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Past Issue in 2017
Volume: 7, Issue: 6
Biochemistry
Measurement of RNA-induced PKR Activation in vitro
Protein kinase R (PKR) is one of the key RNA-activated sensors for innate immunity. PKR is activated by pathogenic or aberrant RNAs such as short double-stranded RNAs or those with imperfect secondary structures, as well as a reduction in the amount and number of RNA modifications. Activation of PKR may be an underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of human diseases. In this protocol, I describe a method for studying levels of RNA-induced PKR activation in vitro.
Cancer Biology
Polysome Analysis
Polysome analysis is a method to separate mRNAs from a cell into actively translating and non-translating fractions depending on their association with polysomes. By this protocol, cell lysates are fractionated by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. Free mRNA fraction and various ribosomal fractions, such as 40S, 60S, monosomes and polysomes are collected by fractionation. Association of particular mRNAs with these fractions is detected by reverse transcription – PCR to investigate the translational state of the mRNA.
RNA-protein UV-crosslinking Assay
RNA-protein interactions play a crucial role in every aspect of RNA metabolism, and also plays a major role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. RNA-binding proteins have been implicated in viral gene expression (Ray and Das, 2002) and microRNA-mediated gene regulation (Poria et al., 2016). Here we have described the protocol which (1) covalently links transiently interacting RNA-protein complexes by UV crosslinking, (2) removes the unprotected RNA by RNase digestion and (3) detects the RNA-protein complexes by SDS-PAGE analysis. This protocol provides a rapid and reliable means to directly assay RNA-protein interactions and their kinetics using purified proteins and also help in identifying novel RNA-protein interactions
3D Stroma Invasion Assay
We have developed a 3D co-culture system composed of fibroblasts and colorectal cancer cells that enables us to study the desmoplastic reaction. This method also enables us to study the influence of the desmoplastic reaction on the migration of colorectal cancer cells through the surrounding stroma. This protocol has been previously published (Coulson-Thomas et al., 2011) and is described here in more detail.
Developmental Biology
Measuring Caenorhabditis elegans Sleep during the Transition to Adulthood Using a Microfluidics-based System
C. elegans sleep during development is regulated by genes and cellular mechanisms that are conserved across the animal kingdom (Singh et al., 2014; Trojanowski and Raizen, 2016). C. elegans developmental sleep is usually assessed during the transition to adulthood, a 2.6 h time interval called lethargus (Raizen et al., 2008; Singh et al., 2011). During lethargus, animals cycle between periods of immobility (sleep bouts) and periods of active locomotion (motion bouts). Sleep bouts resemble sleep in other species based on behavioral criteria, including cessation of feeding and locomotion, increased arousal threshold for response to sensory stimulation, rapid reversibility, and homeostatic response to sleep loss. Several assays have been developed to study sleep in C. elegans (Belfer et al., 2013; Bringmann, 2011; Nelson et al., 2013; Raizen et al., 2008). Here, we contribute a detailed protocol for assessment of C. elegans sleep during lethargus, which has been used successfully by many research groups, incorporating simple microfluidic chambers, a low cost camera with lighting system, and computational analysis based on image subtraction. We note that this system could be easily adapted to assess sleep in any small animal.
Immunology
Mouse CD8+ T Cell Migration in vitro and CXCR3 Internalization Assays
Chemokines are molecules that regulate the positioning of cells during homeostasis and inflammation. CXCL10 is an interferon-induced chemokine that attracts cells that express the chemokine receptor CXCR3 on their surface. CXCL10 expression is often induced upon inflammation and guides lymphocytes, such as T and NK cells, into the injured tissues. Notably, CXCL10 binding to CXCR3 induces receptor internalization and, therefore, low CXCR3 levels in cells positive for CXCR3 expression can be indicative of chemokine signaling.Here, we describe an in vitro method to evaluate the ability of murine CD8+ T cells to migrate towards recombinant murine CXCL10; and a flow cytometry assay to measure CXCR3 expression levels at the surface of T cells, after exposure to different doses of chemokine.
