Western Blotting Protocol

Lysate preparation

Lysate preparation will depend of the source of cells (Monolayer, Cell suspension or Tissue samples). In general, Cells are washed with cold 1xPBS, subsequently lysed with an appropriate buffer (i.e. RIPA buffer) containing freshly added protease inhibitors. Passed through a 21G needle to shear the DNA and then centrifuged at 10K rpm for 10min at 4°C. discarding the pellet. Determining the Protein concentration by BCA assay from Pierce.

Mix samples 1:1 ratio with 2x Sample loading buffer (Sigma S-3401) (10-60ug whole cell Lysate, 10-20µg nuclear extract, or 10-20ng purified protein per lane), and then boil the sample for 4 min. Unused samples can be stored at -20°C for up to several months.

Protein Separation and Detection

Separate protein samples and molecular weight markers by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Transfer protein samples from polyacrylamide gel onto nitrocellulose membrane using an electroblotting apparatus according to manufacturer’s protocols.

Block the nitrocellulose membrane for at least one hour at room temperature or overnight at 4°C on a rocking platform with TBST 5% non-fat dry milk solution using about 1 mL per cm2 of membrane.

Wash the nitrocellulose membrane 5 times in TBST for 10 minutes each on a rocking platform.

Incubate the nitrocellulose membrane for 60 minutes on a rocking platform with primary antibody diluted in TBST, 5% milk.

Wash the nitrocellulose membrane 5 times in TBST for 10 minutes each on a rocking platform.

Visualization

Incubate with second antibody enzyme conjugate diluted in 5% non-fat dry milk TBST for 60 minutes on a rocking platform. (Please see secondary antibody manufacturer’s recommendations for appropriate dilution)

Wash the nitrocellulose membrane 5 times in TBST for 10 minutes each on a rocking platform.

From our experience when using secondary Antibody conjugated to HRP, we recommend the use of SuperSignal West Femto Maximum Sensitivity Substrate from Pierce, when faced with a low expression of proteins in the Lysate.

A beginning exposure time of 30 seconds is recommended. This should be adjusted either longer or shorter depending on results obtained.