RESUMEN
Methods capable of controlling synthesis at the level of an individual nanoparticle are a key step toward improved reproducibility and scalability in engineering complex nanomaterials. To address this, we combine the spatially patterned activation of the photoreductant sodium pyruvate with interferometric scattering microscopy to achieve fast, label-free monitoring and control of hundreds of gold nanoparticles in real time. Individual particle growth kinetics are well-described by a two-step nucleation-autocatalysis model but with a distribution of individual rate constants that change with reaction conditions.
RESUMEN
We exploit single-molecule tracking and optical single channel recording in droplet interface bilayers to resolve the assembly pathway and pore formation of the archetypical cholesterol-dependent cytolysin nanopore, Perfringolysin O. We follow the stoichiometry and diffusion of Perfringolysin O complexes during assembly with 60 ms temporal resolution and 20 nm spatial precision. Our results suggest individual nascent complexes can insert into the lipid membrane where they continue active assembly. Overall, these data support a model of stepwise irreversible assembly dominated by monomer addition, but with infrequent assembly from larger partial complexes.
Asunto(s)
Toxinas Bacterianas , Toxinas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Proteínas Hemolisinas/metabolismo , Colesterol/metabolismo , Membrana Celular/metabolismoRESUMEN
In comparison to globular proteins, the spontaneous folding and insertion of ß-barrel membrane proteins are surprisingly slow, typically occurring on the order of minutes. Using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer to report on the folding of fluorescently labeled outer membrane protein G we measured the real-time insertion of a ß-barrel membrane protein from an unfolded state. Folding events were rare and fast (<20 ms), occurring immediately upon arrival at the membrane. This combination of infrequent, but rapid, folding resolves this apparent dichotomy between slow ensemble kinetics and the typical timescales of biomolecular folding.
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Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa , Proteínas de Escherichia coli , Porinas , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/química , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/química , Transferencia Resonante de Energía de Fluorescencia , Porinas/química , Conformación Proteica en Lámina beta , Pliegue de Proteína , Imagen Individual de MoléculaRESUMEN
Combining simultaneous single-molecule fluorescence measurements of ion channel conformational change with single-channel electrophysiology would enable a direct link between structure and function. Such methods would help us to create a truly molecular "movie" of how these important biomolecules work. Here we review past and recent progress toward this goal.
Asunto(s)
Fenómenos Electrofisiológicos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador , Canales Iónicos/fisiología , Animales , HumanosRESUMEN
Engineered introduction of interface interchain disulphide bonds is perceived to be a simple method to increase the stability of single chain Fv (scFv). Six disulphide bond locations have been cited within the literature but the potential for the broad use of each has not been examined. Five of these disulphide bond locations were introduced into one scFv in order to compare their relative effects on expression, thermal stability, percent monomer formation and retention of antigen binding. The disulphide bond position vH44-vL100 was observed to enable the most favourable balance of biophysical properties. The vH44-vL100 disulphide bond was introduced into five additional scFv in both vL-vH and vH-vL orientations in order to investigate its general applicability. Data are presented to show the relative influence of scFv sequence, v-region organisation and interchain disulphide bond on expression yield, thermal stability and percent monomer. Introduction of the vH44-vL100 disulphide bond typically resulted in no or little increase in thermal stability and no change in percent monomer but did confer the benefit of permanently fixing monomer:dimer ratios during purification and analysis.