Free ligand binding

Fig. 5.14 Principle of label-free ligand binding MS assays. Protein (P) molecules react with the test ligand (L) to form a protein-ligand complex (PL). Unbound compounds are separated from PL by passage through a restricted-access column. Subsequently, PL is dissociated at low pH, and active ligands L are detected by LC-ESI-MS.

S. A. Cell-free ligand binding assays for nuclear receptors. Methods Enzymol. 2003, 364, 53-71. 

We have previously calculated conformational free energy differences for a well-suited model system, the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK), which is the best characterized member of the protein kinase family. It has been crystallized in three different conformations and our main focus was on how ligand binding shifts the equilibrium among these ([Helms and McCammon 1997]). As an example using state-of-the-art computational techniques, we summarize the main conclusions of this study and discuss a variety of methods that may be used to extend this study into the dynamic regime of protein domain motion. 

If there is a means to detect (i.e., radioactivity, fluorescence) and differentiate between protein-bound and free ligand in solution, then binding can directly quantify the interaction between ligands and receptors. 

Table I describes several of the fluorescent assays that have been used in our lab to study neutrophil activation. Fluorescein-labeled W-formylhexapeptide (FLPEP) has been used to characterize the ki- netics of ligand binding, dissociation, and internalization at 37°C (7,8). FLPEP is added to a suspension of cells, then receptor-bound and free FLPEP in solution are distinguished by adding antibody to fluorescein. This is a high-affinity antibody which binds free FLPEP within 1 s hut does not bind cell-bound FLPEP. When it binds the FLPEP, it quenches the fluorescein fluorescence. Hence the residual fluorescence after antibody addition represents FLPEP that is bound to the cell. Nonspecific binding is determined in cell suspensions that contain an excess of nonfluorescent peptide.

Reddy MR, Erion MD, Agarwal A. Free energy calculations Use and limitations in predicting ligand binding affinities. In Lipkowitz KB, Boyd DB, editors. Reviews in Computational Chemistry, Vol. 16. New York Wiley-VCH, 2000. p. 217-304. 

This equation illustrates the components of a competitive protein binding assay system. That is, the reaction system contains both radioactive and non-radioactive free ligand (P and P) and both radioactive and non-radioactive protein bound ligand (P Q and PQ). This type of assay assumes that binding protein will have the same affinity for the labeled or non-labeled material that is being measured. Although this assumption is not always completely valid, it usually causes no problems of consequence with most radioassays or radioimmunoassays. 

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