (SFB807) for financial support.

<ol>
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The authors have nothing to disclose.

The setup and strategies to optimize the CF expression and co-translational insertion of functional MPs into nanodiscs are described. The required equipment comprises a bioreactor, a French press device or similar, an UV/VIS and fluorescence reader, CF reaction vessels suitable for a two-compartment configuration setup, and a temperature-controlled incubator. Further standard equipment are centrifuges for harvesting E. coli cells as well as tabletop centrifuges reaching at least 30,000 x g for preparati...

Membrane proteins (MPs) are challenging targets in protein production studies due to their insolubility in aqueous environments. Conventional MP production platforms comprise cell-based systems such as E. coli, yeast, or eukaryotic cells. The synthesized recombinant MPs are either extracted from cell membranes or refolded from inclusion bodies1. After detergent solubilization, MPs can be transferred into suitable membrane environments by established in vitro reconstitution protocols. Besides vesicles and liposomes, MP reconstitution into planar membranes in the form of nanodiscs2 or salipro3 particles have become routine techniques in recent times. However, all these strategies imply detergent contact with MPs that can result in destabilization, dissociation of oligomers, and even loss of protein structure and activity4. Screening for optimal detergent solubilization and reconstitution conditions can therefore be tedious and time consuming5.
The open nature of cell-free (CF) systems allows the expression reaction to be directly supplied with preformed membranes with a defined lipid composition. In this lipid-based expression mode (L-CF), the synthesized MPs have the opportunity to co-translationally insert into the provided bilayers6,7 (Figure 1). Nanodiscs consisting of a membrane scaffold protein (MSP) surrounding a planar lipid bilayer disc8 appear to be particularly suitable for this strategy9,10. Nanodiscs can routinely be assembled in vitro with a variety of different lipids, they are very stable, and stocks can be concentrated up to 1 mM. However, MSP expression in E. coli and its purification is necessary. As an alternative strategy, MSP can be co-expressed together with the target MP in CF reactions supplied with liposomes11,12,13. DNA templates for both MSP and MP are added into the reaction and MP/nanodiscs can form upon expression. While MSP production is avoided, the co-expression strategy requires careful fine-tuning of the final DNA template concentrations and higher variations in the efficiency of sample production can be expected.
The co-translational insertion of MPs into membranes of preformed nanodiscs is a non-physiological and still largely unknown mechanism independent from translocon machineries and signal sequences13,14,15,16. Major determinants of the insertion efficiency are the type of membrane protein as well as the lipid composition of the provided membrane, with a frequent preference for negatively charged lipids15,17. As the nanodisc membranes are relatively confined in size, a substantial amount of lipids is released upon MP insertion18. Variation of nanodisc size enables insertion and tuning of higher oligomeric MP complexes15,18. Among others, the correct assembly of homooligomeric complexes was shown for the ion channel KcsA, for the ion pump proteorhodopsin (PR) and for the multidrug transporter EmrE15,18. MPs are likely to enter the symmetric nanodisc membrane from both sides at relatively equal frequency. It should therefore be considered that different monomers or oligomers inserted into one nanodisc may have opposite orientations. However, a bias in orientation could be caused by cooperative insertion mechanisms as reported for the formation of PR hexamers and KcsA tetramers18. A further bias in MP orientation might result from orientation switches of inserted MPs probably at the rim of the nanodisc membranes.
The production of CF lysates from E. coli strains is a reliable routine technique and can be performed in almost any biochemical laboratory19,20. It should be considered that besides disulfide bridge formation, most other post-translational modifications are absent if a MP is synthesized using E. coli lysates. While this might generate more homogenous samples for structural studies, it may be necessary to exclude potential effects on the function of individual MP targets. However, the efficient production of high quality samples of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR)14,21,22, eukaryotic transporters23 or large heteromeric assemblies24 in E. coli CF lysates indicates their suitability for even complex targets. Preparative scale amounts (&#8776; 1 mg/mL) of a sample can be obtained with the two-compartment continuous exchange cell-free (CECF) configuration, composed of a reaction mixture (RM) and a feeding mixture (FM) compartment. The FM volume exceeds the RM volume 15 to 20-fold and provides a reservoir of low-molecular weight energy compounds and precursors19. The expression reaction is thus extended for several hours and the final yield of the MP target is increased. The RM and FM compartments are separated by a dialysis membrane with a 10-14 kDa cutoff. The two compartments require a special design of the CECF reaction container (Figure 1). Commercial dialysis cassettes as RM containers in combination with tailored plexiglass containers holding the FM are suitable examples. MP yields can further be manipulated by modifying the RM:FM ratios or by exchanging the FM after a certain period of incubation.
