Tandem affinity purification (TAP)

Tandem affinity purification (TAP) is a method used by scientists to isolate and study specific proteins and their partners in a cell. It involves attaching a special tag to a target protein, allowing researchers to "pull it out" of complex mixtures gently. The process uses two different steps, each with specific ingredients, to ensure only the protein of interest and its interacting partners are isolated. This technique helps scientists understand how proteins function and interact within biological systems, revealing insights into cellular processes and disease mechanisms.