Exploring molecular motors and switches at the single-molecule level

Year: 2004

Authors: Capitanio M., Vanzi F., Broggio C., Cicchi R., Normanno D., Romano G., Sacconi L., Pavone FS.

Autors Affiliation: L.E.N.S., Univ.` degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Dipto. Biol. Anim. Genet. Leo Pardi, Universita degli Studi di Firenze, 50125 Firenze, Italy; INFM, Sez. Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy; Dipto. Fisiopatol. Clin.-Sez. F. M., Universita degli Studi di Firenze, 50100 Firenze, Italy; Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Trento, 38050 Povo (TN), Italy; L.E.N.S., Universita degli Studi di Firenze, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Florentine (FI), Italy

Abstract: Single-molecule techniques have propelled an impressive number of biophysical studies during the last decade. From relatively simple video-microscopy techniques, to sophisticated manipulation and detection apparata, single-molecule techniques are capable of tracking the movements and the reaction trajectories of single enzymatic units. By observing microspheres attached to biomolecules it is possible to follow the motion of molecular motors, or to detect conformational \”switching\” induced by regulatory proteins. Micromanipulation tools like optical tweezers have been widely applied to understand the mechanisms of linear molecular motors, and have allowed the measurement of the elementary steps and the forces produced by several motor proteins, including myosin, kinesin, and dynein. New experimental assays based on magnetic or optical \”wrenches,\” which are able to apply and detect torques on rotary motors and biopolymers, are opening new possibilities in this field. Here, established and emerging magneto-optical manipulation and video-tracking techniques are reviewed, in the perspective of single molecular motors and regulatory proteins studies. (C) 2005 Wiley-Liss. Inc.

Journal/Review: MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE

Volume: 65 (4-5)      Pages from: 194  to: 204

KeyWords: adenosine triphosphate; DNA; guanosine triphosphate; molecular motor; proton transporting adenosine triphosphate synthase; RNA; RNA polymerase; dynein adenosine triphosphatase; kinesin; myosin, article; calibration; DNA transcription; enzyme activity; Escherichia coli; magnetic field; magnetic wrench; measurement; microscope; molecular biology; nonhuman; optical tweezers; optics; priority journal; protein synthesis; videorecording; gene expression regulation; instrumentation; metabolism; methodology; nanotechnology; optics; particle size; review, Adenosine Triphosphate; Dynein ATPase; Gene Expression Regulation; Kinesin; Molecular Motor Proteins; Myosins; Nanotechnology; Optics; Particle Size
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20126

ImpactFactor: 2.609
Citations: 35
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