Home Cell Biology Isothermal Titration Calorimetry for Measuring Macromolecule-Ligand Affinity
Cell Biology JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry for Measuring Macromolecule-Ligand Affinity

DOI: 10.3791/2796-v
What you'll learn
  • Prepare biological macromolecule and ligand samples for ITC measurement
  • Execute isothermal titration calorimetry experiments to measure binding thermodynamics
  • Analyze ITC data to determine binding affinity and thermodynamic parameters
  • Interpret representative results from moderate-affinity biological systems
Protocol

A general protocol for the use of isothermal titration calorimetry to monitor the binding thermodynamics for biological systems with moderate binding affinities is presented.

Difficulty
intermediate
Total time
~2-4 hours per experiment (including sample prep and data collection)

Steps

1
Prepare macromolecule and ligand samples for ITC

Prepare biological macromolecules and ligands with appropriate concentrations and buffer conditions. Ensure samples are properly degassed and free of particulates before loading into the ITC instrument.

▶ 01:06
2
Load samples and configure ITC experiment parameters

Load the macromolecule into the sample cell and ligand into the syringe. Set experimental parameters including temperature, injection volume, and timing to monitor binding thermodynamics.

▶ 02:34
3
Analyze raw ITC data and extract binding parameters

Process raw calorimetric data to determine binding affinity (Kd), stoichiometry (n), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS) values. Use integrated peak analysis and curve fitting to characterize macromolecule-ligand interactions.

▶ 05:46
4
Evaluate representative ITC results and interpretation

Review typical ITC thermograms and binding isotherms from moderate-affinity biological systems. Interpret results to understand binding thermodynamics and validate experimental methodology.

▶ 07:20
💬 Comments coming soon