title: Quantum dot labeling strategies to characterize single-molecular motors.
abstract: Recent advances in single-molecule labeling and detection techniques allow high-resolution imaging of the motion of single molecules. Molecular motors are biological machines that convert chemical energy into mechanical work. Myosin Va (MyoVa) is a well-characterized processive molecular motor, essential for cargo transport in living organisms. Quantum dots (Qdots) are fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals that are extremely useful for single-molecule studies in biological sciences. High-resolution video microscopy and single-particle tracking of a Qdot-labeled MyoVa motor molecule allow the detection of individual steps in vitro and in live cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA. snelson@physiology.med.uvm.edu
authors.forename: Shane R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: M Yusuf
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Warshaw
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009218:Myosins / Q000378:metabolism; D045663:Quantum Dots
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D009218:Myosins