Differential Salt Fractionation of Nuclei to Analyze Chromatin-associated Proteins from Cultured Mammalian Cells
Nucleosomes are the core units of cellular chromatin and are comprised of 147 base pairs (bp) of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histone proteins. Proteins such as chromatin remodelers, transcription factors, and DNA repair proteins interact dynamically with chromatin to regulate access to DNA, control gene transcription, and maintain genome integrity. The extent of association with chromatin changes rapidly in response to stresses, such as immune activation, oxidative stress, or viral infection, resulting in downstream effects on chromatin conformation and transcription of target genes. To elucidate changes in the composition of proteins associated with chromatin under different conditions, we adapted existing protocols to isolate nuclei and fractionate cellular chromatin using a gradient of salt concentrations. The presence of specific proteins in different salt fractions can be assessed by Western blotting or mass spectrometry, providing insight into the degree to which they are associated with chromatin.
Mouse Model of Reversible Intestinal Inflammation
Current therapies to treat inflammatory bowel disease by dampening excessive inflammatory immune responses have had limited success (Reinisch et al., 2011; Rutgeerts et al., 2005; Sandborn et al., 2012). To develop new therapeutic interventions, there is a need for better understanding of the mechanisms that are operative during mucosal healing (Pineton de Chambrun et al., 2010). To this end, a reversible model of colitis was developed in which colitis induced by adoptive transfer of naïve CD4+ CD45RBhi T cells in lymphopenic mice can be reversed through depletion of colitogenic CD4+ T cells (Brasseit et al., 2016).
Adoptive Transfer of Lung Antigen Presenting Cells
Our protocol describes adoptive transfer of antigen presenting cells (APCs) isolated from the lungs by enzymatic digestion and magnetic enrichment. This protocol can be used to study APC functions and trafficking.
MHC Class II Tetramer Labeling of Human Primary CD4+ T Cells from HIV Infected Patients
Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) tetramers have been used for two decades to detect, isolate and characterize T cells specific for various pathogens and tumor antigens. In the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, antigen-specific CD8+ T cells have been extensively studied ex vivo, as they can be readily detected by HIV peptide-loaded MHC class I tetramers. In contrast, the detection of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells has proven more challenging, due to the intrinsically lower clonal expansion rates of CD4+ T cells, and to the preferential depletion of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells in the course of HIV infection.In the following protocol, we describe a simple method that facilitates the identification of CD4+ T cells specific for an HIV-1 capsid epitope using peptide-loaded MHC class II tetramers. Tetramer labeled CD4+ T cells can be analyzed for their cell surface phenotype and/or FACS-sorted for further downstream applications. A key point for successful detection of specific CD4+ T cells ex vivo is the choice of a peptide/MHC II combination that results in high-affinity T Cell Receptor (TCR) binding (Benati et al., 2016). A second key point for reliable detection of MHC II tetramer-positive cells is the systematic use of a control tetramer loaded with an irrelevant peptide, with the sample and control tubes being processed in identical conditions.
Measurement of Dipeptidylpeptidase Activity in vitro and in vivo
Dipeptidylpeptidases (DPPs) are serine proteases, which cleave small proteins and peptides possessing a proline or an alanine in the second position of their N-terminus. Among the members of this family, dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP4) is constitutively expressed in the extracellular space. DPP4 is found at the surface of many hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells and is also present in many biological fluids in a bioactive soluble form. DPP4 expression is modulated by inflammation, and measurements of its activity have been used as biomarker for disease. Here, we describe a method to evaluate the enzymatic activity of DPP4 in vitro and in vivo.
Microbiology
Determination of the Predatory Capability of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 is an obligate predator that preys upon a wide variety of Gram negative bacteria. The biphasic growth cycle of Bdellovibrio includes a free-swimming attack phase and an intraperiplasmic growth phase, where the predator replicates its DNA and grows using the prey as a source of nutrients, finally dividing into individual cells (Sockett, 2009). Due to its obligatory predatory lifestyle, manipulation of Bdellovibrio requires two-member culturing techniques using selected prey microorganisms (Lambert et al., 2003). In this protocol, we describe a detailed workflow to grow and quantify B. bacteriovorus HD100 and its predatory ability, to easily carry out these laborious and time-consuming techniques.
