Transient transfection and purification of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein from mammalian cells

STAR Protoc. 2022 Jul 15;3(3):101603. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101603. eCollection 2022 Sep 16.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein ectodomain purification can be challenging, with engineered and natural variations often resulting in lower yields. Here, we present a detailed transfection and purification protocol for the SARS-CoV-2 S ectodomain. We describe how to trace protein yields during purification using highly sensitive and characteristic changes in S ectodomain intrinsic fluorescence upon thermal denaturation. Additionally, we detail several optimized aspects of the purification including timing and temperature. This protocol facilitates consistent, high-quality preparations of the SARS-CoV-2 S ectodomain. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Stalls et al. (2022), Gobeil et al. (2022), Edwards et al. (2021), and Henderson et al. (2020).

Keywords: Biophysics; Microbiology; Protein Biochemistry; Protein expression and purification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Mammals / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus* / genetics
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2