Yield and quality of a MP frequently require intense optimization of reaction parameters. An important advantage of CF expression is the possibility to modify and fine tune almost any compound according to the individual requirements of a MP. A straightforward strategy is to focus first on improving the yield of a MP by establishing a basic production protocol and then to optimize MP quality by fine tuning reaction and folding conditions. The absence of physiological processes in CF lysates and their reduced complexity result in high success rates for the efficient production of MPs25. Routine considerations for DNA template design and optimization of Mg2+ ion concentration are in most cases sufficient to obtain satisfactory yields26. Depending on expression mode, optimization of MP quality can become time consuming, as a larger variety of parameters need to be screened14,17,22.
To establish the described CF expression platform, protocols are necessary for the production of E. coli CF lysate (i), T7 RNA polymerase (ii), nanodiscs (iii), and the basic CECF reaction compounds (iv) (Figure 1). The E. coli K12 strain A1927 or BL21 derivatives are frequently used for the preparation of efficient S30 (centrifugation at 30,000 x g) lysates. Besides S30 lysates, corresponding lysates centrifuged at other g-forces (e.g. S12) may be used. The lysates differ in expression efficiency and in proteome complexity. The proteome of the S30 lysate prepared by the described protocol has been studied in detail28. The S30 proteome still contains some residual outer membrane proteins which could give background problems upon expression and analysis of ion channels. For such targets, the use of S80-S100 lysates is recommended. A valuable modification during lysate preparation is the induction of the SOS response by combined heat shock and ethanol supply at mid-log growth phase of the cells. The resulting HS30 lysates are enriched in chaperones and can be used in blends with S30 lysates for improved MP folding22. CF expression in E. coli lysates is operated as a coupled transcription/translation process with DNA templates containing promoters controlled by T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP). The enzyme can be efficiently produced in BL21(DE3) Star cells carrying the pAR1219 plasmid29.
Two copies of MSP1E3D1 assemble into one nanodisc with a diameter of 10-12 nm, but the protocol described below may also work for other MSP derivatives. However, nanodiscs larger than those formed with MSP1E3D1 tend to be less stable while smaller nanodiscs formed with MSP derivatives such as MSP1 may not accommodate larger MPs or MP complexes. MSP1E3D1 nanodiscs can be assembled in vitro with a large variety of different lipids or lipid mixtures. Preformed nanodiscs are usually stable for &#62; 1 year at -80 &#176;C, while stability may vary for different lipid components. For the screening of lipid effects on folding and stability of a MP, it is necessary to prepare a comprehensive set of nanodiscs assembled with a representative variety of lipids/lipid mixtures. The following lipids may give a good starting selection: 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1&#39;-rac-glycerol) (DMPG), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2 dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) (DOPG), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1&#39;-rac-glycerol) (POPG) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC).
A protocol for the preparation of a 3 mL CECF reaction is described. Further up or down scaling in a 1:1 ratio is possible. For the two-compartment CECF configuration, a RM containing all compounds and a FM containing only the low-molecular weight compounds have to be prepared. Commercial 3 mL dialysis devices with 10-14 kDa MWCO can be used as RM containers, which are then placed into custom made plexiglass containers holding the FM (Figure 1D)30. The ratio of RM:FM is 1:20, so 60 mL of FM have to be prepared for 3 mL RM. Quality, concentration, or type of several components can be critical for the final yield and/or quality of the synthesized MP (Table 1). DNA templates should be prepared according to published guidelines and codon optimization of the reading frame of the target can further significantly improve product yield26. For preparative scale CECF reaction, an established protocol for the production of PR is described. To establish expression protocols for new MPs, it is usually necessary to perform optimization screens of certain compounds (Table 1) to improve yield and quality. For Mg2+ ions, a well-focused concentration optimum does exist that frequently shows significant variation for different DNA templates. Other CF reaction compounds such as new batches of T7RNAP or S30 lysates may further shift the optimal Mg2+ concentration. As an example, a typical Mg2+ screen within the range of 14-24 mM concentration and in steps of 2 mM is described. Each concentration is screened in duplicates and in analytical scale CECF reactions. As CECF reaction container, custom-made Mini-CECF Plexiglas containers30 holding the RM are used in combination with standard 24-well microplates holding the FM (Figure 1B). Alternatively, commercial dialysis cartridges in combination with 96-deep well microplates or other commercial dialyzer devices in appropriate setups may be used (Figure 1C).

