Self-association studies on the EphB2 receptor SAM domain using analytical ultracentrifugation

The self-association behavior of the Eph-kinases SAM domain has been studied in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, containing 0.14 M NaCl using concentration-dependent sedimentation equilibrium experiments. Only weak interactions typical for a monomer-dimer equilibrium up to at least 12 mg/mL were observed. Such concentrated solutions require a consideration of the non-ideality expressed by virial coefficients. A special centrifuge equation was used for the global analysis to estimate equilibrium constants based on the thermodynamic activities of the reactants. When neglecting this, the parameters deviate by about 20%. Association constants for dimerization of the EphB2-SAM domain vary between 163 M(-1) at 10 degrees C and 395 M(-1) at 32 degrees C, indicating hydrophobic forces are involved in the dimerization process. In solutions of about 12 mg/mL, less than 50% dimers are in solution and higher oligomers can be excluded.