Development of homogeneous immunoassays based on protein fragment complementation

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 May 23;370(1):164-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.03.057. Epub 2008 Mar 19.

Abstract

We demonstrate a functional in vitro proof-of-principle homogeneous assay capable of detecting small (<1kDa) to large (150kDa) analytes using TEM-1 beta-lactamase protein fragment complementation. In the assays reported here, complementary components are added together in the presence of analyte and substrate resulting in colorimetric detection within 10-min. We demonstrate the use of functional mutations leading to either increased enzymatic activity, reduced fragment self-association or increased inhibitor resistance upon analyte driven fragment complementation. Kinetic characterization of the resulting reconstituted enzyme illustrates the importance of balancing increased enzyme activity with fragment self-association, producing diagnostically relevant signal-to-noise ratios. Complementation can be utilized as a homogeneous immunoassay platform for the potential detection of a range of analytes including, antibodies, antigens and biomarkers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calorimetry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques*
  • Kinetics
  • Mutation
  • Peptide Fragments / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Peptide Fragments / chemistry*
  • Peptide Fragments / genetics
  • Protein Engineering
  • Recombinant Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • beta-Lactam Resistance / genetics
  • beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
  • beta-Lactamases / chemistry*
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
  • beta-Lactamases
  • beta-lactamase TEM-1