Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Determining Membrane Protein Topology Using Fluorescence Protease Protection FPP
Published on: April 20, 2015
Single-cell unroofing: probing topology and nanomechanics of native membranes
1International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), via Bonomea 265, Trieste 34136, Italy.
Abstract:
Cell membranes separate the cell interior from the external environment. They are constituted by a variety of lipids; their composition determines the dynamics of membrane proteins and affects the ability of the cells to adapt. Even though the study of model membranes allows to understand the interactions among lipids and the overall mechanics, little is known about these properties in native membranes. To combine topology and nanomechanics analysis of native membranes, I designed a method to investigate the plasma membranes isolated from a variety of single cells. Five cell types were chosen and tested, revealing 20% variation in membrane thickness. I probed the resistance of the isolated membranes to indent, finding their line tension and spreading pressure. These results show that membranes isolated from neurons are stiffer and less diffusive than brain cancer cell membranes. This method gives direct quantitative insights on the mechanics of native cell membranes.
More Related Videos
07:31Native Cell Membrane Nanoparticles System for Membrane Protein-Protein Interaction Analysis
Published on: July 16, 2020
07:55Integrated Cell Manipulation Platform Coupled with the Single-probe for Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Drugs and Metabolites in Single Suspension Cells
Published on: June 21, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Membrane Proteins
The Resting Membrane Potential
Labeling DNA Probes
Radioisotopes, fluorophores, or small molecule binding partners like biotin or digoxigenin, are the most widely used reporter tags for labeling DNA probes. These labels can be attached to the probe DNA molecule via...
What are Membranes?
What are Membranes?
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell