Efficient single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis by site-specific dual-labeling of protein using an unnatural amino acid

Anal Chem. 2011 Dec 1;83(23):8849-54. doi: 10.1021/ac202096t. Epub 2011 Nov 3.

Abstract

Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) measurement provides a unique and powerful approach to understand complex biological processes including conformational and structural dynamics of individual biomolecules. For effective smFRET analysis of protein, site-specific dual-labeling with two fluorophores as an energy donor and an acceptor is crucial. Here we demonstrate that site-specific dual-labeling of protein via incorporation of unnatural amino acid provides a clearer picture for the folded and unfolded states of the protein in smFRET analysis than conventional labeling using double cysteines. As a model study, maltose-binding protein (MBP) was dually labeled via incorporation of ρ-azido-l-phenylalanine and cysteine at specific positions, immobilized on a surface, and subjected to smFRET analysis under native and denaturing conditions. The resulting histograms show that site-specific dual-labeling results in a more homogeneous distribution in protein populations, enabling a precise smFRET analysis of protein.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry*
  • Carbocyanines / chemistry
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Click Chemistry
  • Cysteine / chemistry
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Maltose-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • Maltose-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Phenylalanine / chemistry

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Carbocyanines
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Maltose-Binding Proteins
  • cyanine dye 5
  • Phenylalanine
  • Cysteine