Metabolic labeling of prenyl and carboxyl-methyl groups.

This unit provides protocols for prenylation and carboxy-methylation of proteins in cultured cells. These modifications often accompany fatty acid acylation. Cultured cells can be labeled biosynthetically using radiolabeled mevalonate, a precursor, to label intermediates that are incorporated as prenoids--e.g., farnesyl and geranylgeranyl. Carboxy-methylation often accompanies prenylation. The methyl group can be labeled using [(3)H-methyl]methionine.