Name: adhesion frequency assay for in situ kinetics analysis of cross-junctional molecular interactions at the cell-cell interface
Uploaded: 2011-11-02T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Adhesion Frequency Assay for In Situ Kinetics Analysis of Cross-Junctional Molecular Interactions at the Cell-Cell Interface at JoVE.com

This study was supported by NIH grants R01HL091020, R01HL093723, R01AI077343, and R01GM096187.

1. RBCs isolation from the whole blood
<ol>
 <li>Prepare EAS-45 solutions. Weigh up all ingredients from Table I and dissolve in 100-200ml of DI water. Add water to make 1000ml solution and adjust pH to 8.0. Filter and aliquot by 50ml. Freeze at -20&deg;C for storage.</li>
</ol>
Note: Step 1.2 should be performed by a trained medical professional such as a nurse, with an Institutional Review Board approved protocol.
<ol start="2">
 <li>Draw 3-5ml of blood from the median cub...

<ol>
	<li>Chesla, S. E., Selvaraj, P., Zhu, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measuring+two-dimensional+receptor-ligand+binding+kinetics+by+micropipette.">Measuring two-dimensional receptor-ligand binding kinetics by micropipette.</a> Biophys. J. 75, 1553-1572 (1998).</li><li>Chesla, S. E., Li, P., Nagarajan, S., Selvaraj, P., Zhu, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+membrane+anchor+influences+ligand+binding+two-dimensional+kinetic+rates+and+three-dimensional+affinity+of+FcgammaRIII+(CD16).">The membrane anchor influences ligand binding two-dimensional kinetic rates and three-dimensional affinity of FcgammaRIII (CD16).</a> J. Biol. Chem. 275, 10235-10246 (2000).</li><li>Williams, T. 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E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modeling+concurrent+binding+of+multiple+molecular+species+in+cell+adhesion.">Modeling concurrent binding of multiple molecular species in cell adhesion.</a> Biophys. J. 79, 1850-1857 (2000).</li><li>Downey, G. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retention+of+leukocytes+in+capillaries:+role+of+cell+size+and+deformability.">Retention of leukocytes in capillaries: role of cell size and deformability.</a> J. Appl. 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A., Zhu, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Determining+force+dependence+of+two-dimensional+receptor-ligand+binding+affinity+by+centrifugation.">Determining force dependence of two-dimensional receptor-ligand binding affinity by centrifugation.</a> Biophys. J. 74, 492-513 (1998).</li><li>Li, P., Selvaraj, P., Zhu, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+competition+binding+between+soluble+and+membrane-bound+ligands+for+cell+surface+receptors.">Analysis of competition binding between soluble and membrane-bound ligands for cell surface receptors.</a> Biophys. J. 77, 3394-3406 (1999).</li><li>Long, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Probabilistic+modeling+of+rosette+formation.">Probabilistic modeling of rosette formation.</a> Biophys. J. 91, 352-363 (2006).</li><li>Lou, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Flow-enhanced+adhesion+regulated+by+a+selectin+interdomain+hinge.">Flow-enhanced adhesion regulated by a selectin interdomain hinge.</a> J. Cell. Biol. 174, 1107-1117 (2006).</li><li>Yago, T., Zarnitsyna, V. I., Klopocki, A. G., McEver, R. P., Zhu, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transport+governs+flow-enhanced+cell+tethering+through+L-selectin+at+threshold+shear.">Transport governs flow-enhanced cell tethering through L-selectin at threshold shear.</a> Biophys. J. 92, 330-342 (2007).</li><li>Evans, E., Berk, D., Leung, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detachment+of+agglutinin-bonded+red+blood+cells.+I.+Forces+to+rupture+molecular-point+attachments.">Detachment of agglutinin-bonded red blood cells. I. Forces to rupture molecular-point attachments.</a> Biophys. J. 59, 838-848 (1991).</li><li>Zarnitsyna, V. 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To successfully use the micropipette adhesion frequency assay one should consider several critical steps. First, make sure to record the specific interaction for the receptor-ligand system of interest. Nonspecific control measurements (cf. Fig. 3, 4) ensure the specificity. Ideally, nonspecific adhesion probabilities should be below 0.05 for all contact time durations and to have a significant difference between the specific and nonspecific adhesion probabilities for each time point. Different methods could be used to co...

