University Chemistry ›› 2024, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (4): 351-360.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202310010

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Non-Site-Specific Fluorescent Labeling of Proteins as a Chemical Biology Experiment

Xinyi Hong, Tailing Xue, Zhou Xu, Enrong Xie, Mingkai Wu, Qingqing Wang, Lina Wu   

  1. National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (Xiamen University), College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian Province, China
  • Received:2023-10-09 Revised:2023-12-29 Published:2024-01-09

Abstract: This paper presents a chemical biology experiment designed to exploit the principle of covalent binding between fluorescein isothiocyanate and protein amines. This process is aimed at achieving non-site-specific fluorescent labeling of both extracellular proteins, exemplified by bovine serum albumin, and intracellular proteins, using Escherichia coli total protein as a case study. Gel filtration chromatography is employed as a subsequent purification method, with comprehensive characterization of the labeling results performed using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. This experiment encompasses a range of foundational and cutting-edge laboratory skills. It is closely aligned with the commonly employed antibody fluorescence labeling techniques in scientific research, presenting a moderate level of complexity. Participation in this experiment allows students to gain a profound understanding of fundamental concepts in chemical biology, enhance their comprehensive practical skills, broaden their research perspectives and nurture scientific thinking.

Key words: Non-site-specific fluorescent labeling, Protein, Fluorescein isothiocyanate, Chemical biology experiment