Monoclonal Anti-MBP Tag

Maltose-Binding Protein (MBP) is a part of the maltose/maltodextrin system of Escherichia coli, which is responsible for the uptake and efficient catabolism of maltodextrins. It has an approximate molecular mass of 42.5 kilodaltons. MBP is used to increase the solubility of recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli. In these systems, the protein of interest is often expressed as a MBP-fusion protein, preventing aggregation of the protein of interest. In addition, MBP can itself be used as an affinity tag for purification of recombinant proteins. The fusion protein binds to amylose columns while all other proteins flow through. The MBP-protein fusion can be purified by eluting the column with maltose.

1. Claude V. Maina, Paul D. Riggs, Andres G. Grandea III, Barton E. Slatko, Laurie S. Moran, John A. Tagliamonte, Larry A. McReynolds, di Guan Chu. "An Escherichia coli vector to express and purify foreign proteins by fusion to and separation from maltose-binding protein" Gene Volume 74, Issue 2, 30 December 1988, Pages 365–373.