Selective dye-labeling of newly synthesized proteins in bacterial cells

Kimberly E. Beatty, Fang Xie, Qian Wang, David A. Tirrell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

219 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe fluorescence labeling of newly synthesized proteins in Escherichia coli cells by means of Cu(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition between alkynyl amino acid side chains and the fluorogenic dye 3-azido-7-hydroxycoumarin. The method involves co-translational labeling of proteins by the non-natural amino acids homopropargylglycine (Hpg) or ethynylphenylalanine (Eth) followed by treatment with the dye. As a demonstration, the model protein barstar was expressed and treated overnight with Cu(I) and 3-azido-7-hydroxycoumarin. Examination of treated cells by confocal microscopy revealed that strong fluorescence enhancement was observed only for alkynyl-barstar treated with Cu(I) and the reactive dye. The cellular fluorescence was punctate, and gel electrophoresis confirmed that labeled barstar was localized in inclusion bodies. Other proteins showed little fluorescence. Examination of treated cells by fluorimetry demonstrated that cultures supplemented with Eth or Hpg showed an 8- to 14-fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity after labeling. Addition of a protein synthesis inhibitor reduced the emission intensity to levels slightly above background, confirming selective labeling of newly synthesized proteins in the bacterial cell.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)14150-14151
Number of pages2
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume127
Issue number41
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 19 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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