<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Name of the reagent</th>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Catalogue #</th>
<th>Comments</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10x PBS</td>
<td>BioWhittaker</td>
<td>17-517Q</td>
<td>Dilute to 1x with deionized water prior to use</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vacutainer EDTA </td>
<td>BD</td>
<td>366643</td>
<td>RBCs isolation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10ML PK100</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Histopaque 1077</td>
<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
<td>10771</td>
<td>RBCs isolation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adenine</td>
<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
<td>A2786</td>
<td>EAS-45 preparation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D-glucose (dextrose)</td>
<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
<td>G7528</td>
<td>EAS-45 preparation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D-Mannitol</td>
<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
<td>6360</td>
<td>EAS-45 preparation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sodium Chloride (NaCl)</td>
<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
<td>S7653</td>
<td>EAS-45 preparation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic (Na&#x2082;HPO&#x2084;)</td>
<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
<td>S374</td>
<td>EAS-45 preparation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L-glutamine</td>
<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
<td>G5763</td>
<td>EAS-45 preparation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Biotin-X-NHS</td>
<td>Calbiochem</td>
<td>203188</td>
<td>RBCs biotinylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dimethylformamide (DMF)</td>
<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
<td>20673</td>
<td>RBCs biotinylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Borate Buffer (0.1M)</td>
<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
<td>11455-90</td>
<td>RBCs biotinylation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Streptavidin</td>
<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
<td>21125</td>
<td>Ligand functionalizing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BSA</td>
<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
<td>A0336</td>
<td>Ligand functionalizing</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Quantibrite PE Beads</td>
<td>BD Biosciences</td>
<td>340495</td>
<td>Density quantification</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flow cytometer</td>
<td>BD Immunocytometry Systems</td>
<td>BD LSR II</td>
<td>Density quantification</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capillary Tube
0.7-1.0mm x 30&quot;</td>
<td>Kimble Glass Inc.</td>
<td>46485-1</td>
<td>Micropipette pulling</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mineral Oil</td>
<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
<td>BP2629-1</td>
<td>Chamber assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microscope Cover Glass</td>
<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
<td>12-544-G</td>
<td>Chamber assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PE &alpha;-human CD11a 
Clone HI 111 </td>
<td>eBioscience</td>
<td>12-0119-71</td>
<td>Reagent for Fig.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PE anti-human CD54 </td>
<td>eBioscience</td>
<td>12-0549</td>
<td>Reagent for Fig.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mouse IgG1 Isotype Control PE</td>
<td>eBioscience</td>
<td>12-4714</td>
<td>Reagent for Fig.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>hydraulic micromanipulator</td>
<td>Narishige</td>
<td>MO-303</td>
<td>Micropipette system</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mechanical manipulator</td>
<td>Newport</td>
<td>461-xyz-m, SM-13, DM-13</td>
<td>Micropipette system</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>piezoelectric translator</td>
<td>Physik Instrumente</td>
<td>P-840</td>
<td>Micropipette system</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LabVIEW</td>
<td>National Instruments</td>
<td>Version 8.6</td>
<td>Micropipette system</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DAQ board</td>
<td>National Instruments</td>
<td>USB-6008</td>
<td>Micropipette system</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Optical table</td>
<td>Kinetics Systems</td>
<td>5200 Series</td>
<td>Micropipette system</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

adhesion frequency assay for in situ kinetics analysis of cross-junctional molecular interactions at the cell-cell interface