Wheat Root-dip Inoculation with Fusarium graminearum and Assessment of Root Rot Disease Severity
Fusarium graminearum is one of the most common and potent fungal pathogens of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and other cereals, known for causing devastating yield losses and mycotoxin contaminations of food and feed. The pathogen is mainly considered as a paradigm for the floral disease Fusarium head blight, while its ability to colonize wheat plants via root infection has been examined recently. F. graminearum has a unique infection strategy which comprises complex, specialized structures and processes. Root colonisation negatively affects plant development and leads to systemic plant invasion by tissue-adapted fungal strategies. The pathosystem wheat root - F. graminearum makes available an array of research areas, such as (i) the relatively unknown root interactions with a necrotrophic pathogen; (ii) genes and pathways contributing to (overall) Fusarium resistance; (iii) induced systemic (whole-plant) resistance; (iv) pathogenic strategies in a variety of host tissues; and (v) age-related changes in the single-genotype responses to seedling and adult plant (root/spike) infection. The presented Fusarium root rot bioassay allows for efficient infection of wheat roots, evaluation of disease severity and progress as well as statistical analysis of disease dynamics.
Extraction, Purification and Quantification of Diffusible Signal Factor Family Quorum-sensing Signal Molecules in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Bacteria use quorum-sensing (QS) systems to monitor and regulate their population density. Bacterial QS involves small molecules that act as signals for bacterial communication. Many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens use a class of widely conserved molecules, called diffusible signal factor (DSF) family QS signals. The measurement of DSF family signal molecules is essential for understanding DSF metabolic pathways, signaling networks, as well as regulatory roles. Here, we describe a method for the extraction of DSF family signal molecules from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) cell pellets and Xoo culture supernatant. We determined the levels of DSF family signals using ultra-performance liquid chromatographic system (UPLC) coupled with accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS). With the aid of UPLC/MS system, the detection limit of DSF was as low as 1 µM, which greatly improves the ability to detect DSF DSF family signal molecules in bacterial cultures and reaction mixtures.
In vitro Assay to Assess Efficacy of Potential Antiviral Compounds against Enterovirus D68
In 2014 enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) caused the largest outbreak in the United States since the discovery of the virus. Distinct from before, the 2014 infections were associated with more severe respiratory disease and occasional neurological complications. So far, there are no available vaccines or antivirals for the prophylaxis or treatment of EV-D68 infections. In order to evaluate the antiviral activity of potential inhibitors of EV-D68 replication, a cell-based cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay was developed (Sun et al., 2015).
Isolation of Ribosomal Particles from the Unicellular Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Isolation of ribosomal particles is an essential step in the study of ribosomal components as well as in the analysis of trans-acting factors that interact with the ribosome to regulate protein synthesis and modulate the expression profile of the cell in response to different environmental conditions. In this protocol, we describe a procedure for the isolation of 70S ribosomes from the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (hereafter Synechocystis). We have successfully used this protocol in our study of the cyanobacterial ribosomal-associated protein LrtA, which is a homologue of bacterial HPF (hibernation promoting factor) (Galmozzi et al., 2016).
Assays for the Detection of Rubber Oxygenase Activities
Microbial biodegradation of rubber relies on extracellular rubber oxygenases that catalyze the oxidative cleavage of the double bond of the polyisoprene backbone into oligo-isoprenoids. This protocol describes the determination of rubber oxygenase activities by an online measurement of molecular oxygen consumption via a non-invasive fluorescence-based assay. The produced oligo-isoprenoid cleavage products with terminal keto- and aldehyde-groups are identified qualitatively and quantitatively by HPLC. Our method allows for the characterization of homologue rubber oxygenases, and can likely be adapted to assay other oxygenases consuming dioxygen. Here we describe the determination of rubber oxygenase activities at the examples of the so far two known types of rubber oxygenases, namely rubber oxygenase A (RoxA) and latex clearing protein (Lcp).
Determination of Adeno-associated Virus Rep DNA Binding Using Fluorescence Anisotropy
Quantitative measurement of proteins binding to DNA is a requisite to fully characterize the structural determinants of complex formation necessary to understand the DNA transactions that regulate cellular processes. Here we describe a detailed protocol to measure binding affinity of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep68 protein for the integration site AAVS1 using fluorescent anisotropy. This protocol can be used to measure the binding constants of any DNA binding protein provided the substrate DNA is fluorescently labeled.
Chase Assay of Protein Stability in Haloferax volcanii
Highly regulated and targeted protein degradation plays a fundamental role in almost all cellular processes. Determination of the protein half-life by the chase assay serves as a powerful and popular strategy to compare the protein stability and study proteolysis pathways in cells. Here, we describe a chase assay in Haloferax volcanii, a halophilic archaeon as the model organism.
