Stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) for studying dynamics of protein abundance and posttranslational modifications

Sci STKE. 2005 Jan 18;2005(267):pl2. doi: 10.1126/stke.2672005pl2.

Abstract

Stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) is a simple and straightforward approach for in vivo incorporation of a tag into proteins for relative quantitation by mass spectrometry. SILAC is a simple, yet powerful, method for investigating the dynamics of protein abundance and posttranslational modifications. Here, we provide detailed instructions for using this method to study protein complexes, protein-protein interactions, and the dynamics of protein abundance and posttranslational modifications. We expect that SILAC will become a routine technique because of its applicability to most areas of cell biology. We have also developed a Web site (http://www.silac.org) to provide researchers with updated information about this method and related resources.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Carbon Isotopes / analysis
  • Carbon Isotopes / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, Liquid / methods
  • HeLa Cells / drug effects
  • HeLa Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Isotope Labeling / instrumentation
  • Isotope Labeling / methods*
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Mice
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / metabolism
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Swiss 3T3 Cells / drug effects
  • Swiss 3T3 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Nitrogen Isotopes
  • Proteins