OS-FRET: a new one-sample method for improved FRET measurements

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful tool for studying macromolecular assemblies in vitro under near-physiological conditions. Here we present a new type of one-sample FRET (OS-FRET) method employing a novel, nonfluorescent methanethiosulfonate-linked acceptor that can be reversibly coupled to a target sulfhydryl residue via a disulfide bond. After the quenched donor emission is quantitated, the acceptor is removed by reduction, allowing measurement of unquenched donor emission in the same sample. Previous one-sample methods provide distinct advantages in specific FRET applications. The new OS-FRET method is a generalizable spectrochemical approach that can be applied to macromolecular systems lacking essential disulfide bonds and eliminates the potential systematic errors of some earlier one-sample methods. In addition, OS-FRET enables quantitative FRET measurements in virtually any fluorescence spectrometer or detection device. Compared to conventional multisample FRET methods, OS-FRET conserves sample, increases the precision of data, and shortens the time per measurement. The utility of the method is illustrated by its application to a protein complex of known structure formed by CheW and the P4-P5 fragment of CheA, both from Thermotoga maritima. The findings confirm the practicality and advantages of OS-FRET. Anticipated applications of OS-FRET include analysis of macromolecular structure, binding and conformational dynamics, and high-throughput screening for interactions and inhibitors.