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Colson L, Kwon Y, Nam S, Bhandari A, Maya NM, Lu Y, Cho Y. Trends in Single-Molecule Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Imaging and Their Biological Applications with Lab-on-a-Chip Technology. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7691. [PMID: 37765748 PMCID: PMC10537725 DOI: 10.3390/s23187691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Single-molecule imaging technologies, especially those based on fluorescence, have been developed to probe both the equilibrium and dynamic properties of biomolecules at the single-molecular and quantitative levels. In this review, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art advancements in single-molecule fluorescence imaging techniques. We systematically explore the advanced implementations of in vitro single-molecule imaging techniques using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, which is widely accessible. This includes discussions on sample preparation, passivation techniques, data collection and analysis, and biological applications. Furthermore, we delve into the compatibility of microfluidic technology for single-molecule fluorescence imaging, highlighting its potential benefits and challenges. Finally, we summarize the current challenges and prospects of fluorescence-based single-molecule imaging techniques, paving the way for further advancements in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Colson
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.C.); (A.B.); (N.M.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Youngeun Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (S.N.)
| | - Soobin Nam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (S.N.)
| | - Avinashi Bhandari
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.C.); (A.B.); (N.M.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Nolberto Martinez Maya
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.C.); (A.B.); (N.M.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (L.C.); (A.B.); (N.M.M.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yongmin Cho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Myongji University, Yongin 17058, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (S.N.)
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Wasserman MR, Liu S. A Tour de Force on the Double Helix: Exploiting DNA Mechanics To Study DNA-Based Molecular Machines. Biochemistry 2019; 58:4667-4676. [PMID: 31251042 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.9b00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA is both a fundamental building block of life and a fascinating natural polymer. The advent of single-molecule manipulation tools made it possible to exert controlled force on individual DNA molecules and measure their mechanical response. Such investigations elucidated the elastic properties of DNA and revealed its distinctive structural configurations across force regimes. In the meantime, a detailed understanding of DNA mechanics laid the groundwork for single-molecule studies of DNA-binding proteins and DNA-processing enzymes that bend, stretch, and twist DNA. These studies shed new light on the metabolism and transactions of nucleic acids, which constitute a major part of the cell's operating system. Furthermore, the marriage of single-molecule fluorescence visualization and force manipulation has enabled researchers to directly correlate the applied tension to changes in the DNA structure and the behavior of DNA-templated complexes. Overall, experimental exploitation of DNA mechanics has been and will continue to be a unique and powerful strategy for understanding how molecular machineries recognize and modify the physical state of DNA to accomplish their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Wasserman
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry , The Rockefeller University , New York , New York 10065 , United States
| | - Shixin Liu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biophysics and Biochemistry , The Rockefeller University , New York , New York 10065 , United States
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Abstract
In the past decades, advances in microscopy have made it possible to study the dynamics of individual biomolecules in vitro and resolve intramolecular kinetics that would otherwise be hidden in ensemble averages. More recently, single-molecule methods have been used to image, localize, and track individually labeled macromolecules in the cytoplasm of living cells, allowing investigations of intermolecular kinetics under physiologically relevant conditions. In this review, we illuminate the particular advantages of single-molecule techniques when studying kinetics in living cells and discuss solutions to specific challenges associated with these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Elf
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Irmeli Barkefors
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Heck C, Michaeli Y, Bald I, Ebenstein Y. Analytical epigenetics: single-molecule optical detection of DNA and histone modifications. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2018; 55:151-158. [PMID: 30326408 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The field of epigenetics describes the relationship between genotype and phenotype, by regulating gene expression without changing the canonical base sequence of DNA. It deals with molecular genomic information that is encoded by a rich repertoire of chemical modifications and molecular interactions. This regulation involves DNA, RNA and proteins that are enzymatically tagged with small molecular groups that alter their physical and chemical properties. It is now clear that epigenetic alterations are involved in development and disease, and thus, are the focus of intensive research. The ability to record epigenetic changes and quantify them in rare medical samples is critical for next generation diagnostics. Optical detection offers the ultimate single-molecule sensitivity and the potential for spectral multiplexing. Here we review recent progress in ultrasensitive optical detection of DNA and histone modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Heck
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Yael Michaeli
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ilko Bald
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Richard-Willstätter-Str. 11, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Yuval Ebenstein
