Array MAPPIT: High-Throughput Interactome Analysis in Mammalian Cells

Physical interactions between proteins play a key role in probably every cellular process. Efforts to chart the protein interaction networks are ongoing in a number of model organisms using a diversity of approaches. The resulting genome-wide interaction maps will provide a scaffold for further detailed functional analysis. We developed MAPPIT, a mammalian two-hybrid approach that allows identification and analysis of mammalian protein-protein interactions in their native environment. Here, we introduce an efficient MAPPIT assay that permits high-throughput screening of arrayed collections of proteins and complements a previously published cDNA library screening approach. We validated both methods in screens for interaction partners of the Cullin-based E3 ubiquitin ligase subunits SKP1 and Elongin C. In addition to a number of known interactors, novel SKP1 and Elongin C binding proteins were identified. The array assay is an important addition to the MAPPIT suite of technologies that is expected to significantly increase its utility as a toolbox to screen for novel interactors of proteins or small molecules.