A protocol to measure slow protein dynamics of the cholera toxin B pentamers using broadband dielectric spectroscopy

Abstract

Summary: The present protocol describes how to measure experimentally the slow protein dynamics that take place upon the thermal unfolding of the B subunit cholera toxin pentamers using broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) in weakly hydrated and nanoconfined conditions. Transient unfolding intermediates, rarely identified otherwise, are revealed thanks to the B subunit's remarkable heat resistance up to 180°C and distinct molecular dynamics. The frequencies detected experimentally are consistent with the spatiotemporal scales of motions of molecular dynamics simulation.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Bourgeat et al. (2021, 2019). : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Biophysics
• Protein Biochemistry
• Structural Biology