Analyzing protein–protein interactions by quantitative mass spectrometry

FE Paul, F Hosp, M Selbach - Methods, 2011 - Elsevier
FE Paul, F Hosp, M Selbach
Methods, 2011Elsevier
Since most cellular processes depend on interactions between proteins, information about
protein–protein interactions (PPIs) provide valuable insights into protein function. Over the
last years, quantitative affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry (q-AP-MS) has
become a powerful approach to investigate PPIs in an unbiased manner. In q-AP-MS the
protein of interest is biochemically enriched together with its interaction partners. In parallel,
a control experiment is performed to control for non-specific binding. Quantitative mass …
Since most cellular processes depend on interactions between proteins, information about protein–protein interactions (PPIs) provide valuable insights into protein function. Over the last years, quantitative affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry (q-AP-MS) has become a powerful approach to investigate PPIs in an unbiased manner. In q-AP-MS the protein of interest is biochemically enriched together with its interaction partners. In parallel, a control experiment is performed to control for non-specific binding. Quantitative mass spectrometry is then employed to compare protein levels in both samples and to exclude non-specific contaminants. Here, we provide two detailed q-AP-MS protocols for pull-downs with immobilized bait proteins or transient transfection of tagged expression constructs. We discuss benefits and limitations of q-AP-MS and highlight critical parameters that need to be considered. The protocols and background information presented here allow the reader to adapt the generic q-AP-MS strategy for a wide range of biological questions.
Elsevier