Protein-protein Interactions Identified by Pull-down Experiments and Mass Spectrometry

The aim of this unit is to provide a method for the identification of new protein-protein interactions. Pull-down experiments with GST fusion proteins attached to glutathione beads are a screening technique for identification of protein-protein interactions. When coupled with mass spectrometry, pull-downs can be considered as the protein-based equivalent of a yeast two-hybrid screen. To improve the isolation of specific binding partners, pull-down methods are described involving the use of cross-linking, large-scale tissue lysates, and spin columns. Alternative techniques are detailed for isolating activation state-dependent protein interactions with small GTPases. Appropriate methods of sample preparation for mass spectrometry-based identification of interacting proteins are described, including specialized gel staining techniques, band excision, and in-gel tryptic digestion. Data interpretation and the most commonly encountered problems are discussed.