DNA-maleimide: an improved maleimide compound for electrophoresis-based titration of reactive thiols in a specific protein

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 Apr;1830(4):3077-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.01.012. Epub 2013 Jan 26.

Abstract

Background: Thiol-mediated redox regulation of proteins plays a key role in many cellular processes.

Methods: To understand the redox status of cysteinyl thiol groups of the desired proteins, we developed a new maleimide reagent: a maleimide-conjugated single strand DNA, DNA-maleimide (DNA-Mal).

Results: DNA-Mal labelled proteins run as a distinct band on SDS-PAGE, with a discrete 9.32 kDa mobility shift per label regardless of the protein species or electrophoretic conditions.

Conclusions: DNA-Mal labels free thiols like standard maleimide reagents, but possesses practical advantages in titration of the number and relative content of free thiols in a protein.

General significance: The versatility of DNA molecule enhances the application of DNA-Mal in a broader range of cysteine containing proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Single-Stranded / chemistry*
  • Electrophoresis / methods*
  • Maleimides / chemistry*
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / analysis*
  • Sulfhydryl Reagents / chemistry*

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • Maleimides
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Sulfhydryl Reagents
  • maleimide