A comparison of weight average and direct boundary fitting of sedimentation velocity data for indefinite polymerizing systems

Analysis of sedimentation velocity data for indefinite self-associating systems is often achieved by fitting of weight average sedimentation coefficients ((s) over cap (20,w)). However, this method discriminates poorly between alternative models of association and is biased by the presence of inactive monomers and irreversible aggregates. Therefore, a more robust method for extracting the binding constants for indefinite self-associating systems has been developed. This approach utilizes a set of fitting routines (SedAnal) that perform global non-linear least squares fits of up to 10 sedimentation velocity experiments, corresponding to different loading concentrations, by a combination of finite element simulations and a fitting algorithm that uses a simplex convergence routine to search parameter space. Indefinite self-association is analyzed with the software program ISODESfitter, which incorporates user provided functions for sedimentation coefficients as a function of the degree of polymerization for spherical, linear and helical polymer models. The computer program HYDRO was used to generate the sedimentation coefficient values for the linear and helical polymer assembly mechanisms. Since this curve fitting method directly fits the shape of the sedimenting boundary, it is in principle very sensitive to alternative models and the presence of species not participating in the reaction. This approach is compared with traditional fitting of weight average data and applied to the initial stages of Mg2+-induced tubulin self-associating into small curved polymers, and vinblastine-induced tubulin spiral formation. The appropriate use and limitations of the methods are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.