Stretching, unfolding, and deforming protein filaments adsorbed at solid-liquid interfaces using the tip of an atomic-force microscope.
Cells move by actively remodeling a dense network of protein filaments. Here we analyze the force response of various filaments in a simplified experimental setup, where single filaments are moved with an atomic-force microscope (AFM) tip against surface friction, with the AFM operating in the torsional mode. Our experimental findings are well explained within a simple model based on Newtonian mechanics: we observe force plateaus, which are the signature of the sequential stretching of single repeat units, followed ultimately by deformation of the whole polymer shape.
Staple
Douglas B
DB
Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3J5, Canada.
Loparic
Marko
M
Kreuzer
Hans Jürgen
HJ
Kreplak
Laurent
L
D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry*; D003893:Desmin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008956:Models, Chemical; D017354:Point Mutation; D017510:Protein Folding; D014783:Viscosity
D003893:Desmin; D003094:Collagen