Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

12:34
Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome
Published on: April 2, 2018
Novel application for pseudopodia proteomics using excimer laser ablation and two-dimensional difference gel
Akihiko Ito1, Takahiro Mimae, Ying-Shan-Zhu Yamamoto
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University, Osaka, Japan.
Summary
We developed a novel laser-based method for pseudopodia proteomics, identifying 46 proteins crucial for cell migration. This technique enhances understanding of tumor cell behavior and potential cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Proteomics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Pseudopodia are essential actin-rich cell protrusions involved in cell migration.
- Understanding pseudopodia protein composition is key to deciphering malignant phenotypes and developing cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel application for pseudopodia proteomics.
- To identify proteins localized in pseudopodia and understand their role in cell migration.
Main Methods:
- Tumor cells were cultured on fibronectin-coated membranes to induce pseudopodia formation.
- An excimer laser was used to ablate cell bodies, isolating pseudopodia.
- Proteins were extracted, labeled, and analyzed using 2D-difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- The laser ablation method showed no significant damage to pseudopodia.
- 211 protein spots exhibited differential intensity between whole cells and pseudopodia fractions.
- Mass spectrometry identified 46 proteins localized to pseudopodia, including RAB1A, HSP90B, TDRD7, and vimentin.
Conclusions:
- The developed method enables effective pseudopodia proteomics.
- The identified proteins, including novel ones, offer insights into cell migration mechanisms.
- This approach can advance the understanding of tumor cell malignancy and therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis is a high-resolution protein separation method first introduced by O' Farrell and Klose in 1975. This method involves protein separation by two dimensions, mass and charge, making it more accurate than one-dimensional gel electrophoresis.
The first dimension separation uses the isoelectric focusing or IEF technique performed on immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips that separate proteins according to their isoelectric points.
Biological samples, such as cells...
The first dimension separation uses the isoelectric focusing or IEF technique performed on immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips that separate proteins according to their isoelectric points.
Biological samples, such as cells...
SDS-PAGE
Gel electrophoresis is a method that separates biological macromolecules like nucleic acids or proteins by forcing them to pass through a gel matrix under an electric field.
A variation of gel electrophoresis, termed polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), is commonly used for separating proteins according to their molecular size by passing them through a polyacrylamide gel. Because of the varying charges associated with amino acid side chains, PAGE can be used to separate intact proteins...
A variation of gel electrophoresis, termed polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), is commonly used for separating proteins according to their molecular size by passing them through a polyacrylamide gel. Because of the varying charges associated with amino acid side chains, PAGE can be used to separate intact proteins...

