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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Force Spectroscopy of Single Protein Molecules Using an Atomic Force Microscope
Published on: February 28, 2019
Visualization of single proteins from stripped native cell membranes: a protocol for high-resolution atomic force
Carlotta Marasini1, Emanuela Jacchetti, Manola Moretti
1Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Genova 16149, Italy. marasini@ge.ibf.cnr.it
Microscopy Research and Technique
|May 18, 2013
Summary
This study presents a new method for preparing cell membranes for atomic force microscopy (AFM). This technique allows for high-resolution imaging of single membrane proteins in their native environment.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables high-resolution 3D imaging of membrane proteins.
- Imaging proteins in native cell membranes requires specialized sample preparation techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a general protocol for preparing native biological samples for high-resolution AFM imaging.
- To enable the analysis of single membrane proteins within their native cellular environment.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical stretching of cell membranes to meet AFM experimental constraints.
- Integrated optical and AFM approach for sample evaluation.
- Application to cells expressing cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).
Main Results:
- A general protocol for mechanical cell membrane stretching was established.
- The method facilitates high-resolution AFM imaging of proteins in native membranes.
- Single CFTR proteins in the plasma membrane were successfully identified and analyzed.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical membrane stretching is an effective sample preparation method for AFM.
- This technique allows for the study of membrane proteins in their native cellular context.
- The protocol is applicable to various membrane proteins, including CFTR.
