Harnessing single‐stranded DNA binding protein to explore protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions

Proteins must interact with a variety of other cellular components to properly perform their functions. We have developed a series of five experiments based on the robust bacterial single‐stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) to characterize both known and unknown protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions. Students work in groups to generate and process data from electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), yeast two‐hybrid, far Western, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and fluorescence microscopy experiments, including choosing a novel condition for each. A gamification approach was used to encourage student participation and laboratory safety. Student learning was assessed using pre‐ and post‐surveys and course grade data. The results indicate a clear increase in both content knowledge and confidence in the topics presented. Ranking of course activities indicated that performing the hands‐on laboratory exercises was the most valuable course component, and over half of the students would choose to take another course with a similar gamification component. Each of the five laboratory experiments can be performed in combination with each other or integrated separately into a related course, and the gamification structure can be applied to any course.