Abstract
Many DNA binding proteins are known to consist of a number of domains-discrete compact regions of a protein that often have distinct functional properties. Structural domains within a protein are generally indicated by limited proteolysis (see Chapter 13) and the existence of functional domains can often be tested by genetic experiments (e.g., “domain swapping”). In favorable cases, sequence homologies may also provide circumstantial evidence for domains. Once the existence of domains has been established, one may wish to express them in large quantities for structural analysis, for example, using X-ray crystallography or NMR. The domains may be more soluble than the intact protein, or have other physical properties that are advantageous. Because of their smaller size, structure determination is also likely to be more feasible. Limited proteolysis is an excellent analytical technique for the investigation of domain structure. However, it is inefficient for the large scale production of protein fragments. Cleavage is rarely at unique sites; often a number of proteolytic fragments are produced that may require extensive purification. For such studies, it is clearly an advantage to over-express the truncated proteins directly.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Guan, C., Li, P., Riggs, P. D., and Inouye, H. (1987) Vectors that facilitate the expression and purification of foreign peptides in E. coli by fusion to maltose binding protein. Gene 67,21–30.
Amann, E. and Brosius, J. (1985). ATG vectors for regulated high-level expression of cloned genes in E. coli. Gene 40, 183–190.
Nagai, K. L. and Thogerson, H. C. (1987) Synthesis and sequence specrfic proteolysis of hybrid proteins produced in E. coli. Meth. Enzymol. 153,461–481.
Kneale, G. G. (1983) Dissociation of the Pfl nucleoprotein assembly complex and characterisation of the DNA binding protein. Biochim. Biophys. Actu 739, 216–224.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1994 Humana Press Inc.
About this protocol
Cite this protocol
Fox, D.G., GeoffKineale, G. (1994). Cloning and Expression of DNA Binding Domains Using PCR. In: Geoff Kneale, G. (eds) DNA-Protein Interactions. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 30. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-256-6:169
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-256-6:169
Publisher Name: Humana Press
Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-256-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-517-4
eBook Packages: Springer Protocols