Gradient SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins

Immunoprecipitation of Cullin-Ring Ligases (CRLs) in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings

CRL (Cullin-Ring ubiquitin ligases) are the major class of plant E3 ubiquitin ligases. Immunoprecipitation-based methods are useful techniques for revealing interactions among Cullin-Ring Ligase (CRL) subunits or between CRLs and other proteins, as well as for detecting poly-ubiquitin modifications of the CRLs themselves. Here, we describe two immunoprecipitation (IP) procedures suitable for CRLs in Arabidopsis: (1) a procedure for IP analysis of CRL subunits and their interactors and a second procedure for in vivo ubiquitination analysis of the CRLs. Both protocols can be divided into two major steps: (1) preparation of cell extracts without disruption of protein interactions and (2) affinity purification of the protein complexes and subsequent detection. We provide a thorough description of all the steps, as well as advice on how to choose proper buffers for these analyses. We also suggest a series of negative controls that can be used to verify the specificity of the procedure.

Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structures of Yeast Alcohol Dehydrogenase

Structures of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase determined by X-ray crystallography show that the subunits have two different conformational states in each of the two dimers that form the tetramer. Apoenzyme and holoenzyme complexes relevant to the catalytic mechanism were described, but the asymmetry led to questions about the cooperativity of the subunits in catalysis. This study used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to provide structures for the apoenzyme, two different binary complexes with NADH, and a ternary complex with NAD⁺ and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. All four subunits in each of these complexes are identical, as the tetramers have D2 symmetry, suggesting that there is no preexisting asymmetry and that the subunits can be independently active. The apoenzyme and one enzyme-NADH complex have "open" conformations and the inverted coordination of the catalytic zinc with Cys-43, His-66, Glu-67, and Cys-153, whereas another enzyme-NADH complex and the ternary complex have closed conformations with the classical coordination of the zinc with Cys-43, His-66, Cys-153, and a water or the oxygen of trifluoroethanol. The conformational change involves interactions of Arg-340 with the pyrophosphate group of the coenzyme and Glu-67. The cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography studies provide structures relevant for the catalytic mechanism.

An overview of technical considerations for Western blotting applications to physiological research

The applications of Western/immunoblotting (WB) techniques have reached multiple layers of the scientific community and are now considered routine procedures in the field of physiology. This is none more so than in relation to skeletal muscle physiology (i.e., resolving the mechanisms underpinning adaptations to exercise). Indeed, the inclusion of WB data is now considered an essential aspect of many such physiological publications to provide mechanistic insight into regulatory processes. Despite this popularity, and due to the ubiquitous and relatively inexpensive availability of WB equipment, the quality of WB in publications and subsequent analysis and interpretation of the data can be variable, perhaps resulting in spurious conclusions. This may be due to poor laboratory technique and/or lack of comprehension of the critical steps involved in WB and what quality control procedures should be in place to ensure robust data generation. The present review aims to provide a detailed description and critique of WB procedures and technicalities, from sample collection through preparation, blotting and detection, to analysis of the data collected. We aim to provide the reader with improved expertise to critically conduct, evaluate, and troubleshoot the WB process, to produce reproducible and reliable blots.

Immunoprecipitation of Cullin-RING Ligases (CRLs) in Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings

CRL (Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase) is the major class of plant E3 ubiquitin ligases. Immunoprecipitation-based methods are useful techniques for revealing interactions among Cullin-RING Ligase (CRL) subunits or between CRLs and other proteins, as well as for detecting poly-ubiquitin modifications of the CRLs themselves. Here, we describe two immunoprecipitation (IP) procedures suitable for CRLs in Arabidopsis: a procedure for IP analysis of CRL subunits and their interactors and a second procedure for in vivo ubiquitination analysis of the CRLs. Both protocols can be divided into two major steps: (1) preparation of cell extracts without disruption of protein interactions and (2) affinity purification of the protein complexes and subsequent detection. We provide a thorough description of all the steps, as well as advice on how to choose proper buffers for these analyses. We also suggest a series of negative controls that can be used to verify the specificity of the procedure.

Expression of foreign genes in mammalian cells using an antibody fusion system

An expression system is described whereby a gene product is expressed fused to an antibody Fab fragment to form an antibody-like molecule. The antigen binding function of the original antibody is retained and the foreign gene replaces the CH2 and CH3 regions of the heavy chain. The fusion protein is secreted as if it were an antibody, and can be purified using the antigen-binding function of the Fab-like part of the molecule. In principle, any open reading frame can be expressed and it is not necessary to develop an individual purification scheme, or any analytical reagents such as antibodies, for the expressed protein, as both these functions can be performed by the Fab part of the fusion protein. In practice, the nature of the nonantibody part of the fusion influences the efficiency of expression and secretion, and detailed guidance is given on trouble-shooting and maximizing expression.