Fluorescent proteins as proteomic probes

Mol Cell Proteomics. 2005 Dec;4(12):1933-41. doi: 10.1074/mcp.M500227-MCP200. Epub 2005 Sep 9.

Abstract

Protein complexes mediate the majority of cellular processes. Knowledge of the localization and composition of such complexes provides key insights into their functions. Although green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been widely applied for in vivo visualization of proteins, it has been relatively little used as a tool for the isolation of protein complexes. Here we describe the use of the standard GFP tag to both visualize proteins in living cells and capture their interactions via a simple immunoaffinity purification procedure. We applied this method to the analysis of a variety of endogenous protein complexes from different eukaryotic cells. We show that efficient isolations can be achieved in 5-60 min. This rapid purification helps preserve protein complexes close to their original state in the cell and minimizes nonspecific interactions. Given the wide use and availability of GFP-tagged protein reagents, the present method should greatly facilitate the elucidation of many cellular processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / chemistry
  • Luminescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Proteome / chemistry*
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
  • Staphylococcal Protein A / chemistry

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Proteome
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Staphylococcal Protein A
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins