As the scientific community strives to make published research ever more transparent and reliable, the quality of biological reagents used comes into focus. One category of such reagents that requires much stricter quality controls are recombinant proteins. As reported recently in Nature [1], there is a real concern in the scientific community about the problem of irreproducible results. Examples of typical quality issues with recombinant proteins will be presented, along some results as to how this affects the reliability of the intended downstream application.
In order to improve the reliability and reproducibility of data using purified proteins in life science research, a group of professionals involved in protein purification and protein characterization (in particular molecular biophysics) from both the ARBRE-MOBIEU (Association of Resources for Biophysical Research in Europe – MOlecular BIophysics in EUrope) and P4EU (Protein Production and Purification Partnership in Europe) networks have drafted guidelines for improved quality control (QC).
These guidelines, consisting of (i) minimal information to be provided about the protein identity, production parameters and long-term stability, (ii) a minimal set of quality tests for purity, homogeneity and identity, and (iii) some further recommendations (concerning e.g. DNA contamination, “spectral and thermal denaturation signatures”, homogeneity, “competent fraction”, storage conditions, batch-to-batch reproducibility, etc.) for tests based on the intended application of the proteins will be presented.
Furthermore, over a one-year period, the networks have attempted to evaluate the impact of these guidelines by correlating the levels of QC applied to given samples with the success and reproducibility of downstream experiments. The results indicate that QC guideline implementation can facilitate both experimental reliability and protein quality optimization. It seems, therefore, that investing in protein QC is advantageous to all the stakeholders in life sciences (researchers, editors and funding agencies alike) by improving data veracity and minimizing loss of valuable time and resources.
Spreker: Andre Matagne, Uliege
Dit webinar vindt plaats op donderdag 22 april om 10:00 uur