The micropipette adhesion assay was developed in 1998 to measure two-dimensional (2D) receptor-ligand binding kinetics1. The assay uses a human red blood cell (RBC) as adhesion sensor and presenting cell for one of the interacting molecules. It employs micromanipulation to bring the RBC into contact with another cell that expresses the other interacting molecule with precisely controlled area and time to enable bond formation. The adhesion event is detected as RBC elongation upon pulling the two cells apart. By controlling the density of the ligands immobilized on the RBC surface, the probability of adhesion is kept in mid-range between 0 and 1. The adhesion probability is estimated from the frequency of adhesion events in a sequence of repeated contact cycles between the two cells for a given contact time. Varying the contact time generates a binding curve. Fitting a probabilistic model for receptor-ligand reaction kinetics1 to the binding curve returns the 2D affinity and off-rate.
The assay has been validated using interactions of Fc&gamma; receptors with IgG Fc1-6, selectins with glycoconjugate ligands6-9, integrins with ligands10-13, homotypical cadherin binding14, T cell receptor and coreceptor with peptide-major histocompatibility complexes15-19.
The method has been used to quantify regulations of 2D kinetics by biophysical factors, such as the membrane microtopology5, membrane anchor2, molecular orientation and length6, carrier stiffness9, curvature20, and impingement force20, as well as biochemical factors, such as modulators of the cytoskeleton and membrane microenvironment where the interacting molecules reside and the surface organization of these molecules15,17,19.
The method has also been used to study the concurrent binding of dual receptor-ligand species3,4, and trimolecular interactions19 using a modified model21.
The major advantage of the method is that it allows study of receptors in their native membrane environment. The results could be very different from those obtained using purified receptors17. It also allows study of the receptor-ligand interactions in a sub-second timescale with temporal resolution well beyond the typical biochemical methods.
To illustrate the micropipette adhesion frequency method, we show kinetics measurement of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) functionalized on RBCs binding to integrin &alpha;L&beta;2 on neutrophils with dimeric E-selectin in the solution to activate &alpha;L&beta;2.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Adhesion Frequency Assay for In Situ Kinetics Analysis of Cross-Junctional Molecular Interactions at the Cell-Cell Interface at JoVE.com

Adhesion Frequency Assay for In Situ Kinetics Analysis of Cross-Junctional Molecular Interactions at the Cell-Cell Interface

An adhesion frequency assay for measuring receptor-ligand interaction kinetics when both molecules are anchored on the surfaces of the interacting cells is described. This mechanically-based assay is exemplified using a micropipette-pressurized human red blood cell as adhesion sensor and integrin &alpha;L&beta;2 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 as interacting receptors and ligands.

Adhesion Frequency Assay for In Situ Kinetics Analysis of Cross-Junctional Molecular Interactions at the Cell-Cell Interface

The micropipette adhesion assay was developed in 1998 to measure two-dimensional (2D) receptor-ligand binding kinetics1. The assay uses a human red blood ...

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Bioengineering

High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging

Many biological and clinical studies require the longitudinal study and analysis of morphology and function with cellular level resolution. Traditionally, multiple experiments are run in parallel, with individual samples removed from the study at sequential time points for evaluation by light microscopy. Several intravital techniques have been developed, with confocal, multiphoton, and second harmonic microscopy all demonstrating their ability to be used for imaging in situ 1. With these systems, however, the required infrastructure is complex and expensive, involving scanning laser systems and complex light sources. Here we present a protocol for the design and assembly of a high-resolution microendoscope which can be built in a day using off-the-shelf components for under US$5,000. The platform offers flexibility in terms of image resolution, field-of-view, and operating wavelength, and we describe how these parameters can be easily modified to meet the specific needs of the end user.
We and others have explored the use of the high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) in in vitro cell culture 2-5, in excised 6 and living animal tissues 2,5, and in human tissues in vivo 2,7. Users have reported the use of several different fluorescent contrast agents, including proflavine 2-4, benzoporphyrin-derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA) 5, and fluoroscein 6,7, all of which have received full, or investigational approval from the FDA for use in human subjects. High-resolution microendoscopy, in the form described here, may appeal to a wide range of researchers working in the basic and clinical sciences. The technique offers an effective and economical approach which complements traditional benchtop microscopy, by enabling the user to perform high-resolution, longitudinal imaging in situ.

