Protein phosphorylation detection using dual-mode field-effect devices and nanoplasmonic sensors

Sci Rep. 2015 Mar 3:5:8687. doi: 10.1038/srep08687.

Abstract

Phosphorylation by kinases is an important post-translational modification of proteins. It is a critical control for the regulation of vital cellular activities, and its dysregulation is implicated in several diseases. A common drug discovery approach involves, therefore, time-consuming screenings of large libraries of candidate compounds to identify novel inhibitors of protein kinases. In this work, we propose a novel method that combines localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and electrolyte insulator semiconductor (EIS)-based proton detection for the rapid identification of novel protein kinase inhibitors. In particular, the selective detection of thiophosphorylated proteins by LSPR is achieved by changing their resonance properties via a pre-binding with gold nanoparticles. In parallel, the EIS field-effect structure allows the real-time electrochemical monitoring of the protein phosphorylation by detecting the release of protons associated with the kinases activity. This innovative combination of both field-effect and nanoplasmonic sensing makes the detection of protein phosphorylation more reliable and effective. As a result, the screening of protein kinase inhibitors becomes more rapid, sensitive, robust and cost-effective.

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / instrumentation
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / methods*

Substances

  • Proteins