EMSA is a lab method that helps researchers spot and study how proteins interact with nucleic acids. Basically, you take a labeled nucleic acid probe, mix it with a protein sample, and then run it through a non-denaturing gel. If the protein binds to the probe, the combo moves slower through the gel than the free probe, making a clear band shift. You can see this shift using techniques like autoradiography, fluorescence, or chemiluminescence. This movement tells you there’s a protein-nucleic acid interaction going on, offering clues about how specific and strong the binding is.
