A proteomics strategy to elucidate functional protein-protein interactions applied to EGF signaling

Nat Biotechnol. 2003 Mar;21(3):315-8. doi: 10.1038/nbt790. Epub 2003 Feb 10.

Abstract

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics can reveal protein-protein interactions on a large scale, but it has been difficult to separate background binding from functionally important interactions and still preserve weak binders. To investigate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, we employ stable isotopic amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to differentially label proteins in EGF-stimulated versus unstimulated cells. Combined cell lysates were affinity-purified over the SH2 domain of the adapter protein Grb2 (GST-SH2 fusion protein) that specifically binds phosphorylated EGFR and Src homologous and collagen (Shc) protein. We identified 228 proteins, of which 28 were selectively enriched upon stimulation. EGFR and Shc, which interact directly with the bait, had large differential ratios. Many signaling molecules specifically formed complexes with the activated EGFR-Shc, as did plectin, epiplakin, cytokeratin networks, histone H3, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored molecule CD59, and two novel proteins. SILAC combined with modification-based affinity purification is a useful approach to detect specific and functional protein-protein interactions.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Epidermal Growth Factor / chemistry*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / chemistry*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells / chemistry
  • HeLa Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Isotope Labeling / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Protein Binding
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • ErbB Receptors