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11:34
Investigating Receptor-ligand Systems of the Cellulosome with AFM-based Single-molecule Force Spectroscopy
Published on: December 20, 2013
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Probing ligand-receptor bonds in physiologically relevant conditions using AFM
Cristina Lo Giudice1, Andra C Dumitru1, David Alsteens2
1Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du sud 4-5, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|August 15, 2019
Summary
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) advances cell surface receptor studies by enabling detailed imaging and quantification of receptor-ligand bonds. This technique offers crucial insights into cellular communication and signaling pathways for drug design.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Cell surface receptors mediate crucial cell communication and signaling by converting external stimuli into intracellular responses.
- Understanding ligand-receptor interactions is vital for cellular processes and rational drug design.
- The complexity and hydrophobicity of membrane proteins hinder their characterization in native-like conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for quantitative biological mapping.
- To highlight AFM's contributions to understanding ligand-receptor interactions in various biological fields.
- To discuss future prospects and challenges in AFM-based receptor studies.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) utilized for its piconewton force sensitivity and (sub)nanometer spatial resolution.
- AFM operated in liquid environments at physiological temperatures to mimic native conditions.
- In situ imaging and quantification of receptor-ligand bonds.
Main Results:
- AFM enables detailed visualization and force measurements of receptor-ligand interactions.
- Studies demonstrate AFM's power in elucidating molecular mechanisms of cell signaling.
- AFM has significantly advanced cell biology, immunology, microbiology, and virology research.
Conclusions:
- AFM is a powerful tool for characterizing membrane proteins and receptor-ligand dynamics in situ.
- Continued advancements in AFM will further enhance our understanding of cellular processes.
- AFM-based approaches hold significant promise for drug discovery and development.
Keywords:
AFMAtomic force microscopyBacterial adhesinsCell membraneDynamic force spectroscopyFD-based AFMG protein–coupled receptorsLigand-receptorSingle-moleculeVirus bindingMore Related Videos
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