Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

08:46
Transcriptome-Wide Profiling of Protein-RNA Interactions by Cross-Linking and Immunoprecipitation Mediated by FLAG-Biotin Tandem Purification
Published on: May 18, 2020
Reprint of: Tagging for Protein Expression
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Protein Expression and Purification
|September 6, 2011
Summary
Researchers often use protein tags for recombinant protein expression, improving solubility and purification. This review surveys common tags, aiding scientists in selecting the best options for their protein production needs.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Protein Expression
Background:
- Protein tags are crucial for recombinant protein production.
- Tags enhance protein solubility and facilitate affinity purification.
- A wide array of tags are available, posing a selection challenge for researchers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey commonly used affinity and solubility tags for recombinant protein expression.
- To provide guidance on the selection and application of these protein tags.
- To assist researchers in optimizing their protein production strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of established and novel protein tags.
- Categorization of tags based on function (affinity, solubility).
- Analysis of tag characteristics, advantages, and limitations.
Main Results:
- Overview of popular affinity tags (e.g., His-tag, GST-tag).
- Discussion of solubility-enhancing tags (e.g., MBP, SUMO).
- Comparative analysis to guide tag selection based on experimental goals.
Conclusions:
- Strategic selection of protein tags is vital for successful recombinant protein expression.
- Understanding tag properties aids in overcoming challenges in solubility and purification.
- This survey provides a valuable resource for researchers designing protein expression constructs.
Related Concept Videos
Tagging and Fusion Proteins
Proteins are involved in several cellular processes and biochemical reactions. Analyzing a specific protein of interest requires it to be isolated from the other proteins in the cell. This is achieved by overexpressing the specific gene in a suitable host to produce large quantities of the target protein. A tag or label is recombined with the gene to produce a fusion protein containing the target protein and the tag. The tags on these fusion proteins can then be used for easy detection and...
Proteins: From Genes to Degradation
Within a biological system, the DNA encodes the RNA, and the nucleotide sequence in the RNA further defines the amino acid sequence in the protein. This is referred to as “The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology” - a term coined by Francis Crick. Central dogma is a firm principle in biology that defines the flow of genetic information within any life form. The two fundamental steps in central dogma are - transcription and translation.
Transcription is the synthesis of RNA molecules by RNA...
Transcription is the synthesis of RNA molecules by RNA...
Reporter Genes
Reporter genes are a type of protein-coding gene that are often tagged to a gene of interest. Once inside a target cell, reporter genes usually produce visually identifiable characteristics like fluorescence and luminescence when expressed along with the gene of interest. Thus, reporter genes “report” the presence or absence of genes of interest in an organism, determine the gene expression pattern, or track the physical location of a DNA segment or protein in the cell.
Commonly used reporter...
Commonly used reporter...
Ribosome Profiling
Ribosome profiling or ribo-sequencing is a deep sequencing technique that produces a snapshot of active translation in a cell. It selectively sequences the mRNAs protected by ribosomes to get an insight into a cell’s translation landscape at any given point in time.
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique helps...

