DIGE-Based Phosphoproteomic Analysis.

Here, we describe a detailed step-by-step protocol for the detection of phosphoproteins in two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) gels. A standard 2D-DIGE protocol is combined with subsequent post-staining with phosphospecific fluorescent dye. The combination of these two methods complements 2D-DIGE-based proteome profiling by fluorescence detection of phosphoproteins in the same gel providing additional possibility for sensitive and accurate quantification of the differentially regulated phosphoproteins in biological samples.

DIGE-Based Phosphoproteomic Analysis.

Here, we describe the detailed step-by-step protocol for detection of phosphoproteins in two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) gels. A standard DIGE protocol is combined with subsequent post-staining with phosphospecific fluorescent dye. The combination of these two methods complements DIGE-based proteome profiling by fluorescence detection of phosphoproteins in the same gel providing additional possibility for sensitive and accurate quantification of the differentially regulated phosphoproteins in biological samples.

Latex beads internalization and quantitative proteomics join forces to decipher the endosomal proteome.

The proteome analysis of endocytic compartments has been constrained by the limited purity of the organelle fractions obtained by current biochemical methods. Duclos and coworkers have developed a novel method to isolate highly purified endosomal organelles based on small latex beads internalization followed by gradient centrifugation and successfully combined it with a redundant peptide counting method to compare the relative abundance of proteins in organelles. The presence of bona fide markers in their respective subcellular organelles and the identification of several new endosomal-associated proteins, attested the applicability of their combinatory approach. Future applications of this strategy may deliver a comprehensive endosomal proteome chart: from the identification of the key players to the determination of time and signaling-dependent proteome changes. As a long-term perspective, such an approach may unveil new clues to the molecular mechanisms underlining human diseases associated with endosomal biogenesis defects.

Proteomics profiling of microdissected low- and high-grade prostate tumors identifies Lamin A as a discriminatory biomarker.

Proteomics screening methods for the identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancer are still lagging behind DNA- or RNA-based analysis. We used two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) in combination with laser capture microdissection (LCM) and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry to determine differentially abundant proteins and candidate biomarkers in prostate cancer. Paired (benign and tumor) samples were isolated from 23 Gleason Score 6 (GS 6) and 23 Gleason Score 8 and higher (GS 8+) radical prostatectomy specimens and subjected to 2D-DIGE analysis. Minimal fluorescent dye labeling was applied and electrophoresis performed with triple samples (paired benign and tumor; internal control) for each case of tumor. Nineteen differently abundant proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and further validated. One half of them were associated with glycolysis and the Warburg effect; these were upregulated in tumors. The upregulation correlated with tumor dedifferentiation and might be relevant for selection of therapeutic strategies. Among the other proteins, heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) was significantly upregulated in tumor tissue compared to its benign counterpart. Furthermore, lamin A was statistically highly discriminatory between low and high Gleason score tumors and might serve as a new biomarker of tumor differentiation and prognosis.

Isolation of endocitic organelles by density gradient centrifugation.

Advanced prefractionation strategies, in combination with highly sensitive and accurate mass spectrometers provide powerful means to detect and analyze low abundant proteins on the subcellular and organelle-specific level. Among enrichment techniques, subcellular fractionation has become the most commonly used. Its application gives access to less complex subproteomes and organelle constituents, facilitating downstream analysis. Furthermore, subcellular fractionation allows the identification of proteins that shuttle between different subcellular compartments in a stimulus dependent manner. As a paradigm of subcellular organelle isolation, we describe here endosomal purification protocols, based on differential centrifugation in continuous and discontinuous sucrose gradients. Described methods can be easily modified to isolate other organelles and are compatible with subsequent organelle- and functional organelle proteome analyses by, e.g., two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Subcellular fractionation.

The successful combination of highly sensitive mass spectrometry and pre-fractionation techniques has provided a powerful tool to detect dynamic changes in low abundant regulatory proteins at the organelle level. Subcellular fractionation, being flexible, adjustable (both in cell and tissues), and allowing the analysis of proteins in their physiologic/intracellular context, has become the most commonly used preparative/enrichment method. This chapter introduces state-of-the-art subcellular fractionation protocols and briefly discuss their suitability, advantages, and limitations.