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Detection of Heterodimerization of Protein Isoforms Using an in Situ Proximity Ligation Assay
Published on: October 20, 2018
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Parallel protein detection by solid-phase proximity ligation assay with real-time PCR or sequencing.
Tonge Ebai1, Masood Kamali-Moghaddam1, Ulf Landegren1
1Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology
|January 7, 2015
Summary
Proximity ligation assays (PLA) offer sensitive protein detection by coupling DNA to antibodies. This method enables amplifiable DNA reporters for detecting single or interacting proteins with real-time PCR or DNA sequencing.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Assay Development
- Protein Detection Technologies
Background:
- Proximity ligation assays (PLA) are advanced techniques for detecting proteins.
- These assays utilize DNA-coupled affinity reagents (e.g., antibodies) to bind target proteins.
- Coordinated binding by multiple reagents generates amplifiable DNA reporter strands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development of solid-phase proximity ligation assays for soluble proteins.
- To present procedures for using real-time PCR or DNA sequencing as assay readouts.
- To discuss critical steps for optimizing these protein detection assays.
Main Methods:
- Development of solid-phase proximity ligation assays.
- Utilizing DNA-modified antibodies for target protein recognition.
- Employing real-time PCR or DNA sequencing for signal amplification and detection.
Main Results:
- Proximity ligation assays demonstrate high sensitivity for detecting individual and interacting proteins.
- The assays are effective in both solution-based and in situ applications.
- Established procedures for solid-phase assay development and optimization are presented.
Conclusions:
- Solid-phase proximity ligation assays provide a sensitive and versatile platform for protein detection.
- The described methods allow for robust quantification using established molecular techniques.
- Optimization strategies are crucial for maximizing assay performance in various biological contexts.

