:: Posted by avi_wener on 02-20-2012
We are all intimately familiar with protein blotting techniques which have been a cornerstone of the biochemicstry/biology lab for the past 30 years.
As is well known, the efficiency of protein migration is affected by various factors including the size and charge of the protein, and protocol optimization is often needed on a protein-specific basis. In fact, it can be particularly challenging to transfer large molecular weight proteins alongside small molecular weight proteins, as transfer conditions may cause small proteins to blow through the membrane.
Currently there are three popular techniques for protein transfer: the tank transfer, the semi-dry blotting method and the fast blotting “turbo” technique (for transfer within 3-10 minutes).
In the attached paper, Transfer of high molecular weight proteins to membranes: a comparison of transfer efficiency between blotting systems, Bio-Rad Laboratories presents a comparison of the various blotting techniques across a wide range of molecular weights with a particular emphasis on large proteins (more than 200kD).
:: Posted by avi_wener on 01-31-2012
Yesterday we told you about how to get more data from your western blots by utilizing multiplex fluorescent detection. Today, we will provide you with a primer on fluorescent detection taken from the Bio-Rad Laboratories Protein Blotting Guide.
In fluorescence, a high-energy photon (ℎVex) excites a fluorophore, causing it to leave the ground state (S0) and enter a higher energy state (S’1). Some of this energy dissipates, allowing the fluorophore to enter a relaxed excited state (S1). A photon of light is emitted (ℎVem), returning the fluorophore to the ground state. The emitted photon is of a lower energy
(longer wavelength) due to the dissipation of energy while in the excited state.
When using fluorescence detection, consider the following optical characteristics of the fluorophores to optimize the signal:
:: Posted by avi_wener on 11-15-2011
Protein blotting is a staple technique of most molecular biology and proteomics laboratories. In previous posts, we discussed topics such as semi-dry protein transfer and protein transfer methods, and we even did a multi-part series on western blotting.
Now, we are proud to present you with a 43 page protein blotting guide put together by Bio-Rad Laboratories. The guide is organized into two parts which cover the theory and methods behind protein blotting. You will learn topics such as methods and instrumentation, the difference between various membranes and tranfer buffers, the ins and outs of transfer conditions, detection and imaging and a host of different blotting and detection protocols.
The guide is fairly technical and is appropriate for both novice and advanced users alike.
Click on the link to download the Protein Blotting Guide now.
:: Posted by avi_wener on 10-25-2011
Two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis is a popular and proven separation technique for proteome analysis. The 2-D procedure is straightforward: Proteins are first separated according to their isoelectric point (pI) by isoelectric focusing (IEF) and then by their molecular weight by SDS-PAGE. For most researchers, 2-D gel electrophoresis is easy to learn, because advances in immobilized pH gradient (IPG) technology have eliminated the need for tricky and tedious IEF in ampholyte gel gradients. Nevertheless, problems with smearing, streaking, and poor resolution and reproducibility tend to leave researchers dissatisfied with the results of 2-D experiments. These common compalints are often due to improper sample preparation.
One of teh most undervalued aspects of the 2-D process, sample preparation prior to the first-dimension IEF separation contributes significantly to the overall reproducibility and accuracy of protein expression analysis. Some important considerations include:
- Care must be taken to prevent protolysis during protein extraction, and proteins must be solubilized in a buffer that is compatible with IEF
- Contaminants such as salts and detergents must be removed to ensure successful separation
- Fractionation is essential to reduce protein sample complexity when analysis of subpopulations or low-abundance proteins is required
Without proper sample preparation, protein precipitations, gel streaking, and overall poor resolution are often the unfortunate result.
Click on this link to learn some great strategies for proteomic sample preparation.
Click to learn about Bio-Rad’s new Protean i12 IEF Cell.
:: Posted by avi_wener on 08-04-2011
Bio-Rad Laboratories recently launched the Precision Melt Supermix, which is a high-perfomance supermix for both genotyping and epigenetic analyses.
In honor of this launch, we invite you to review some of the resources (including technical notes, review articles and video tutorials) that we have posted on high resolution melt analysis. Feel free to to click on any of the links below for further details:
tags: Bio-Rad Laboratories, biotechnology, epigenetics, genetics, genomics, high-resolution melt analysis, molecular biology, PCR, Protocols, qPCR, real time quantitative PCR, Real-Time PCR, science education, Sean Taylor, SNP Analysis, tools
