Protocol to measure protein half-life in cell culture using heavy water.

Publication Details

• Journal: STAR Protoc
• Volume: 7 (1)
• Pages: 104426
• Published: Mar 2026
• Type: Journal Article

Abstract

Protein turnover, comprising the continued synthesis and clearance of proteins,
is required for protein homeostasis and cell survival. Here, we present a protocol to measure protein turnover half-life in cultured cells using D(2)O labeling. We describe steps to determine the extent of deuterium exchange in amino acids, perform dynamic labeling, and collect protein samples, followed by mass spectrometry and kinetic analysis. The protocol is suitable for measuring protein half-life under steady-state conditions and perturbations in multiple cell types and culture media. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Alamillo et al.(1).

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