protein chip

protein chip

A tool for evaluating very large numbers of proteins (e.g., the entire proteome of an organism) using DNA microarray technology. Uses include the evaluation of interactions between proteins and other molecules; the development of new drugs; and the diagnosis of diseases, such as immunological disorders, in which small concentrations of abnormal proteins or antigens occur in body fluids.

protein chip

an orderly arrangement of proteins, immobilized as spots on a matrix at precise locations, to form an array, analogous to DNA CHIP/MICROARRAY. Protein chips can be fabricated by robotically depositing proteins/antibodies on to the surface of a microscope slide. A labelled (see LABEL protein sample, which may contain many analyte proteins, can be applied to the chip. After incubation sample proteins that bind to their capture proteins on the chip can be detected and identified by locating the position/intensity of the label, for example fluorescence. A protein chip allows thousands of proteins to be studied simultaneously. It can be used, for example, for profiling proteins in cells under different conditions and for studying protein-protein and protein-small molecule interactions (see PROTEOMICS).