Method for electrophoretically separating membrane proteins

Abstract

The one and two-dimensional separation of proteins extending through the membrane (membrane proteins) is a prerequisite for a complete analysis of the proteome of a functionally intact cell organelle. A substantial drawback of prior art methods for separating is that their applicability is limited to peripheral water-soluble proteins. The aim of the novel method is to electrophoretically separate membrane proteins in one or two dimensions. To this end, membranes from cell organelles, whose membrane protein stock should be separated, are placed on planar supports whose surface was modified using suitable methods in such a manner that the membrane proteins maintain their ability to laterally diffuse in the membrane plane after being placed on the support. By subsequently applying electrical fields, the proteins can be electrophoretically displaced in the membrane plane and, as a result, can be separated in one or two dimensions according to their different charge characteristics.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.