Atomic force microscopy of plant chromosomes

Saponaria officinalis karyology and karyotype by means of image analyzer and atomic force microscopy

The aim of this work was to offer a contribution to the characterization of taxonomic entity of Saponaria officinalis (2n = 28; an herbaceous perennial species; saporin, a type 1 Ribosome Inactivating Protein, is present in leaves and seeds) by a cytogenetic and karyomorphological approach. We investigated the karyotype's morphometry correlated with Stebbin's symmetric index; the same information has been used for computing the indices resemblance between chromosomes (REC), symmetric indices (SYI), and total form (TF%) which allow the comparison between species and evaluation of karyological evolution. Fluorescence intensities of the stained nuclei were measured by a flow cytometer and, for the first time, values for nuclear DNA content were estimated by comparing nuclei fluorescence intensities of the test population with those of appropriate internal DNA standards. Our study is also aimed to introduce chromosomal volumes, which were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), as novel karyomorphological parameter which could allow for chromosome discrimination especially when tiny ones are present.

A molecular delivery system by using AFM and nanoneedle

We developed a new low invasive cell manipulation and gene or molecule transfer system in a single living cell by using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and ultra thin needle, a nanoneedle. DNA was immobilized on the surface of the nanoneedle by covalent bonding and avidin-biotin affinity binding. Immobilization of DNA on the nanoneedle was confirmed by measuring the unbinding force between avidin and biotin. The DNA-immobilized nanoneedle was successfully inserted into HEK293 cells. Though TO-PRO-3 iodide staining experiments using confocal microscopy, we observed the immobilized DNA on the surface of the nanoneedle, which was retained after 10 times insertions to and evacuations from a living cell.

The structure of C-banded human metaphase chromosomes as observed by atomic force microscopy

The ultrastructure of C-banded human metaphase chromosomes was studied by the combined use of light microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Light microscopy of the C-banded chromosomes showed that the centromeric regions of all chromosomes except the Y chromosome were positively stained. AFM further revealed that the C-positive region was higher than the C-negative region. The area of the C-positive region was specific depending on each chromosome; it ranged from the centromere to the proximal end of the long arm in chromosome 1, while it was restricted to the centromere in chromosomes 2 and 3. At higher magnification, chromatin fibers about 50 nm thick were clearly shown in the entire length of the chromosomes. In the C-positive region, these chromatin fibers were densely packed, while chromatin fibers were loosely packed with gentle twisting in the C-negative region. These AFM findings suggest that certain factors related to the chromatin fiber compaction remain in the C-positive region even after successive C-banging treatment.

Analysis of insect holocentric chromosomes by atomic force microscopy

In order to go in depth into the analysis of holocentric chromosome structure, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was applied to metaphase plates of the aphid Megoura viciae. AFM showed that aphid chromatids adhere to one another without any prominent structure detectable between them and without any evidence of chromosomal constrictions. AFM thus provided new and reliable evidences at a nanomolecular level concerning the holocentric structure of aphid chromosomes, without any of the artefacts due to sample staining or coating that are usually associated with electron microscopy.

Atomic force microscope-based dissection of human metaphase chromosomes and high resolutional imaging by carbon nanotube tip

The present study was performed to introduce a novel chromosome dissection method employing atomic force microscopy (AFM) in a dynamic force mode for the chemical or molecular biological analysis of tiny chromosomal fragments. After AFM observation of human chromosomes prepared for light microscopy, a region of interest was dissected by increasing the loading force in a series of single-line scans of the target portion by controlling it with the amplitude reference of the tip in a dynamic force mode. The marker gene of the nucleolar organizing region (NOR) was amplified by our designed primers for 5.8S ribosomal DNA. After the dissection, topographic profiles in the section were then obtained with a carbon nanotube (CNT) probe in ambient condition. These results are discussed in relation to a fundamental technology for chromosomal analysis.

Analysis off cereal chromosomes by atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy has been applied to the study of plant chromosomes from cereal grasses Triticum aestivum (bread wheat), Triticum tauschii, and Hordeum vulgare (barley). Using standard mitotic metaphase squashes, high resolution images have been obtained of untreated chromosomes and also of chromosomes after C-banding, N-banding, and in situ hybridization. The true 3-dimensional nature of the images permits detailed analysis of the surface structure and, on untreated uncoated chromosomes, surface features on a length scale consistent with nucleosome structures have been observed. C+and N+regions are manifest as areas of high relief on a slightly collapsed chromosome structure. In situ hybridization leads to a more severe degradation of the native structure, although it is still possible to correlate the optical signal with the topography of the hybridized chromosome. Key words : atomic force microscope, AFM, chromosomes, C-banding, in situ hybridization.