Lane 1: MW markers; Lane 2: IL4R - Fc Chimera; Lane 3: IL4R - Fc Chimera treated with PNGase F to remove potential N-linked glycans; Lane 4: IL4R - Fc Chimera treated with a glycosidase cocktail to remove potential N- and O-linked glycans. Approximately 5 µg of protein was loaded per lane; Gel was stained using Coomassie. Drop in MW after treatment with PNGase F indicates presence of N-linked glycans. Additional bands in lane 3 and lane 4 are glycosidase enzymes.
Post-translational modifications result in protein heterogeneity. The densitometry scan demonstrates the purified human cell expressed protein exists in multiple isoforms, which differ according to their level of post-translational modification. Expression of these isoforms is highly significant for cell biology, as they more closely resemble the native human proteins. The triangle indicates theoretical pI and MW of the protein.