Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
11:55
Examining the Conformational Dynamics of Membrane Proteins in situ with Site-directed Fluorescence Labeling
Published on: May 29, 2011
Electrical control of protein conformation
Alwin M D Wan1, Rebecca M Schur, Christopher K Ober
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|April 11, 2012
Summary
New conducting polymer devices precisely control fibronectin protein shape over large areas using electrical potential. These biologically relevant surfaces advance cell-surface interaction studies for research and medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Controlling protein conformation is crucial for understanding cell behavior.
- Existing methods lack macroscopic control over protein shape.
- Fibronectin conformation influences cell adhesion and differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop conducting polymer devices for precise control of fibronectin conformation.
- To achieve control over macroscopic areas and create conformation gradients.
- To create a model system for studying cell-surface interactions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of conducting polymer devices.
- Application of electrical potential to modulate fibronectin conformation.
- Surface characterization techniques.
- Cell culture studies on modified surfaces.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated precise control of fibronectin conformation using electrical potential.
- Achieved single conformations and conformation gradients over macroscopic areas.
- Surfaces remained biocompatible and supported cell culture.
Conclusions:
- Conducting polymer devices offer a novel method for controlling protein conformation.
- These platforms can serve as advanced models for cell-surface interaction research.
- Potential applications in medical diagnostics and tissue engineering.
Related Concept Videos
01:58Mechanical Protein Functions
Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force.
01:25Protein Folding
Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Upon synthesis, a protein folds into a three-dimensional conformation, critical to its biological function. Interactions between its constituent amino acids guide protein folding, and hence the protein structure is primarily dependent on its amino acid sequence.
Protein Structure Is Critical to Its Biological Function
Proteins perform a wide range of biological functions such as catalyzing chemical reactions, providing...
Protein Structure Is Critical to Its Biological Function
Proteins perform a wide range of biological functions such as catalyzing chemical reactions, providing...
01:22Protein Folding
Overview
01:22Protein Folding
Overview
02:04Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
02:15Protein and Protein Structure
Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective. They may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly. They are all, however, amino acid polymers arranged in a linear sequence.
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...