Protein-protein interactions identified by pull-down experiments and mass spectrometry

Curr Protoc Cell Biol. 2004 May:Chapter 17:Unit 17.5. doi: 10.1002/0471143030.cb1705s22.

Abstract

The aim of this unit is to provide a method for the identification of new protein-protein interactions. Pull-down experiments with GST fusion proteins attached to glutathione beads are a screening technique for identification of protein-protein interactions. When coupled with mass spectrometry, pull-downs can be considered as the protein-based equivalent of a yeast two-hybrid screen. To improve the isolation of specific binding partners, pull-down methods are described involving the use of cross-linking, large-scale tissue lysates, and spin columns. Alternative techniques are detailed for isolating activation state-dependent protein interactions with small GTPases. Appropriate methods of sample preparation for mass spectrometry-based identification of interacting proteins are described, including specialized gel staining techniques, band excision, and in-gel tryptic digestion. Data interpretation and the most commonly encountered problems are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology
  • Glutathione / chemistry
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics
  • Glutathione Transferase / isolation & purification
  • Glutathione Transferase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation / methods*
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Models, Biological
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Mapping / methods*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Sepharose / chemistry
  • Tissue Extracts / chemistry
  • Tissue Extracts / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Tissue Extracts
  • Sepharose
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Glutathione