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Arias-Gonzalez JR. Writing, Proofreading and Editing in Information Theory. ENTROPY 2018; 20:e20050368. [PMID: 33265458 PMCID: PMC7512888 DOI: 10.3390/e20050368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Information is a physical entity amenable to be described by an abstract theory. The concepts associated with the creation and post-processing of the information have not, however, been mathematically established, despite being broadly used in many fields of knowledge. Here, inspired by how information is managed in biomolecular systems, we introduce writing, entailing any bit string generation, and revision, as comprising proofreading and editing, in information chains. Our formalism expands the thermodynamic analysis of stochastic chains made up of material subunits to abstract strings of symbols. We introduce a non-Markovian treatment of operational rules over the symbols of the chain that parallels the physical interactions responsible for memory effects in material chains. Our theory underlies any communication system, ranging from human languages and computer science to gene evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ricardo Arias-Gonzalez
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia, C/Faraday 9, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; ; Tel.: +34-91-299-8860
- CNB-CSIC-IMDEA Nanociencia Associated Unit “Unidad de Nanobiotecnología”, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Vušurović N, Altman RB, Terry DS, Micura R, Blanchard SC. Pseudoknot Formation Seeds the Twister Ribozyme Cleavage Reaction Coordinate. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:8186-8193. [PMID: 28598157 PMCID: PMC5697751 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The twister RNA is a recently discovered nucleolytic ribozyme that is present in both bacteria and eukarya. While its biological role remains unclear, crystal structure analyses and biochemical approaches have revealed critical features of its catalytic mechanism. Here, we set out to explore dynamic aspects of twister RNA folding along the cleavage reaction coordinate. To do so, we have employed both bulk and single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) methods to investigate a set of twister RNAs with labels strategically positioned at communicating segments. The data reveal that folding of the central pseudoknot (T1), the most crucial structural determinant to promote cleavage, exhibits reversible opening and closing dynamics at physiological Mg2+ concentration. Uncoupled folding, in which T1 formation precedes structuring for closing of stem P1, was confirmed using pre-steady-state three-color smFRET experiments initiated by Mg2+ injection. This finding suggests that the folding path of twister RNA requires proper orientation of the substrate prior to T1 closure such that the U5-A6 cleavage site becomes embraced to achieve its cleavage competent conformation. We also find that the cleaved 3'-fragment retains its compacted pseudoknot fold, despite the absence of the phylogenetically conserved stem P1, rationalizing the poor turnover efficiency of the twister ribozyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Vušurović
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roger B. Altman
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Daniel S. Terry
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Meyer D, Hagemann A, Kruss S. Kinetic Requirements for Spatiotemporal Chemical Imaging with Fluorescent Nanosensors. ACS NANO 2017; 11:4017-4027. [PMID: 28379687 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent nanosensors are powerful tools for basic research and bioanalytical applications. Individual nanosensors are able to detect single molecules, while ensembles of nanosensors can be used to measure the bulk concentration of an analyte. Collective imaging of multiple nanosensors could provide both spatial and temporal chemical information from the nano- to the microscale. This type of chemical imaging with nanosensors would be very attractive to study processes such as chemical signaling between cells (e.g., neurons). So far, it is not understood what processes are resolvable (concentration, time, space) and how optimal sensors should be designed. Here, we develop a theoretical framework to simulate the fluorescence image of arrays of nanosensors in response to a concentration gradient. For that purpose, binding and unbinding of the analyte is simulated for each single nanosensor by using a Monte Carlo simulation and varying rate constants (kon, koff). Multiple nanosensors are arranged on a surface and exposed to a concentration pattern cA(x,y,t) of an analyte. We account for the resolution limit of light microscopy (Abbe limit) and the acquisition speed and resolution of optical setups and determine the resulting response images ΔI(x,y,t). Consequently, we introduce terms for the spatial and temporal resolution and simulate phase diagrams for different rate constants that allow us to predict how a sensor should be designed to provide a desired spatial and temporal resolution. Our results show, for example, that imaging of neurotransmitter release requires rate constants of kon = 106 M-1 s-1and koff = 102 s-1 in many scenarios, which corresponds to high dissociation constants of Kd > 100 μM. This work predicts if a given fluorescent nanosensor array (rate constants, size, shape, geometry, density) is able to resolve fast concentration changes such as neurotransmitter release from cells. Additionally, we provide rational design principles to engineer nanosensors for chemical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Meyer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Göttingen University , Tammannstrasse 6, Goettingen 37077, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB) , Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Annika Hagemann
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Göttingen University , Tammannstrasse 6, Goettingen 37077, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB) , Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kruss
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Göttingen University , Tammannstrasse 6, Goettingen 37077, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB) , Göttingen 37073, Germany
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The Power of Force: Insights into the Protein Folding Process Using Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:4245-4257. [PMID: 27639437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
One of the major challenges in modern biophysics is observing and understanding conformational changes during complex molecular processes, from the fundamental protein folding to the function of molecular machines. Single-molecule techniques have been one of the major driving forces of the huge progress attained in the last few years. Recent advances in resolution of the experimental setups, aided by theoretical developments and molecular dynamics simulations, have revealed a much higher degree of complexity inside these molecular processes than previously reported using traditional ensemble measurements. This review sums up the evolution of these developments and gives an outlook on prospective discoveries.
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