Quantifying the Kinase Activities of MST1/2

The functions of the kinases MST1 and MST2 rely heavily on their ability to phosphorylate and become phosphorylated themselves. Hence, it is important to precisely measure the kinase activities of both isoforms in a reproducible manner. Here, we describe in detail the protocol for an in-gel kinase assay for the quantification of the kinase activity of MST1/2, which involves immunoprecipitation of MST1/2 and the incorporation of radiolabeled phosphate from [γ-32P]-ATP into a substrate immobilized in a polyacrylamide gel. We also include a protocol for indirect measurement of MST1/2 activation status using immunoblotting.