Differential scanning fluorimetry measurement of protein stability changes upon binding to glycosaminoglycans: a screening test for binding specificity

Anal Chem. 2010 May 1;82(9):3796-802. doi: 10.1021/ac100188x.

Abstract

The interaction between glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteins is important for the regulation of protein transport and activity. Here we present a novel method for the measurement of protein-GAG interactions suitable for high-throughput screening, able to discriminate between the interactions of a protein with GAGs of different structures. Binding of proteins to the GAG heparin, a proxy for sulfated regions of extracellular heparan sulfate, was found to enhance the stability of three test proteins, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs)-1, -2, and -18. Chemically modified heparins and heparin oligosaccharides of different lengths stabilized the three FGFs to different extents, depending on the pattern of sugar binding specificity. The method is based on a differential scanning fluorescence approach. It uses a Sypro Orange dye, which binds to exposed core residues of a denatured protein and results in an increased fluorescence signal. It is convenient, requiring low micromolar amounts of protein and ligand compared to other interaction assays, employing only a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / chemistry
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / chemistry
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Fluorometry*
  • Glycosaminoglycans / chemistry*
  • Glycosaminoglycans / metabolism*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Stability

Substances

  • Glycosaminoglycans
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1