Screening of Buffers and Additives for Protein Stabilization by Thermal Shift Assay: A Practical Approach

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Thermal shift assay (TSA), also commonly designed by differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) or ThermoFluor, is a technique relatively easy to implement and perform, useful in a myriad of applications. In addition to versatility, it is also rather inexpensive, making it suitable for high-throughput approaches. TSA uses a fluorescent dye to monitor the thermal denaturation of the protein under study and determine its melting temperature (Tm). One of its main applications is to identify the best buffers and additives that enhance protein stability. Understanding the TSA operating mode and the main methodological steps is a central key to designing effective experiments and retrieving meaningful conclusions. This chapter intends to present a straightforward TSA protocol, with different troubleshooting tips, to screen effective protein stabilizers such as buffers and additives, as well as data treatment and analysis. TSA results provide conditions in which the protein of interest is stable and therefore suitable to carry out further biophysical and structural characterization.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvanced Methods in Structural Biology
EditorsÂngela Sousa, Luís Passarinha
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherHumana Press
Pages199-213
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-0716-3147-8
ISBN (Print)978-1-0716-3146-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
PublisherHumana Press
Volume2652
ISSN (Print)1064-3745
ISSN (Electronic)1940-6029

Keywords

  • Additive screening
  • Buffer screening
  • Protein thermostability
  • Structural and biophysical protein characterization
  • Thermal shift assay (TSA)

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