Binding Isotherms of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate to Protein Polypeptides with Special Reference to SDS-polyacylamide Gel Electrophoresis

To clarify the mode of interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and protein polypeptides with special reference to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the binding of SDS to several protein polypeptides was investigated by the equilibrium dialysis technique. Each of the binding isotherms was characterized by the presence of two phases: an initial gradual increase in the amount of binding to 0.3-0.6 g/g (first phase) and a subsequent steep increase to 1.2-1.5 g/g (second phase). The binding was completed at a concentration of SDS below the critical micelle concentration. Throughout the first and second phases, the isotherms obtained were different for each kind of protein. On the basis of experiments with bovine serum albumin and ribonuclease (EC 3.1.4.22], the isotherms were profoundly affected by the method used for modification of the sulfhydryl groups. The claim of Reynolds and Tanford (Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. U.S., 66, 1002 (1970)) that the isotherms are virtually identical for many kinds of proteins was not supported by the present data. Changes in the gross and local conformations were examined with reference to the isotherms by measurements of CD spectrum, free boundary electrophoresis, and gel filtration. The results obtained were collectively interpreted based on the model of SDS-protein polypeptide complexes proposed by the present authors (J. Biochem., 75, 309 (1974)).