Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay in Aspergillus fumigatus

One of the classic techniques to allow detection of direct DNA-binding by sequence-specific transcription factors is the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). EMSA takes advantage of the reduced mobility of a protein:DNA complex during gel electrophoresis compared to the naked DNA alone. This rapid and straightforward method has been used to identify DNA target elements in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Here we describe its use with a focus on the AtrR transcription factor from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus.