Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are specimens widely used in proteomic studies. Although mammalian cells are often the preferred sample type in biopharma applications (e.g., chemoproteomics-based drug discovery), bacterial and yeast cells are frequently examined in proteomic analysis, for example, when used as host cells for drug production.

Cell lysis is the initial step in protein extraction for breaking down cellular structures to release cell content, and efficient cell lysis is crucial for a successful proteomic analysis.

Scientists have the option to choose from different techniques to optimize protein yield and enhance extract quality for each cell type. Mammalian cells are surrounded only by a plasma membrane and, therefore, comparatively easier to lyse; detergent- or enzyme-based lysis is often sufficient. Bacterial or yeast cells, however, have an additional cell wall for structure and rigidity, requiring mechanical techniques like sonication and grinding for lysis.

Even for easily lysed mammalian cells, researchers should also consider mechanical homogenization techniques since they facilitate the extraction of proteins from various subcellular compartments and evenly distribute proteins in the sample. This minimizes sample-to-sample variations and guarantees the extracted proteins are suitable for following steps like enzymatic digestion and peptide clean-up before LC-MS measurements.

BeatBox® efficiently lyses prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells alike to produce high-quality protein extracts. These homogenates are optimal starting materials for subsequent downstream sample preparation steps to ensure reproducible results in bottom-up proteomics analyses and obtain deep proteome coverage.

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