Drawing molecular information

CANZIANI GA

Radnor, PA, USA

Jornada; Centocor R&D Opportunities; 2004

CENTOCOR, INC

Drawing molecular information All biological processes are mediated by recognition and binding events in which proteins are the effectors. Binding kinetics is among the most precise parameters biochemist and biophysicists use to define the molecular properties of proteins. The kinetics of binding has typically either revealed unknown features of the binding interface of proteins or has confirmed the structural predictions. In the past ten years, commercially available surface plasmon resonance (SPR) Biacore biosensors have facilitated the characterization of proteins through kinetic and affinity studies in a large number of biological systems given the advantage of observing interactions directly without the use of labels. However, not all Biacore applications have been successful. This state-of the-art technology is a tool, and like the other biophysical methods, it should be used carefully. The successful and productive use of Biacore will be presented using two recent applications of the technology. The final discussion will focus on the difficulty in drawing molecular information from membrane dependent proteins and integral membrane receptors using Biacore and other biophysical methods. These limitations may be challenged by applying the proper experimental design and an open mind.