Determining the role of metal binding in protein cage assembly

Methods Mol Biol. 2015:1252:91-100. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2131-7_9.

Abstract

Assembly of protein cages may require structural metal ions to nucleate or stabilize association of protein subunits. We describe here an approach to establishing the role of metal ions in protein cage assembly and stability, focusing on detecting the presence of structural metal ions as well as establishing oligomeric state. A colorimetric assay for detection of metal is described, along with a gel filtration assay to assess protein cage assembly and a fluorescence-based method for determining protein stability.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Metals / chemistry*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Stability
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Metals
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Proteins