Screening libraries to identify proteins with desired binding activities using a split-GFP reassembly assay

ACS Chem Biol. 2010 Jun 18;5(6):553-62. doi: 10.1021/cb900272j.

Abstract

Designer protein modules, which bind specifically to a desired target, have numerous potential applications. One approach to creating such proteins is to construct and screen libraries. Here we present a detailed description of using a split-GFP reassembly assay to screen libraries and identify proteins with novel binding properties. Attractive features of the split-GFP based screen are the absence of false positives and the simplicity, robustness, and ease of automation of the screen. Here, we describe both the construction of a naive protein library, and screening of the library using the split-GFP assay to identify proteins that bind specifically to chosen peptide sequences.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptide Library*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Mapping / methods*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Peptide Library
  • Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins