We describe a rapid analytical assay for identification of proteins binding to specific DNA sequences. The DAPSTER assay (DNA affinity preincubation specificity test of recognition assay) is a DNA affinity chromatography-based microassay that can discriminate between specific and nonspecific protein-DNA interactions. The assay is sensitive and can detect protein-DNA interactions and larger multicomponent complexes that can be missed by other analytical methods. Here we describe in detail the optimization and utilization of the DAPSTER assay to isolate AP-1 complexes and associated proteins in multimeric complexes bound to the AP-1 DNA element.
(c)2001 Elsevier Science.