title: Visualization of DNA and protein-DNA complexes with atomic force microscopy.
abstract: This article describes sample preparation techniques for AFM imaging of DNA and protein-DNA complexes. The approach is based on chemical functionalization of the mica surface with aminopropyl silatrane (APS) to yield an APS-mica surface. This surface binds nucleic acids and nucleoprotein complexes in a wide range of ionic strengths, in the absence of divalent cations, and in a broad range of pH. The chapter describes the methodologies for the preparation of APS-mica surfaces and the preparation of samples for AFM imaging. The protocol for synthesis and purification of APS is also provided. The AFM applications are illustrated with examples of images of DNA and protein-DNA complexes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Yuri L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lyubchenko
authors.forename: Alexander A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Gall
authors.forename: Luda S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Shlyakhtenko
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / Q000737:chemistry; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds; C015503:silatrane; D004247:DNA; C011934:mica