Force probing surfaces of living cells to molecular resolution.
Biological processes rely on molecular interactions that can be directly measured using force spectroscopy techniques. Here we review how atomic force microscopy can be applied to force probe surfaces of living cells to single-molecule resolution. Such probing of individual interactions can be used to map cell surface receptors, and to assay the receptors' functional states, binding kinetics and landscapes. This information provides unique insight into how cells structurally and functionally modulate the molecules of their surfaces to interact with the cellular environment.
Müller
Daniel J
DJ
Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. mueller@biotec.tu-dresden.de
Helenius
Jonne
J
Alsteens
David
D
Dufrêne
Yves F
YF
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D007700:Kinetics; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface