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Method to Visualize and Analyze Membrane Interacting Proteins by Transmission Electron Microscopy
Published on: March 5, 2017
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Recent advances in nanodisc technology for membrane protein studies (2012-2017)
John E Rouck1, John E Krapf1, Jahnabi Roy2
1Department of Comparative Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Neuroscience Program and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA.
FEBS Letters
|June 6, 2017
Summary
Membrane proteins are challenging to study due to aggregation. Nanodiscs (NDs) offer a solution by solubilizing these proteins, enabling various biophysical and biochemical investigations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Membrane proteins aggregate in aqueous solutions due to their hydrophobic nature, hindering study.
- Biomembrane mimetics, particularly nanodiscs (NDs), have emerged as effective tools for membrane protein solubilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of using nanodiscs for membrane protein research.
- To review modified and novel techniques for studying membrane proteins within nanodiscs.
- To explore the application of nanodiscs in advancing nanotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (solution-state and solid-state)
- Electron microscopy (EM)
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
- Mass spectrometry (MS)
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
- Charge-sensitive optical detection
- Scintillation proximity assays (SPA)
Main Results:
- Nanodiscs effectively solubilize membrane proteins, overcoming aggregation issues.
- Numerous biophysical and biochemical techniques are adaptable for studying membrane proteins in nanodiscs.
- Nanodiscs are enabling advancements in nanotechnology, including biosensing and novel labeling strategies.
Conclusions:
- Nanodiscs are a versatile and powerful tool for membrane protein research, facilitating a wide range of studies.
- The application of nanodiscs extends beyond traditional biochemical studies into nanotechnology.
- Further development and application of nanodisc technology promise significant contributions to both membrane protein science and nanotechnology.
