STAR Protocols (Dec 2023)

Protocol for quantifying the in vivo rate of protein degradation in mice using a pulse-chase technique

  • Jamie E. Hibbert,
  • Kent W. Jorgenson,
  • Wenyuan G. Zhu,
  • Nathaniel D. Steinert,
  • Troy A. Hornberger

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 4
p. 102574

Abstract

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Summary: The ability to measure the in vivo rate of protein degradation is a major limitation in numerous fields of biology. Here, we present a protocol for quantifying this rate in mice using a pulse-chase technique that utilizes an azide-bearing non-canonical amino acid called azidohomoalanine (AHA). We describe steps for using chow containing AHA to pulse-label the animal’s proteome. We then detail the quantification of AHA-labeled proteins in whole-tissue lysates or histological sections using a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition ‘click’ reaction.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Steinert et al. (2023).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

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