Site-specific fluorescent labeling of nascent proteins on the translating ribosome

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Sep 28;133(38):14936-9. doi: 10.1021/ja206626g. Epub 2011 Sep 2.

Abstract

As newly synthesized proteins emerge from the ribosome, they interact with a variety of cotranslational cellular machineries that facilitate their proper folding, maturation, and localization. These interactions are essential for proper function of the cell, and the ability to study these events is crucial to understanding cellular protein biogenesis. To this end, we have developed a highly efficient method to generate ribosome-nascent chain complexes (RNCs) site-specifically labeled with a fluorescent dye on the nascent polypeptide. The fluorescent RNC provides real-time, quantitative information on its cotranslational interaction with the signal recognition particle and will be a valuable tool in elucidating the role of the translating ribosome in numerous biochemical pathways.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Fluorescence*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ribosomal Proteins / chemistry
  • Ribosomes / chemistry*
  • Ribosomes / metabolism*
  • Staining and Labeling*

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Proteins
  • Ribosomal Proteins