Strategies to prepare and characterize native membrane proteins and protein membranes by AFM
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
Progress in characterizing native membrane proteins and protein membranes by atomic force microscopy (AFM) opens exciting possibilities. While the structure, oligomeric state and supramolecular assembly of membrane proteins are assessed directly by AFM, single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) identifies interactions that stabilize the fold, and characterize the switching between functional states of membrane proteins. But what is next? How can we approach cell biological, pharmaceutical and medical questions associated with native cellular membranes? How can we probe the functional state of cell membranes and study the dynamic formation of compartments? Such questions have been addressed by immobilizing membranes on solid supports, which ensures the integrity of the native state of membrane proteins but does not necessarily provide a native-like environment. Direct attachment of membranes to solid supports involves non-specific interactions that may change the physical state of supported lipids and proteins possibly hindering the assembly of membrane proteins into native functional compartments. Thus, to observe the dynamic assembly and working of proteins in native membranes by AFM, supports are required that mimic the native environment of the cell membrane as closely as possible. This review reports on recent progress in characterizing native membrane proteins by AFM, and surveys conventional and new approaches of supporting surfaces, which will allow the function, dynamics, and assembly of membrane proteins to be studied by AFM in native cell membranes.
Details
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 338-350 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Current Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2008 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- Atomic force microscopy, Compartments, Molecular interactions, Native protein membranes, Polymer supported membranes, Protein assembly, Single-molecule force spectroscopy, Structure and function relationship, Tethered membranes