Molecular Biology
In silico Analysis and Site-directed Mutagenesis of Promoters
In normal as in cancerous cells, gene expression is tightly regulated by transcription factors, which are responsible for up- or down-regulation of thousands of targets involved in different cell processes. Transcription factors can directly regulate the expression of genes by binding to specific DNA sequences known as response elements. Identification of these response elements is important to characterize targets of transcription factors in order to understand their contribution to gene regulation. Here, we describe In silico analysis coupled to selected mutagenesis and promoter gene reporter assay procedures to identify and analyze response elements in the proximal promoter sequence of genes.
Plant Science
Extraction and Analysis of Carotenoids from Escherichia coli in Color Complementation Assays
A common method to investigate the function of genes putatively involved in carotenoid biosynthesis is the so called color complementation assay in Escherichia coli (see, e.g., Cunningham and Gantt, 2007). In this assay, the gene under investigation is expressed in E. coli strains genetically engineered to synthesize potential carotenoid substrates, followed by analysis of the pigment changes in the carotenogenic bacteria via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two crucial steps in this method are (i) the quantitative extraction of the carotenoids out of E. coli and (ii) the reproducible and complete separation of the pigments by HPLC. Here, we present a protocol for the extraction and analysis of carotenoids with a broad range of polarities from carotenogenic E. coli. The solvent mixture used for extraction keeps both the lipophilic carotenes and the more polar xanthophylls in solution and is compatible with the eluent gradient of the subsequent HPLC analysis. The C30-column used is particularly suitable for the separation of various cis-isomers of carotenoids, but also for separation of stereoisomers such as α- and β-carotene or lutein and zeaxanthin.
Xylem Sap Extraction Method from Hop Plants
Verticillium wilt is one of the most important diseases on hop that significantly influence continuation of production on affected areas. It is caused by the soil borne vascular pathogen Verticillium nonalfalfae, which infects plants through the roots and then advances through the vascular (xylem) system. During infection, V. nonalfalfae secretes many different virulence factors. Xylem sap of infected plants is therefore a rich source for investigating the molecules that are involved in molecular interactions of Verticillium – hop plants. This protocol provides instructions on how to infect hop plants with V. nonalfalfae artificially and how to obtain xylem sap from hop plants.
Ribosomal RNA N-glycosylase Activity Assay of Ribosome-inactivating Proteins
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are enzymes that irreversibly inactivate ribosomes as a consequence of their N-glycosylase (EC 3.2.2.22) activity. The enzyme cleaves the N-glycosidic bond between the adenine No. 4324 from the 28S rRNA and its ribose in rat ribosomes (or the equivalent adenine in sensitive ribosomes from other organisms). This adenine is located in the α-sarcin-ricin loop (SRL) that is crucial for anchoring the elongation factor (EF) G and EF2 on the ribosome during mRNA-tRNA translocation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. RIPs have been isolated mainly from plants and examples of these proteins are ricin or Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP). These proteins, either alone or as a part of immunotoxins, are useful tools for cancer therapy. The following protocol describes a method to detect the RNA fragment released when the RIP-treated apurinic RNA from rabbit reticulocyte lysate is incubated in the presence of acid aniline by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. The fragment released (Endo’s fragment) is diagnostic of the action of RIPs.
Rubisco Extraction and Purification from Diatoms
This protocol describes a method to extract ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) from diatoms (Bacillariophyta) to determine catalytic performance. This protocol has been adapted from use in cyanobacteria and higher plants (Andrews, 1988; Whitney and Sharwood, 2007). First part (steps A1-A3) of the extraction provides a crude extract of Rubisco that is sufficient for carboxylation assays to measure the Michaelis constant for CO2 (KC) and the catalytic turnover rate (kcatc). However, the further purification steps outlined (steps B1-B4) are needed for measurements of Rubisco CO2/O2 Specificity (SC/O, [Kane et al., 1994]).
Pathogenicity Assay of Verticillium nonalfalfae on Hop Plants
Verticillium nonalfalfae is a soil-borne plant pathogen that infects its hosts through roots. It spreads in the plant’s xylem and causes wilt disease symptoms by secreting different virulence factors. Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a primary host of V. nonalfalfae, so it is used as a model plant for studying this phytopathogenic fungus. Artificial infections of hop plants and disease scoring are prerequisites for studying the pathogen’s virulence/pathogenicity and its interaction with hop plants. In this protocol, we describe the root dipping inoculation method for conducting pathogenicity assay of V. nonalfalfae on hop plants.