Despite all its apparent limitations proteome analysis based on two-dimensional protein gels combined with mass spectrometry is still the method of choice to study global protein synthesis activity in bacterial cells. Alterations in global protein synthesis play an important role during adaptation of bacteria to changing environmental conditions which are rather the role than the exception in their natural habitats. The protein synthesis pattern in response to a certain stimulus is highly specific and reflects the new challenges the bacterium has to meet. Here we present the techniques to analyze global protein synthesis in bacteria as exemplified by Staphylococcus aureus which is an important human pathogen and one main cause of nosocomial infections with severe outcome.
Keywords: 2D PAGE; Expression database; Proteomic signatures; Staphylococcus aureus; [35S]-L-methionine pulse labeling.