|
A Clearer Picture of Molecular Structure and Function
 Over
the past decade, a tremendous amount of information has been generated
about the structure and function of genes and proteins. However, while
scientists have developed an unprecedented ability to characterize
individual proteins, most cellular functions are accomplished by
structurally complex macro-molecular assemblies. Furthermore, these
assemblies may be stable or transient, depending on the strengths of the
individual interactions. A major challenge that faces the scientific
community is to implement experimental technologies and approaches that
enable one to determine how the properties of individual macromolecules
are linked to the overall structure and function of the macromolecular
assemblies in which they are found inside the cell. A central component
of such technology necessarily must include a means to characterize and
quantitate macromolecular interactions (e.g., protein-protein,
protein-nucleic acid, protein-lipid). Because of its ability to
quantitate the size and shape of macromolecules in solution, one of the
most powerful methods for characterization of macromolecular
interactions is Solution Interaction Analysis (sIA) in the Optima™ XL-A
and XL-I analytical ultracentrifuges.
sIA is a method for characterization and quantitation of molecular
interactions, mass, size, and shape -- all in solution under conditions
of choice. sIA is a primary method, requiring no standards, and capable
of analyzing molecular masses from several hundred to tens of millions
of daltons - encompassing peptides to viral capsids to supra-molecular
multicomponent enzyme assemblies. Solvent and solute characteristics can
be easily modified to investigate the influence of pH, ionic strength,
concentration, and temperature on the association behavior of the
sample. In solution, there are no artificial matrices to interfere with
or influence the macromolecular interactions. And the dual optical
systems of the Optima XL-I provide sensitivity at low concentrations,
selectivity for isolating individual components, and linearity at high
concentrations up to 4-5 mg/mL. With these attributes, sIA is an ideal
technique to aid in experimental design and data interpretation for NMR,
Crystallography, Calorimetry, SEC/Page, and BIAcore* bio-specific
interaction analysis.
* All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Where applicable,
the PCR process is covered by patents owned by Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.,
and F. Hoffmann-LaRoche, Ltd.
|
