An enhanced recombinant amino-terminal acetylation system and novel in vivo high-throughput screen for molecules affecting α-synuclein oligomerisation

Amino-terminal acetylation is a ubiquitous protein modification affecting the majority of eukaryote proteins to regulate stability and function. We describe an optimised recombinant expression system for rapid production of amino terminal-acetylated proteins within bacteria. We go on to describe the system's use in a fluorescence based in vivo assay for use in the high-throughput screen to identify drugs that impact amino-terminal acetylation-dependent oligomerisation. These new tools and protocols will allow researchers to enhance routine recombinant protein production and identify new molecules for use in research and clinical applications.