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1&#39;-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt) (DMPG)</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids (USA)</td>
			<td>840445P</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids (USA)</td>
			<td>850345C</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (sodium salt) (DOPC)</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids (USA)</td>
			<td>850375C</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2 dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) (sodium salt) (DOPG)</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids (USA)</td>
			<td>840475C</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids (USA)</td>
			<td>850457C</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1&#39;-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt) (POPG)</td>
			<td>Avanti Polar Lipids (USA)</td>
			<td>840034C</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-propan-1,3-diol (Tris)</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>4855</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Mercaptoethanol</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>4227</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Propanol</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>9781</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[3H]-dihydroalprenolol Hydrochloride</td>
			<td>American Radiolabeled Chemicals (USA)</td>
			<td>ART0134</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetyl phosphate lithium potassium salt (ACP)</td>
			<td>Merck (Germany)</td>
			<td>1409</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adenosine 5&#8217;-triphosphate (ATP)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>A9251</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alprenolol hydrochloride</td>
			<td>Merck (Germany)</td>
			<td>A0360000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anion exchange chromatography column material: Q-sepharose&#174;</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>Q1126</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Autoclave Type GE 446EC-1</td>
			<td>Gettinge (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bioreactor Type 884 124/1</td>
			<td>B.Braun (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Centrifuge</td>
			<td>Sorvall RC12BP+; Thermo Scientific (Germany); Sorvall RC-5C; Thermo Scientific (Germany); Mikro 22 R; Hettich (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cholic acid</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>8137</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3862</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Culture flasks 500 ml baffled flasks, 2 l baffled flasks</td>
			<td>Schott Duran (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cytidine 5&#39;-triphosphate disodium salt</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>C1506</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>D-glucose monohydrate</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>6780</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Di-potassiumhydrogen phosphate trihydrate</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>6878</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dialysis tubing SpectrumTM Labs Spectra/PorTM 12-14 kD MWCO Standard RC tubing</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific (Germany)</td>
			<td>8700152</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dithiothreit</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>6908</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>K928</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Folinic acid calcium salt hydrate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>47612</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>French pressure cell disruptor</td>
			<td>SLM; Amico Instruments (USA)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glycerol</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3783</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Guanosine 5&#39;-triphosphate di-sodium salt (GTP)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>G8877</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrochloric Acid</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>K025</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IMAC column: HiTrap IMAC HP 5 mL</td>
			<td>GE Life Sciences (Germany)</td>
			<td>GE17-5248</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Imidazole</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3899</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isopropyl-&#946;-D-thiogalactopyranosid (IPTG)</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>2316</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kanamycin</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>T832</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Alanine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3076.1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Arginine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>6908</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Asparagine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>HN23</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Aspartic Acid</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>T202</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Cysteine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>T203</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Glutamic Acid</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3774</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Glutamine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3772</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Glycine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3187</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Histidine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3852</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Isoleucine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>3922</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Leucine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>1699</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Lysine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>4207</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Methionine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>9359</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Proline</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>1713</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Phenylalanine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>1709</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Serine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>4682</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Threonine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>1738</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Tryptophane</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>7700</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-Tyrosine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>T207</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MD100 dialysis units</td>
			<td>Scienova (Germany)</td>
			<td>40077</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N&#39;-2-ethansulfonic acid (HEPES)</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>6763</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>n-dodecylphosphocholine</td>
			<td>Antrace (USA)</td>
			<td>F308S</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PAGE chamber: Mini-Protean Tetra Cell</td>
			<td>Biorad (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PAGE gel casting system: Mini Protean Handcast systems</td>
			<td>Biorad (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PAGE gel power supply: Power Pac 3000</td>
			<td>Biorad (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tryptone/peptone from caseine</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>6681</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Peristaltic pump: ip-12</td>
			<td>Ismatec (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphoenol pyruvate monopotassium salt</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>860077</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium dihydrogen phosphate</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>P018</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium acetate</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>4986</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium chloride</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>6781</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pyruvate Kinase</td>
			<td>Roche (Germany)</td>
			<td>10109045001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scintillation counter: Hidex 300 SL</td>
			<td>Hidex (Finland)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SDS pellets</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>8029</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium azide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>K305</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium chloride</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>P029</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectrophotometer Nanodrop</td>
			<td>Peqlab (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectrophotometer/fluorescence reader Spark&#174;</td>
			<td>Tecan (Switzerland)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tRNA (E. coli)</td>
			<td>Roche (Germany)</td>
			<td>10109550001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultra sonificator</td>
			<td>Labsonic U, B. Braun (Germany)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Uridine 5&#8217;-triphosphate tri-sodium salt (UTP)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>U6625</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Y-30 antifoam</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich (Germany)</td>
			<td>A6457</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Yeast extract</td>
			<td>Carl Roth (Germany)</td>
			<td>2904</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

