Application of recombinant technology in protein investigations

Abstract

A major breakthrough of modern biology is the development of recombinant technology which allows specific genes to be cloned and expressed in recombinant or chimeric forms in order to isolate or detect the defined products. Such technology is particularly useful in protein investigation. It not only helps to isolate target proteins from their natural complicated context and identify function, but also provides distinct and detectable means to track the protein activity in vivo. The current chapter covers a number of methodologies to isolate or detect gene products of interest, including recombinant protein purification and analysis, enzymatic reporter assays and fluorescent tag detection. The chapter is formalized with various research aspects, concrete experiments, step-by-step procedures, and notes dealing with possible problems. It is expected that this informative and practical manual will be applicable as a basic guide for readers.