Using bleach-chase to measure protein half-lives in living cells

Nat Protoc. 2012 Mar 29;7(4):801-11. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2012.028.

Abstract

Protein removal has a central role in numerous cellular processes. Obtaining systematic measurements of multiple protein removal rates is necessary to understand the principles that govern these processes, but it is currently a major technical challenge. To address this, we developed 'bleach-chase', a noninvasive method for measuring the half-lives of multiple proteins at high temporal resolution in living cells. The method uses a library of annotated human reporter cell clones, each with a unique fluorescently tagged protein expressed from its native chromosomal location. In this protocol, we detail a simple procedure that bleaches the cells and uses time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and automated image analysis to systematically measure the half-life dynamics of multiple proteins. The duration of the protocol is 4-5 d. The method may be applicable to a wide range of fluorescently tagged proteins and cell lines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / analysis
  • Bleaching Agents / pharmacology
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Luminescent Proteins / analysis
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteolysis*
  • Time-Lapse Imaging

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bleaching Agents
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Proteins
  • yellow fluorescent protein, Bacteria