Characterization of membrane protein samples in the presence of detergents
Membrane protein extraction and solubilization
Membrane proteins fulfill vital biological roles, representing a significant portion of potential therapeutical targets for a variety of diseases. As studying their native behavior is important, detergents and other membrane mimetics can be used for membrane protein solubilization prior to functional or structural studies.
Detergents are widely used for membrane protein extraction and throughout the protein purification process - detergents can also act as membrane mimetics for membrane protein solubilization. However, their presence in samples can interferes with some analytical techniques.
Characterizing membrane protein samples that include detergents
Mass photometry can measure samples containing detergents, eliminating the need for complete detergent removal. It works with a wide range of buffers, including those used for membrane protein extraction and solubilization.
As measurements take less than 5 minutes and readily detect protein aggregation, it is easy to characterize membrane protein samples. Moreover, mass photometry can detect detergent micelles, which makes it possible to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of detergents under different conditions
Mass photometry with detergents
This application note will show you how to take and interpret mass photometry measurements of samples containing detergents. You will also learn how to perform quick dilutions prior to measurement to minimize detergent noise in your samples after membrane protein extraction. This application note reports the CMC values of common detergents as measured with mass photometry. It also shows data comparing soluble and aggregated protein samples to demonstrate how mass photometry can quickly evaluate membrane protein solubilization.
Additional resources
WEBINAR
Investigating membrane protein complexes with mass photometry
This webinar shows the applications of mass photometry for the study of two examples of macromolecular complexes formed by eukaryotic membrane proteins. In both cases, mass photometry supported the use of detergents for membrane protein extraction and solubilization. The webinar showcases what mass photometry can do, and what makes it suitable for studies of membrane protein complexes.
BLOG POST
How to study membrane proteins with mass photometry
Mass photometry provides valuable information on the purity and behavior of samples containing membrane proteins and membrane mimetics like detergents. In this blog post, we examine the role of mass photometry in membrane protein analysis and describe case studies that illustrate how mass photometry is contributing to the field.