co-translational insertion of membrane proteins into preformed nanodiscs

Cell-free expression systems allow the tailored design of reaction environments to support the functional folding of even complex proteins such as membrane proteins. The experimental procedures for the co-translational insertion and folding of membrane proteins into preformed and defined membranes supplied as nanodiscs are demonstrated. The protocol is completely detergent-free and can generate milligrams of purified samples within one day. The resulting membrane protein/nanodisc samples can be used for a variety of functional studies and structural applications such as crystallization, nuclear magnetic resonance, or electron microscopy. The preparation of basic key components such as cell-free lysates, nanodiscs with designed membranes, critical stock solutions as well as the assembly of two-compartment cell-free expression reactions is described. Since folding requirements of membrane proteins can be highly diverse, a major focus of this protocol is the modulation of parameters and reaction steps important for sample quality such as critical basic reaction compounds, membrane composition of nanodiscs, redox and chaperone environment, or DNA template design. The whole process is demonstrated with the synthesis of proteorhodopsin and a G-protein coupled receptor.

The impact of fine-tuning reaction compounds on the final yield or quality of synthesized MPs is exemplified. A frequent routine approach is to adjust the optimal Mg2+ concentration in CF reactions by expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a convenient monitor of system efficiency. As an example, GFP was synthesized from a pET-21a(+) vector at Mg2+ concentrations between 14 and 24 mM (Figure 2). SDS-PAGE analysis identified the optimal Mg2+ concentr...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Co-Translational Insertion of Membrane Proteins into Preformed Nanodiscs at JoVE.com

Co-Translational Insertion of Membrane Proteins into Preformed Nanodiscs

Co-translational insertion into pre-formed nanodiscs makes it possible to study cell-free synthesized membrane proteins in defined lipid environments without contact with detergents. This protocol describes the preparation of essential system components and the critical parameters for improving expression efficiency and sample quality.

Cell-free expression systems allow the tailored design of reaction environments to support the functional folding of even complex proteins such as ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

3.2K Views.  Goethe University Frankfurt. Co-translational insertion into pre-formed nanodiscs makes it possible to study cell-free synthesized membrane proteins in defined lipid environments without contact with detergents. This protocol describes the preparation of essential system components and the critical parameters for improving expression efficiency and sample quality.

Video: Co-Translational Insertion of Membrane Proteins into Preformed Nanodiscs

Using Scaffold Liposomes to Reconstitute Lipid-proximal Protein-protein Interactions In Vitro

Studies of integral membrane proteins in vitro are frequently complicated by the presence of a hydrophobic transmembrane domain. Further complicating these studies, reincorporation of detergent-solubilized membrane proteins into liposomes is a stochastic process where protein topology is impossible to enforce. This paper offers an alternative method to these challenging techniques that utilizes a liposome-based scaffold. Protein solubility is enhanced by deletion of the transmembrane domain, and these amino acids are replaced with a tethering moiety, such as a His-tag. This tether interacts with an anchoring group (Ni2+ coordinated by nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA(Ni2+)) for His-tagged proteins), which enforces a uniform protein topology at the surface of the liposome. An example is presented wherein the interaction between Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) with an integral membrane protein, Mitochondrial Fission Factor (Mff), was investigated using this scaffold liposome method. In this work, we have demonstrated the ability of Mff to efficiently recruit soluble Drp1 to the surface of liposomes, which stimulated its GTPase activity. Moreover, Drp1 was able to tubulate the Mff-decorated lipid template in the presence of specific lipids. This example demonstrates the effectiveness of scaffold liposomes using structural and functional assays and highlights the role of Mff in regulating Drp1 activity.

