Determination of the Molecular Mass of Membrane Proteins Using Size-Exclusion Chromatography with Multiangle Laser Light Scattering (SEC-MALLS ).

Size-exclusion chromatography coupled to multiangle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) is the perfect method to determine the oligomeric state of membrane proteins as this method works in solution and is totally independent from prior assumptions such as detergent-to-protein ratio or the shape of the protein. In a relatively short time (ca. 30 min), the molecular mass and quality of a membrane protein preparation can be determined. Here, I provide a detailed protocol on how to perform a SEC-MALLS run and show exemplary chromatograms and their analysis.