A Method for Observing Protein-protein Interaction

Abstract

A method is proposed for observation of the interaction between charged macro-molecules such as proteins. The method is based on the fact that the pK of an ionizable reporter group attached to a macromolecule can be altered by the electro-static effect of another charged macromolecule which associates with the former. The effectiveness of the method was shown in the study of the association of bovine serum albumin with hen egg lysozyme [EC 3. 2. 1. 17]. The errors inherent in this method in obtaining the equilibrium constant of the association reaction and procedures for their correction are discussed.