Rapid Assessment of Membrane Protein Quality by Fluorescent Size Exclusion Chromatography
Researchers from Peak Proteins (part of Sygnature Discovery Ltd.) have recently published a research paper in the Journal of Visualized Experiments. The paper entitled “Rapid Assessment of Membrane Protein Quality by Fluorescent Size Exclusion Chromatography” was authored by Dr Ewa Rejnowicz, Dr. Jack Wright, Margaret Veldman-Jones and Dr. Steven Harborne, and represents a team effort between the cell scientists and protein scientists at Peak Proteins. The publication details a method for performing fluorescent size exclusion chromatography (FSEC) that we use in Peak Proteins to assist our production of membrane proteins.
Steven Harborne had this to say about the FSEC technique:
“A SEC profile is a powerful way to analyse the quality of a protein. The goal is to collect a SEC profile for a target membrane protein using fluorescence, which can inform on sample quality. FSEC uses small quantities of samples and can be carried out before purification. The procedure is also relatively simple, and the equipment required is already available in many labs. The process allows us to rapidly work through the optimisation of membrane protein preparation with minimal amounts of sample. These factors are really import for membrane proteins as they are particularly challenging to work with”
The written aspect of the publication is only one half, as the remit of JoVE is to provide the method being described in a video format:
“JoVE videos bring to life the intricate details of cutting-edge experiments enabling efficient learning and replication of new research methods and technologies”
This means that we had the pleasure of hosting a film crew (Graham from SciPhi.tv) to bring the method to life. The below behind the scenes photo shows our key talent, Dr. Jack Wright, performing the method on camera. We’ll be pleased to premier the video right here once ready, so please watch this space – and have your popcorn ready!
