Protein solubilization: attend to the choice of lysis buffer.

The efficient extraction of proteins of interest from cells and tissues is not always straightforward. In this process, the use of the optimal lysis buffer for protein solubilization should be considered. Here we demonstrate the use of a urea/thiourea lysis buffer, based on O'Farrell's buffer, and compare its effectiveness for solubilization of proteins from smooth muscle with the often utilized RIPA lysis buffer.