The two-hybrid method facilitates the discovery of protein–protein interactions. How does this technique work? Can you think of reasons for obtaining a false-positive result, that is, where the proteins encoded by two clones interact in the two-hybrid system but do not interact in the organism in which they naturally occur? Can you think of reasons you might obtain a false-negative result, in which the two proteins interact in vivo but fail to interact in the two-hybrid system?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the two-hybrid method: This technique is used to detect protein–protein interactions by expressing two proteins of interest as fusion proteins in a host cell, typically yeast. One protein is fused to a DNA-binding domain (the 'bait'), and the other is fused to a transcriptional activation domain (the 'prey'). If the two proteins interact, the DNA-binding and activation domains come together to activate transcription of a reporter gene, indicating interaction.
2. Step 2: Consider the mechanism of detection: The interaction between bait and prey proteins reconstitutes a functional transcription factor that binds to a specific promoter upstream of a reporter gene. The expression of this reporter gene (e.g., lacZ or HIS3) provides a measurable readout of protein interaction.
3. Step 3: Identify reasons for false-positive results: False positives can occur if the bait or prey proteins autonomously activate transcription without interacting, if the fusion proteins misfold or aggregate, or if the interaction occurs only in the artificial environment of the assay but not in the natural cellular context. Additionally, overexpression of proteins can force non-physiological interactions.
4. Step 4: Identify reasons for false-negative results: False negatives may arise if the fusion proteins do not fold properly or localize correctly in the host cell, if post-translational modifications required for interaction are missing, or if the interaction depends on additional cofactors or cellular conditions absent in the assay system. Also, steric hindrance from the fusion domains can prevent interaction.
5. Step 5: Summarize the importance of controls: To validate results, it is essential to include controls such as testing bait and prey alone for autoactivation, using known interacting and non-interacting protein pairs, and confirming interactions with complementary methods to reduce false positives and negatives.

Key Concepts

Yeast Two-Hybrid System

The yeast two-hybrid system is a molecular biology technique used to detect protein–protein interactions by expressing two proteins of interest as fusion proteins in yeast. One protein is fused to a DNA-binding domain, and the other to a transcriptional activation domain. Interaction between the proteins reconstitutes a functional transcription factor, activating a reporter gene and indicating interaction.

False-Positive Results in Two-Hybrid Assays

False positives occur when proteins appear to interact in the assay but do not interact naturally. This can happen due to overexpression, non-physiological conditions, or interactions mediated by the fusion tags or yeast-specific factors, leading to artificial or indirect interactions not present in the native cellular environment.

False-Negative Results in Two-Hybrid Assays

False negatives arise when proteins that interact in vivo fail to show interaction in the assay. Reasons include improper folding or localization of fusion proteins, absence of necessary post-translational modifications, or the requirement of additional cofactors or cellular conditions not replicated in the yeast system.