Isolation of Integral Membrane Proteins and Criteria for Identifying Carrier Proteins

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that in recent years biological membranes have become the object of intensive study because of an increasing awareness of their importance in the biology of the cell. The central role played by the protein components of membranes has been recognized, but progress in the isolation of these proteins, particularly integral membrane proteins, has been slow. Only a few examples are known of intrinsic membrane proteins that have been thoroughly purified and characterized. The chapter aims to survey the methodology available for the purification of membrane proteins. Techniques appropriate to the purification of integral membrane proteins those, which interact with the hydrophobic region of the phospholipid bilayer are the main object of consideration because extrinsic membrane proteins, once solubilked, can generally be purified by the methods that have been devised for the separation of water-soluble proteins. There is considerable literature on the solubilization and fractionation of individual membranes and proteins. The chapter intends to provide a general survey of the methods that have been used in the isolation of membrane proteins and to consider the advantages and limitations in their use.