Determination of protein oligomerization state can be technically challenging. We have combined the methods of expressed protein ligation (EPL) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the analysis of protein homo-oligomerization states. We have attached fluorescein (donor) and rhodamine (acceptor) chromophores via dipeptide linkages to the C-termini of three recombinant proteins and examined the potential for FRET between mixtures of these semisynthetic proteins. The known protein dimer (glutathione S-transferase) showed evidence of FRET and the known protein monomer (SH2 domain phosphatase-1) did not display FRET. Using this method, the previously uncharacterized circadian rhythm enzyme, serotonin N-acetyltransferase, displayed significant FRET, indicating its likely propensity for dimerization or more complex oligomerization. These results establish the potential of the union of EPL and FRET in the analysis of protein-protein interactions and provide insight into the unusual enzymatic behavior of a key circadian rhythm enzyme.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0003-2697(03)00087-3 | DOI Listing |
Biomol NMR Assign
January 2025
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China.
PhoCl is a photocleavable protein engineered from a green-to-red photoconvertible fluorescent protein by circular permutation, and has been used in various optogenetic applications including precise control of protein localization and activity in cells. Upon violet light illumination, PhoCl undergoes a β-elimination reaction to be cleaved at the chromophore, resulting in spontaneous dissociation into a large empty barrel and a small C-terminal peptide. However, the structural determinants and the mechanism of the PhoCl photocleavage remain elusive, hindering the further development of more robust photocleavable optogenetic tools.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia
January 2025
Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
Fluorescent biosensors offer a powerful tool for tracking and quantifying protein activity in living systems with high temporospatial resolution. However, the expression of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins can interfere with endogenous signaling pathways, potentially leading to developmental and physiological abnormalities. The EKAREV-NLS mouse model, which carries a FRET-based biosensor for monitoring extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, has been widely utilized both in vivo and in vitro across various cell types and organs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNano Lett
January 2025
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
Metasurfaces supporting narrowband resonances are of significant interest in photonics for molecular sensing, quantum light source engineering, and nonlinear photonics. However, many device architectures rely on large refractive index dielectric materials and lengthy fabrication processes. In this work, we demonstrate quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) using a polymer metasurface exhibiting experimental quality factors of 305 at visible wavelengths.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiosens Bioelectron
January 2025
Synthetic Biology Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, PR China. Electronic address:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that poses a significant risk to human health and well-being. The high cost and invasiveness of neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis underscores the necessity for accessible early screening via blood samples. In this study, we developed an ultrasound-based strategy for emergent macroscopic that enhances the acoustic response enrichment of specific proteins by introducing functionalized microspheres.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcotoxicol Environ Saf
January 2025
State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China. Electronic address:
Honeybees, essential pollinators for maintaining biodiversity, are experiencing a sharp population decline, which has become a pressing environmental concern. Among the factors implicated in this decline, neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly those belonging to the fourth generation, have been the focus of extensive scrutiny due to their potential risks to honeybees. This study investigates the molecular basis of these risks by examining the binding interactions between Apis mellifera L.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!