Chip-based analysis of protein-protein interactions by fluorescence detection and on-chip immunoprecipitation combined with microLC-MS/MS analysis

Anal Chem. 2003 Nov 15;75(22):6163-70. doi: 10.1021/ac034258u.

Abstract

A new chip-based method to identify protein-protein interactions was developed using the guanine nucleotide exchange factor GRF2 and two interacting proteins, Ras and calmodulin, as model proteins. A generic immobilization strategy for FLAG-tagged bait proteins on a protein-repellent streptavidin chip surface was implemented by presentation of an oriented anti-FLAG antibody. A flow cell device, integrating different chip surfaces, was developed, and the interaction of immobilized GRF2 with the two analytes was verified by fluorescence assays. On-chip tryptic digest assays were then performed on the capture surface and analyzed by microLC-MS/MS. The interaction of GRF2 with calmodulin and Ras was demonstrated, and the lower limit of detection was determined. We also implemented an on-chip immunoprecipitation assay to identify GRF2-binding partners from complex protein mixtures. Cells overexpressing FLAG-GRF2 were lysed and then incubated with the anti-FLAG chip. In addition to detecting GRF2, we also identified calmodulin, demonstrating that this technique can successfully identify endogenous levels of proteins, bound to recombinant bait proteins. This chip-based method has the advantage that no subsequent gel separations of protein complexes prior to LC-MS analysis are required and is therefore amenable to miniaturized high-throughput determination of protein-protein interactions.

MeSH terms

  • Calmodulin / chemistry
  • Calmodulin / metabolism
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Fluorescence
  • Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Factor 2 / chemistry
  • Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Factor 2 / metabolism*
  • Mass Spectrometry / instrumentation
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Precipitin Tests
  • Protein Array Analysis / methods*
  • Protein Binding
  • Trypsin / metabolism
  • ras Proteins / chemistry
  • ras Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Calmodulin
  • Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Factor 2
  • Trypsin
  • ras Proteins