Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)

Epigenetic regulation is based on specific molecular interactions between epigenetic reader, writer and eraser molecules and chromatin. Binding parameters of these interactions such as binding affinities, stoichiometries and thermodynamics are essential for the understanding of the establishment and...

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Main Authors: Thomas Schubert, Gernot Längst
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AIMS Press 2015-08-01
Series:AIMS Biophysics
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.aimspress.com/biophysics/article/392/fulltext.html
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author Thomas Schubert
Gernot Längst
author_facet Thomas Schubert
Gernot Längst
author_sort Thomas Schubert
collection DOAJ
description Epigenetic regulation is based on specific molecular interactions between epigenetic reader, writer and eraser molecules and chromatin. Binding parameters of these interactions such as binding affinities, stoichiometries and thermodynamics are essential for the understanding of the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic networks. The MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) is a rapid and precise method to characterize epigenetic interactions in solution at microliter scale, requiring low concentrations of the potential interactors. The technology is based on the movement of molecules through temperature gradients, a physical effect referred to as thermophoresis. The thermophoretic movement of a molecule depends on its size, charge and hydration shell. Upon the interaction of two molecules, at least one of these parameters is altered, leading to a change in the movement behavior, which can be used to quantify molecular interactions. MST offers free choice of buffers, also allowing measurements in serum and crude extracts, thereby ensuring optimal reaction conditions. Binding affinities from pM to mM can be measured, perfectly suited to analyze protein/protein, protein/modified peptide and protein/nucleic acid interactions in epigenetics. This review demonstrates the potential of this rapid and versatile technology in the characterization of epigenetic modifiers.
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spelling doaj.art-330905da3ddd40a3a802ed7fde754d5e2022-12-22T02:07:59ZengAIMS PressAIMS Biophysics2377-90982015-08-012337038010.3934/biophy.2015.3.370201503370Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)Thomas Schubert0Gernot Längst12bind GmbH, Josef Engertstraße 13, 93053 Regensburg, GermanyBiochemie III, Universität Regensburg, Universitätstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, GermanEpigenetic regulation is based on specific molecular interactions between epigenetic reader, writer and eraser molecules and chromatin. Binding parameters of these interactions such as binding affinities, stoichiometries and thermodynamics are essential for the understanding of the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic networks. The MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) is a rapid and precise method to characterize epigenetic interactions in solution at microliter scale, requiring low concentrations of the potential interactors. The technology is based on the movement of molecules through temperature gradients, a physical effect referred to as thermophoresis. The thermophoretic movement of a molecule depends on its size, charge and hydration shell. Upon the interaction of two molecules, at least one of these parameters is altered, leading to a change in the movement behavior, which can be used to quantify molecular interactions. MST offers free choice of buffers, also allowing measurements in serum and crude extracts, thereby ensuring optimal reaction conditions. Binding affinities from pM to mM can be measured, perfectly suited to analyze protein/protein, protein/modified peptide and protein/nucleic acid interactions in epigenetics. This review demonstrates the potential of this rapid and versatile technology in the characterization of epigenetic modifiers.http://www.aimspress.com/biophysics/article/392/fulltext.htmlepigeneticsmolecular interactionsbinding affinityMicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
spellingShingle Thomas Schubert
Gernot Längst
Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
AIMS Biophysics
epigenetics
molecular interactions
binding affinity
MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
title Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
title_full Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
title_fullStr Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
title_full_unstemmed Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
title_short Studying epigenetic interactions using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
title_sort studying epigenetic interactions using microscale thermophoresis mst
topic epigenetics
molecular interactions
binding affinity
MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST)
url http://www.aimspress.com/biophysics/article/392/fulltext.html
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