The Penn State Protein Ladders: An Inexpensive Source of Protein Molecular Weight Markers Appropriate For Both Coomassie Staining and Western Blotting
Open Access
Author:
Santilli, Ryan Thomas
Area of Honors:
Biology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Song Tan, Thesis Supervisor Bernhard Luscher, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Recombinant Protein Molecular Weight Markers SDS-PAGE Western blot
Abstract:
Although protein molecular weight markers are among the most commonly used reagents in molecular biology laboratories, simple and inexpensive means to produce such markers are lacking. We have therefore designed and prepared recombinant proteins of defined molecular weights from 10 to 150 kDa that migrate appropriately on SDS-PAGE gel. Each protein was selected for high level expression in E. coli and contains a HIS-tag for efficient metal-affinity purification. In addition to detection by Coomassie or silver staining, each protein contains an IgG binding domain and is therefore visible on Western blots without specific second antibodies. The Penn State protein ladder system provides an inexpensive method to produce protein molecular weight markers for the research laboratory.
