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Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

Published on: January 31, 2019

Analyses of nuclear proteins and nucleic acid structures using atomic force microscopy.

Jamie L Gilmore¹, Aiko Yoshida, Hirohide Takahashi

¹Laboratory of Plasma Membrane and Nuclear Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|January 4, 2015

Summary

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) offers nanometer-resolution imaging and force measurements for biological samples. This study details AFM methods for analyzing nuclear components like DNA, chromatin, and the nucleus itself.

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Molecular Biology
Nanotechnology

Background:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has become a valuable tool for biological research since its invention in 1986.
AFM enables high-resolution imaging and mechanical property measurements of biological structures at the nanoscale.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide comprehensive protocols for studying nuclear samples using AFM.
To cover methods for analyzing single nucleic acids, chromatin, nucleoli, and whole nuclei.

Main Methods:

Detailed protocols for preparing nucleic acids, protein complexes, chromatin, and nuclear/nucleolar samples.
Instructions for preparing AFM substrates and tips.
Description of AFM techniques including conventional and high-speed imaging, recognition imaging, force spectroscopy, and nanoindentation.

Main Results:

Established methods for preparing diverse nuclear samples for AFM analysis.
Demonstrated applicability of AFM for imaging and force measurements on various nuclear structures.
Outlined advanced AFM techniques for detailed biophysical characterization.

Conclusions:

AFM is a versatile technique for the structural and biophysical characterization of nuclear components.
The described protocols facilitate in-depth investigation of nucleic acids, chromatin, and nuclear architecture.
AFM advancements enable comprehensive studies of nuclear organization and function.