Protein quality control for downstream processes

Course overview

Purified proteins are used in various types of scientific experiments and fields. For example, in structural biology insights into the functional mechanisms can be obtained by elucidating the 3D molecular structure of proteins and protein complexes using technologies such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM and NMR. In biochemistry and biophysics, interactions with other proteins, nucleic acids and small molecules can be studied by determining affinities and specificities. Proteins can function as antigens to generate specific antibodies or as reagents in cell biology experiments. Furthermore, recombinant proteins can be used as tool molecules in genomics, chemical biology and microscopy assays. In order for these experiments to produce reliable and biologically relevant results, they must be performed using high-quality proteins that are active, properly folded, in the right oligomeric state and contain correctly inserted co-factors. Ensuring that these parameters are fulfilled requires quality control.

In this course, we want to help the participants to become acquainted with the concept of protein quality control and provide them with an overview of the specific protein requirements for various downstream applications. Different techniques that can be applied for this purpose will be introduced and participants will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with these technologies.

Audience

This course is aimed at life-science researchers of all levels, who are using or plan to use purified proteins in their wet-lab experiments, but who do not necessarily have a strong background in protein production and characterisation methods. We will focus on introducing protein quality control methodologies in order to improve the reliability and reproducibility of data obtained from experiments that make use of purified proteins. After this course, participants should be familiar with the biochemical and biophysical techniques that can be applied to ensure that they are working with high-quality protein samples suitable for the planned downstream experiments.

What past participants say about the course

“This advanced course was my first “live” experience at the EMBL and it was superb. It was packed with great lectures, state-of-the-art technology, fruitful discussions, and beautiful people. The course was also a great opportunity to meet new people and expand your network. Highly recommend and I will definitely attend the next event.” – Klemen Mezgec, National Institute of Chemistry Ljubljana, Slovenia

Please see EMBL’s COVID-19 safety recommendations for testing and other requirements to attend this on-site course.

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