Using Scaffold Liposomes to Reconstitute Lipid-proximal Protein-protein Interactions In Vitro

This paper describes a method for assessing the interactions and assemblies of integral membrane proteins in vitro with various partner factors in a lipid-proximal environment.

Studies of integral membrane proteins in vitro are frequently complicated by the presence of a hydrophobic transmembrane domain. Further complicating ...

Method to Visualize and Analyze Membrane Interacting Proteins by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Monotopic proteins exert their function when attached to a membrane surface, and such interactions depend on the specific lipid composition and on the availability of enough area to perform the function. Nanodiscs are used to provide a membrane surface of controlled size and lipid content. In the absence of bound extrinsic proteins, sodium phosphotungstate-stained nanodiscs appear as stacks of coins when viewed from the side by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This protocol is therefore designed to intentionally promote stacking; consequently, the prevention of stacking can be interpreted as the binding of the membrane-binding protein to the nanodisc. In a further step, the TEM images of the protein-nanodisc complexes can be processed with standard single-particle methods to yield low-resolution structures as a basis for higher resolution cryoEM work. Furthermore, the nanodiscs provide samples suitable for either TEM or non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. To illustrate the method, Ca2+-induced binding of 5-lipoxygenase on nanodiscs is presented.

Many proteins perform their function when attached to membrane surfaces. The binding of extrinsic proteins on nanodisc membranes can be indirectly imaged by transmission electron microscopy. We show that the characteristic stacking (rouleau) of nanodiscs induced by the negative stain sodium phosphotungstate is prevented by the binding of extrinsic protein.

Monotopic proteins exert their function when attached to a membrane surface, and such interactions depend on the specific lipid composition and on the ...

Nitrogen Cavitation and Differential Centrifugation Allows for Monitoring the Distribution of Peripheral Membrane Proteins in Cultured Cells

Cultured cells are useful for studying the subcellular distribution of proteins, including peripheral membrane proteins. Genetically encoded fluorescently tagged proteins have revolutionized the study of subcellular protein distribution. However, it is difficult to quantify the distribution with fluorescent microscopy, especially when proteins are partially cytosolic. Moreover, it is often important to study endogenous proteins. Biochemical assays such as immunoblots remain the gold standard for quantification of protein distribution after subcellular fractionation. Although there are commercial kits that aim to isolate cytosolic or certain membrane fractions, most of these kits are based on extraction with detergents, which may be unsuitable for studying peripheral membrane proteins that are easily extracted from membranes. Here we present a detergent-free protocol for cellular homogenization by nitrogen cavitation and subsequent separation of cytosolic and membrane-bound proteins by ultracentrifugation. We confirm the separation of subcellular organelles in soluble and pellet fractions across different cell types, and compare protein extraction among several common non-detergent-based mechanical homogenization methods. Among several advantages of nitrogen cavitation is the superior efficiency of cellular disruption with minimal physical and chemical damage to delicate organelles. Combined with ultracentrifugation, nitrogen cavitation is an excellent method to examine the shift of peripheral membrane proteins between cytosolic and membrane fractions.

Here we present protocols for detergent-free homogenization of cultured mammalian cells based on nitrogen cavitation and subsequent separation of cytosolic and membrane-bound proteins by ultracentrifugation. This method is ideal for monitoring the partitioning of peripheral membrane proteins between soluble and membrane fractions.

Cultured cells are useful for studying the subcellular distribution of proteins, including peripheral membrane proteins. Genetically encoded fluorescently ...

Detergent-free Ultrafast Reconstitution of Membrane Proteins into Lipid Bilayers Using Fusogenic Complementary-charged Proteoliposomes.

