Real-time imaging of DNA-streptavidin complex formation in solution using a high-speed atomic force microscope.
The direct observation of individual molecules in action is required for a better understanding of the mechanisms of biological reactions. We used a high-speed atomic force microscope (AFM) in solution to visualize short DNA fragments in motion. The technique represents a new approach in analyzing molecular interactions, and it allowed us to observe real-time images of biotinylated DNA binding to/dissociating from streptavidin protein. Our results show that high-speed AFMs have the potential to reveal the mechanisms of molecular interactions, which cannot be determined by analyzing the average value of mass reactions.
Kobayashi
Mime
M
NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT Corporation, 3-1 Morinosato-Wakamiya, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan. mime@ms.naist.jp
Sumitomo
Koji
K
Torimitsu
Keiichi
K
D019921:Biotinylation; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D011485:Protein Binding; D019809:Streptavidin / Q000737:chemistry*
D004247:DNA; D019809:Streptavidin