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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Split-Ubiquitin Based Membrane Yeast Two-Hybrid MYTH System: A Powerful Tool For Identifying Protein-Protein Interactions
Published on: February 1, 2010
Detecting Interactions of Membrane Proteins: The Split-Ubiquitin System
Lisa Yasmin Asseck1, Christopher Grefen2
1Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, ZMBP-Developmental Genetics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
This study details the yeast mating-based split-ubiquitin system (mbSUS) and CytoSUS for analyzing protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in vivo. These methods enable studying full-length membrane and soluble proteins within their native cellular context.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Understanding protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is crucial for elucidating cellular mechanisms and biological functions.
- Genetic tools, particularly in model organisms like Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast), are vital for in vivo PPI analysis.
- Studying full-length membrane proteins in their native subcellular environment presents unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed protocol for the yeast mating-based split-ubiquitin system (mbSUS) to study binary interactions.
- To enable the analysis of full-length membrane proteins and their interactions in vivo.
- To present CytoSUS, a modification for detecting interactions of non-membrane/soluble proteins.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the yeast mating-based split-ubiquitin system (mbSUS) based on ubiquitin moiety reassembly.
- Employing reporter gene expression activated by transcription factor release upon PPI.
- Applying the CytoSUS modification involving an ER membrane anchor for soluble protein interaction detection.
Main Results:
- The mbSUS system allows for the study of binary interactions among or with full-length membrane proteins.
- Reporter gene activation provides a visual output via growth on selective media, indicating PPIs.
- CytoSUS facilitates the detection of interactions involving full-length non-membrane/soluble proteins.
Conclusions:
- The mbSUS and CytoSUS systems offer robust methods for in vivo PPI analysis of diverse protein types.
- These techniques allow for the study of protein interactions in their native subcellular localization.
- The described protocols contribute to advancing the understanding of cellular mechanisms through PPI studies.
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