Visualization of intracellular trafficking: use of biotinylated ligands in conjunction with avidin-gold colloids.
A simple, sensitive method to visualize the binding and internalization of protein ligands by cells in culture is described. A biotinylated toxin was used as ligand, and succinoylated avidin adsorbed onto 5.2 nm gold sols was the electron-dense marker. This method affords direct localization of proteins that are on the cell surface or intracellular without need for techniques that alter membrane integrity.
D000818:Animals; D001360:Avidin; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000166:cytology; D008024:Ligands; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods*
D008024:Ligands; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D001360:Avidin