Biomaterial Database

Filter-binding assay for analysis of RNA-protein interactions. 2012

Donald C Rio

One of the oldest and simplest (and still very useful) methods for detecting RNA-protein interactions is the filter-binding assay. If a mixture of RNA and protein is passed through a nitrocellulose filter, the protein will be retained and the RNA will pass through. But if the protein is capable of binding RNA, then RNA will be retained on the filter as well. This protocol requires a purified protein (or chromatographic fractions) of interest and (32)P-labeled RNA. To perform the assay, the protein sample is serially diluted to several concentrations. It is then mixed with a fixed amount of radioactive RNA and allowed to bind under desired conditions for 30-60 min. The binding reactions are then applied to a 96-well dot-blot apparatus with low vacuum to trap the complexes on three membranes: The top membrane traps aggregates, the middle membrane (nitrocellulose) binds proteins and RNA-protein complexes, and the bottom membrane (which is charged) collects free RNA. After washing and drying, the membranes are exposed to phosphor-imaging screens for quantitation. Alternatively, single, larger filters (that can be counted in a scintillation counter) and a filter manifold can be used.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007553	Isotope Labeling	Techniques for labeling a substance with a stable or radioactive isotope. It is not used for articles involving labeled substances unless the methods of labeling are substantively discussed. Tracers that may be labeled include chemical substances, cells, or microorganisms.	Isotope Labeling, Stable,Isotope-Coded Affinity Tagging,Isotopically-Coded Affinity Tagging,Affinity Tagging, Isotope-Coded,Affinity Tagging, Isotopically-Coded,Isotope Coded Affinity Tagging,Labeling, Isotope,Labeling, Stable Isotope,Stable Isotope Labeling,Tagging, Isotope-Coded Affinity,Tagging, Isotopically-Coded Affinity
D008851	Micropore Filters	A membrane or barrier with micrometer sized pores used for separation purification processes.	Millipore Filters,Filter, Micropore,Filter, Millipore,Filters, Micropore,Filters, Millipore,Micropore Filter,Millipore Filter
D010761	Phosphorus Radioisotopes	Unstable isotopes of phosphorus that decay or disintegrate emitting radiation. P atoms with atomic weights 28-34 except 31 are radioactive phosphorus isotopes.	Radioisotopes, Phosphorus
D011485	Protein Binding	The process in which substances, either endogenous or exogenous, bind to proteins, peptides, enzymes, protein precursors, or allied compounds. Specific protein-binding measures are often used as assays in diagnostic assessments.	Plasma Protein Binding Capacity,Binding, Protein
D003101	Collodion	A nitrocellulose solution in ether and alcohol. Collodion has a wide range of uses in industry including applications in the manufacture of photographic film, in fibers, in lacquers, and in engraving and lithography. In medicine it is used as a drug solvent and a wound sealant.	Nitrocellulose,Celloidin,Cellulose Nitrate,Collodion Cotton,Pyroxylin,Cotton, Collodion,Nitrate, Cellulose
D000327	Adsorption	The adhesion of gases, liquids, or dissolved solids onto a surface. It includes adsorptive phenomena of bacteria and viruses onto surfaces as well. ABSORPTION into the substance may follow but not necessarily.	Adsorptions
D012313	RNA	A polynucleotide consisting essentially of chains with a repeating backbone of phosphate and ribose units to which nitrogenous bases are attached. RNA is unique among biological macromolecules in that it can encode genetic information, serve as an abundant structural component of cells, and also possesses catalytic activity. (Rieger et al., Glossary of Genetics: Classical and Molecular, 5th ed)	RNA, Non-Polyadenylated,Ribonucleic Acid,Gene Products, RNA,Non-Polyadenylated RNA,Acid, Ribonucleic,Non Polyadenylated RNA,RNA Gene Products,RNA, Non Polyadenylated
D016601	RNA-Binding Proteins	Proteins that bind to RNA molecules. Included here are RIBONUCLEOPROTEINS and other proteins whose function is to bind specifically to RNA.	Double-Stranded RNA-Binding Protein,Double-Stranded RNA-Binding Proteins,ds RNA-Binding Protein,RNA-Binding Protein,ds RNA-Binding Proteins,Double Stranded RNA Binding Protein,Double Stranded RNA Binding Proteins,Protein, Double-Stranded RNA-Binding,Protein, ds RNA-Binding,RNA Binding Protein,RNA Binding Proteins,RNA-Binding Protein, Double-Stranded,RNA-Binding Protein, ds,RNA-Binding Proteins, Double-Stranded,ds RNA Binding Protein