Purification of Low-Complexity Domain Proteins FUS, EWSR1, and Their Fusions

FET proteins are large multifunctional proteins that have several key roles in biology. The FET family of proteins, including FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15, play critical roles in transcription regulation, RNA processing, and DNA damage repair. These multifunctional RNA- and DNA-binding proteins are ubiquitously expressed and conserved across vertebrate species. They contain low-complexity (LC) domains that allow them to assemble and phase separate but also makes the proteins prone to aggregation. Aberrations in FET proteins, such as point mutations, aggregation, or translocations leading to fusion proteins, have been implicated in several pathologies, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Ewing sarcoma. In vitro study of FET proteins is hampered by their propensity to aggregate, their disordered structure, and their susceptibility to proteolysis, making high-yield production difficult. Here, we present optimized methods for the purification of full-length FUS, EWSR1, and their fusion proteins. These protocols enable researchers to overcome issues related to aggregation and solubility, facilitating biochemical and biophysical studies of these critical yet complex proteins.