Detection and quantitation of radiolabeled proteins in gels and blots

Assessing and Improving Protein Sample Quality

One essential prerequisite of any experiment involving a purified protein, such as interaction studies or structural and biophysical characterization, is to work with a "good-quality" sample in order to ensure reproducibility and reliability of the data. Here, we define a "good-quality" sample as a protein preparation that fulfills three criteria: (1) the preparation contains a protein that is pure and soluble and exhibits structural and functional integrity, (2) the protein must be structurally homogeneous, and (3) the preparation must be reproducible. To ensure effective quality control (QC) of all these parameters, we suggest to follow a simple workflow involving the use of gel electrophoresis, light scattering, and spectroscopic experiments. We describe the techniques used in every step of this workflow and provide easy-to-use standard protocols for each step.

Role of vimA in cell surface biogenesis in Porphyromonas gingivalis

The Porphyromonas gingivalis vimA gene has been previously shown to play a significant role in the biogenesis of gingipains. Further, in P. gingivalis FLL92, a vimA-defective mutant, there was increased auto-aggregation, suggesting alteration in membrane surface proteins. In order to determine the role of the VimA protein in cell surface biogenesis, the surface morphology of P. gingivalis FLL92 was further characterized. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated abundant fimbrial appendages and a less well defined and irregular capsule in FLL92 compared with the wild-type. In addition, atomic force microscopy showed that the wild-type had a smoother surface compared with FLL92. Western blot analysis using anti-FimA antibodies showed a 41 kDa immunoreactive protein band in P. gingivalis FLL92 which was missing in the wild-type P. gingivalis W83 strain. There was increased sensitivity to globomycin and vancomycin in FLL92 compared with the wild-type. Outer membrane fractions from FLL92 had a modified lectin-binding profile. Furthermore, in contrast with the wild-type strain, nine proteins were missing from the outer membrane fraction of FLL92, while 20 proteins present in that fraction from FLL92 were missing in the wild-type strain. Taken together, these results suggest that the VimA protein affects capsular synthesis and fimbrial phenotypic expression, and plays a role in the glycosylation and anchorage of several surface proteins.