Determining the role of metal binding in protein cage assembly

Anne Grove, Louisiana State University
Ambuj K. Kushwaha, Louisiana State University
Khoa H. Nguyen, Louisiana State University

Abstract

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015. All rights reserved. Assembly of protein cages may require structural metal ions to nucleate or stabilize association of protein subunits. We describe here an approach to establishing the role of metal ions in protein cage assembly and stability, focusing on detecting the presence of structural metal ions as well as establishing oligomeric state. A colorimetric assay for detection of metal is described, along with a gel filtration assay to assess protein cage assembly and a fluorescence-based method for determining protein stability.