2-D Proteome Analysis Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology, 112)

With the completion of sequencing projects and the advancement of a- lytical tools for protein identification, proteomics―the study of the expressed part of the genome―has become a major region of the burgeoning field of functional genomics. High-resolution 2-D gels can reveal virtually all p- teins present in a cell or tissue at any given time, including posttranslationally modified proteins. Changes in the expression and structure of most cellular proteins caused by differentiation or external stimuli can be displayed and eventually identified using 2-D protein gels. 2-D Proteome Analysis Protocols covers all aspects of the use of 2-D protein electrophoresis for the analysis of biological problems. The contri- tors include many of the leaders in the fields of biochemistry and analytical chemistry who were instrumental in the development of high-resolution 2-D gels, immobilized pH gradients, computer analysis, and mass spectromet- based protein identification methodologies. This book is intended as a benchtop manual and guide both for novices to 2-D gels and for those aficionados who wish to try the newer techniques. Any group using protein biochemistry―especially in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology―should find this book eminently useful. 2-D Proteome Analysis Protocols takes the researcher through the c- plete process of working with 2-D protein gels from making the protein - tract to finally identifying the proteins of interest. It includes protocols for generating 2-D protein extracts from most of the standard model organisms, including bacteria, yeast, nematode, Drosophila, plants, mouse, and human.

In 2-D Gel Proteome Analysis Protocols, Andrew Link and his expert collaborators take today's researchers step-by-step through the complete process of doing proteomics. With easy-to-follow instructions, complete with many helpful hints and explanations, leading investigators and pioneers in the field show how to make protein extracts, reproducibly run them on a 2-D gels, detect them, analyze the data, and precisely identify each protein. The book covers the latest methods of using carrier ampholytes in the 1st dimension, casting and running immobilized pH gradient 2-D gels, MALDI-TOF-based peptide mapping, automated tandem mass spectrometry, and nanoelectrospray ionization technology. For the 2nd dimension, there are methods for running flatbed or vertical gels and for protein detection using autoradiography, and Coomassie, silver, and reversible metal-chelate stains. The book is a perfect complement to the genome sequencing project for answering biological questions.

2-D Gel Proteome Analysis Protocols is the most complete guide for using proteomics to answer biological questions. Whether it is a question of global protein analysis or evaluating a cell's response to internal or external stimuli, the advanced methods described here will enable today's researchers better to understand how cells work and open new possibilities for drug discovery.