Detergents are indispensable for delivery of membrane proteins into 30-100 nm small unilamellar vesicles, while more complex, larger model lipid bilayers are less compatible with detergents.
Here we describe a strategy for bypassing this fundamental limitation using fusogenic oppositely charged liposomes bearing a membrane protein of interest. Fusion between such vesicles occurs within 5 min in a low ionic strength buffer. Positively charged fusogenic liposomes can be used as simple shuttle vectors for detergent-free delivery of membrane proteins into biomimetic target lipid bilayers, which are negatively charged. We also show how to reconstitute membrane proteins into fusogenic proteoliposomes with a fast 30-min protocol.
Combining these two approaches, we demonstrate a fast assembly of an electron transport chain consisting of two membrane proteins from E. coli, a primary proton pump bo3-oxidase and F1Fo ATP synthase, in membranes of vesicles of various sizes, ranging from 0.1 to &#62;10 microns, as well as ATP production by this chain.

Here we present two ultrafast protocols for reconstitution of membrane proteins into fusogenic proteoliposomes, and fusion of such proteoliposomes with target lipid bilayers for detergent-free delivery of these membrane proteins into the postfusion bilayer. The combination of these approaches enables fast and easily controlled assembly of complex multi-component membrane systems.

Detergents are indispensable for delivery of membrane proteins into 30-100 nm small unilamellar vesicles, while more complex, larger model lipid bilayers ...

Detection of Detergent-sensitive Interactions Between Membrane Proteins

Our ability to explore protein-protein interactions is the key to understanding regulatory connections in the cell. However, detection of protein-protein interactions in many cases is associated with significant experimental challenges. In particular, sorting receptors interact with their protein cargo in the lumen of the membrane compartments often in a detergent-sensitive fashion, making co-immunoprecipitation of these proteins unusable. Binding of the sorting receptor sortilin to glucose transporter GLUT4 may serve as an example of weak luminal interactions between membrane proteins. Here, we describe a fast, simple, and inexpensive assay to validate the interaction between sortilin and GLUT4. For that, we have designed and chemically synthesized the myc-tagged peptide corresponding to the potential sortilin-binding epitope in the luminal part of GLUT4. Sortilin tagged with six histidines was expressed in mammalian cells, and isolated from cell lysates using Cobalt beads. Sortilin immobilized on the beads was incubated with the peptide solution at different pH values, and the eluted material was analyzed by Western blotting. This assay can be easily adapted to study other detergent-sensitive protein-protein interactions.

We describe a protocol for detection of detergent-sensitive interactions between membrane proteins using binding of the sorting receptor, sortilin, to the first luminal loop of the glucose transporter protein, GLUT4, as an example.

Our ability to explore protein-protein interactions is the key to understanding regulatory connections in the cell. However, detection of protein-protein ...

A Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy Assay of Protein-Protein Interactions at Cell-Cell Contacts

A variety of biological processes involves cell-cell interactions, typically mediated by proteins that interact at the interface between neighboring cells. Of interest, only few assays are capable of specifically probing such interactions directly in living cells. Here, we present an assay to measure the binding of proteins expressed at the surfaces of neighboring cells, at cell-cell contacts. This assay consists of two steps: mixing of cells expressing the proteins of interest fused to different fluorescent proteins, followed by fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy measurements at cell-cell contacts using a confocal laser scanning microscope. We demonstrate the feasibility of this assay in a biologically relevant context by measuring the interactions of the amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) across cell-cell junctions. We provide detailed protocols on the data acquisition using fluorescence-based techniques (scanning fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, cross-correlation number and brightness analysis) and the required instrument calibrations. Further, we discuss critical steps in the data analysis and how to identify and correct external, spurious signal variations, such as those due to photobleaching or cell movement.
In general, the presented assay is applicable to any homo- or heterotypic protein-protein interaction at cell-cell contacts, between cells of the same or different types and can be implemented on a commercial confocal laser scanning microscope. An important requirement is the stability of the system, which needs to be sufficient to probe diffusive dynamics of the proteins of interest over several minutes.

This protocol describes a fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy-based approach to investigate interactions among proteins mediating cell-cell interactions, i.e. proteins localized in cell junctions, directly in living cells. We provide detailed guidelines on instrument calibration, data acquisition and analysis, including corrections to possible artefact sources.

A variety of biological processes involves cell-cell interactions, typically mediated by proteins that interact at the interface between neighboring ...

PeptiQuick, a One-Step Incorporation of Membrane Proteins into Biotinylated Peptidiscs for Streamlined Protein Binding Assays

Membrane proteins, including transporters, channels, and receptors, constitute nearly one-fourth of the cellular proteome and over half of current drug targets. Yet, a major barrier to their characterization and exploitation in academic or industrial settings is that most biochemical, biophysical, and drug screening strategies require these proteins to be in a water-soluble state. Our laboratory recently developed the peptidisc, a membrane mimetic offering a &#8220;one-size-fits-all&#8221; approach to the problem of membrane protein solubility. We present here a streamlined protocol that combines protein purification and peptidisc reconstitution in a single chromatographic step. This workflow, termed PeptiQuick, allows for bypassing dialysis and incubation with polystyrene beads, thereby greatly reducing exposure to detergent, protein denaturation, and sample loss. When PeptiQuick is performed with biotinylated scaffolds, the preparation can be directly attached to streptavidin-coated surfaces. There is no need to biotinylate or modify the membrane protein target. PeptiQuick is showcased here with the membrane receptor FhuA and antimicrobial ligand colicin M, using biolayer interferometry to determine the precise kinetics of their interaction. It is concluded that PeptiQuick is a convenient way to prepare and analyze membrane protein-ligand interactions within one&#160;day in a detergent-free environment.

We present a method that combines membrane protein purification and reconstitution into peptidiscs in a single chromatographic step. Biotinylated scaffolds are used for direct surface attachment and measurement of protein-ligand interactions via biolayer interferometry.

Membrane proteins, including transporters, channels, and receptors, constitute nearly one-fourth of the cellular proteome and over half of current drug ...

Acyl-PEGyl Exchange Gel Shift Assay for Quantitative Determination of Palmitoylation of Brain Membrane Proteins

Activity-dependent alterations in the levels of synaptic AMPA receptors (AMPARs) within the postsynaptic density (PSD) is thought to represent a cellular mechanism for learning and memory. Palmitoylation regulates localization and function of many synaptic proteins including AMPA-Rs, auxiliary factors and synaptic scaffolds in an activity-dependent manner. We identified the synapse differentiation induced gene (SynDIG) family of four genes (SynDIG1-4) encoding brain-specific transmembrane proteins that associate with AMPARs and regulate synapse strength. SynDIG1 is palmitoylated at two cysteine residues located at positions 191 and 192 in the juxta-transmembrane region important for activity-dependent excitatory synapse development. Here, we describe an innovative biochemical approach, the acyl-PEGyl exchange gel shift (APEGS) assay, to investigate the palmitoylation state of any protein of interest and demonstrate its utility with the SynDIG family of proteins in mouse brain lysates.

Palmitoylation entails the incorporation of a 16-carbon palmitate moiety to cysteine residues of target proteins in a reversible manner. Here, we describe a biochemical approach, the acyl-PEGyl exchange gel shift (APEGS) assay, to investigate the palmitoylation state of any protein of interest in mouse brain lysates.

Activity-dependent alterations in the levels of synaptic AMPA receptors (AMPARs) within the postsynaptic density (PSD) is thought to represent a cellular ...

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. This method combines expression of proteins tagged with the fluorescent non-canonical amino acid ANAP, and FRET between ANAP and fluorescent (trinitrophenyl) nucleotide derivatives. We present examples of nucleotide binding to ANAP-tagged KATP ion channels measured in unroofed plasma membranes and excised, inside-out membrane patches under voltage clamp. The latter allows for simultaneous measurements of ligand binding and channel current, a direct readout of protein function. Data treatment and analysis are discussed extensively, along with potential pitfalls and artefacts. This method provides rich mechanistic insights into the ligand-dependent gating of KATP channels and can readily be adapted to the study of other nucleotide-regulated proteins or any receptor for which a suitable fluorescent ligand can be identified.

This protocol presents a method for measuring adenine nucleotide binding to receptors in real time in a cellular environment. Binding is measured as F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between trinitrophenyl nucleotide derivatives and protein labeled with a non-canonical, fluorescent amino acid.

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

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.