Single-Molecule Measurement of Protein Interaction Dynamics Within Biomolecular Condensates

Shawn R. Yoshida; Shasha Chong

doi:10.3791/66169

Single-Molecule Measurement of Protein Interaction Dynamics Within Biomolecular Condensates

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Biology

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JoVE Journal Biology

Single-Molecule Measurement of Protein Interaction Dynamics Within Biomolecular Condensates

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06:48 min

January 5, 2024

DOI: 10.3791/66169-v

Shawn R. Yoshida^1,2, Shasha Chong¹

¹Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,California Institute of Technology, ²Division of Biology and Biological Engineering,California Institute of Technology

Overview

This study investigates the dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins in the formation of biomolecular condensates, which play crucial roles in cellular processes. By employing advanced single-molecule imaging techniques, the research quantifies how proteins interact within condensates in live human cells.

Key Study Components

Research Area

Intrinsically disordered proteins
Biomolecular condensates
Single-molecule imaging

Background

Importance of protein interactions in cellular regulation
Role of disordered proteins in phase separation
Novel methods for studying cellular dynamics

Methods Used

Single-molecule microscopy
Halo-tagged protein expression in human cells
Live-cell imaging techniques

Main Results

Quantification of protein interactions in condensates
Measurement of mean residence times of proteins
Distinction in binding dynamics between different protein constructs

Conclusions

This study elucidates the interaction dynamics of disordered proteins in cellular condensates.
Findings have implications for understanding transcriptional regulation in health and disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are biomolecular condensates?

Biomolecular condensates are assemblies of biomolecules that form through liquid-liquid phase separation, influencing various cellular functions.

How does single-molecule imaging work?

Single-molecule imaging allows for the observation of individual molecules in live cells, providing insights into their dynamics and interactions.

What role do intrinsically disordered proteins play?

They are involved in cellular regulation by facilitating interactions within biomolecular condensates.

Why is understanding protein interactions important?

Understanding protein interactions is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms of diseases and developing targeted therapies.

What is the significance of mean residence time?

Mean residence time indicates how long proteins stay bound to condensates, which is important for their functional roles in cells.

Can this method be applied to other proteins?

Yes, the method can be adapted to study the dynamics of various proteins involved in biomolecular condensates.

What are potential applications of this research?

This research may inform drug design and therapeutic strategies targeting disordered protein interactions in diseases.

Many intrinsically disordered proteins have been shown to participate in the formation of highly dynamic biomolecular condensates, a behavior important for numerous cellular processes. Here, we present a single-molecule imaging-based method for quantifying the dynamics by which proteins interact with each other in biomolecular condensates in live cells.

Our lab aims to understand the interaction behaviors of intrinsically disordered protein regions and how they play roles in transcriptional regulation in healthy and diseased human cells. In our lab, we develop and use novel single molecule microscopy techniques in combination with molecular biology, biochemical, and proteomic approaches to study biomolecular condensates. This protocol enables the quantification of the dynamics by which a specific protein binds to a particular type of condensate in live human cells and is broadly applicable to measuring the interaction dynamics of any protein that participates in liquid liquid phase separation.

After creating the cell lines expressing the Halo-tagged protein of interest and Halo-H2B, prepare the Halo ligand staining reagent separately for both of them. Rinse the cells with two milliliters of PBS. Add Halo ligand containing media and incubate them at 37 degrees Celsius with 5%carbon dioxide for one hour.

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