An eYFP reporter gene for the yeast two-hybrid system

Protein J. 2013 Feb;32(2):126-30. doi: 10.1007/s10930-013-9467-4.

Abstract

The yeast two-hybrid system is a powerful tool for detecting binary protein interactions, widely used in large-scale interactome mapping. We modified two yeast strains commonly used in yeast two-hybrid experiments by integrating into their genomes a new reporter gene encoding the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein eYFP. The suitability of this reporter gene for interaction screening was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. The gene shows good potential as a two-hybrid reporter gene for detecting strong interactions. Gal4 transcriptional activation gives rise to sufficient fluorescence for detection with a flow cytometer, but the eYFP reporter is not sensitive enough for detecting weak or moderate interactions. This study highlights the advantages of a fluorescent reporter gene in yeast two-hybrid screening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Genes, Reporter*
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques / instrumentation*

Substances

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