High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging

In many biological and clinical situations it is advantageous to study cellular processes as they evolve in their native microenvironment. Here we describe the assembly and use of a low-cost fiber-optic microscope which can provide real time imaging in cell culture, animal studies, and clinical patient studies.

Many biological and clinical studies require the longitudinal study and analysis of morphology and function with cellular level resolution.  ...

Bridging the Bio-Electronic Interface with Biofabrication

Advancements in lab-on-a-chip technology promise to revolutionize both research and medicine through lower costs, better sensitivity, portability, and higher throughput. The incorporation of biological components onto biological microelectromechanical systems (bioMEMS) has shown great potential for achieving these goals. Microfabricated electronic chips allow for micrometer-scale features as well as an electrical connection for sensing and actuation. Functional biological components give the system the capacity for specific detection of analytes, enzymatic functions, and whole-cell capabilities. Standard microfabrication processes and bio-analytical techniques have been successfully utilized for decades in the computer and biological industries, respectively. Their combination and interfacing in a lab-on-a-chip environment, however, brings forth new challenges. There is a call for techniques that can build an interface between the electrode and biological component that is mild and is easy to fabricate and pattern.
Biofabrication, described here, is one such approach that has shown great promise for its easy-to-assemble incorporation of biological components with versatility in the on-chip functions that are enabled. Biofabrication uses biological materials and biological mechanisms (self-assembly, enzymatic assembly) for bottom-up hierarchical assembly. While our labs have demonstrated these concepts in many formats 1,2,3, here we demonstrate the assembly process based on electrodeposition followed by multiple applications of signal-based interactions. The assembly process consists of the electrodeposition of biocompatible stimuli-responsive polymer films on electrodes and their subsequent functionalization with biological components such as DNA, enzymes, or live cells 4,5. Electrodeposition takes advantage of the pH gradient created at the surface of a biased electrode from the electrolysis of water 6,7,. Chitosan and alginate are stimuli-responsive biological polymers that can be triggered to self-assemble into hydrogel films in response to imposed electrical signals 8. The thickness of these hydrogels is determined by the extent to which the pH gradient extends from the electrode. This can be modified using varying current densities and deposition times 6,7. This protocol will describe how chitosan films are deposited and functionalized by covalently attaching biological components to the abundant primary amine groups present on the film through either enzymatic or electrochemical methods 9,10. Alginate films and their entrapment of live cells will also be addressed 11. Finally, the utility of biofabrication is demonstrated through examples of signal-based interaction, including chemical-to-electrical, cell-to-cell, and also enzyme-to-cell signal transmission. 
Both the electrodeposition and functionalization can be performed under near-physiological conditions without the need for reagents and thus spare labile biological components from harsh conditions. Additionally, both chitosan and alginate have long been used for biologically-relevant purposes 12,13. Overall, biofabrication, a rapid technique that can be simply performed on a benchtop, can be used for creating micron scale patterns of functional biological components on electrodes and can be used for a variety of lab-on-a-chip applications.

This article describes a biofabrication approach: deposition of stimuli-responsive polysaccharides in the presence of biased electrodes to create biocompatible films which can be functionalized with cells or proteins. We demonstrate a bench-top strategy for the generation of the films as well as their basic uses for creating interactive biofunctionalized surfaces for lab-on-a-chip applications.

Advancements in lab-on-a-chip technology promise to revolutionize both research and medicine through lower costs, better sensitivity, portability, and ...

Quantitative FRET (F&#246;rster Resonance Energy Transfer) Analysis for SENP1 Protease Kinetics Determination

Reversible posttranslational modifications of proteins with ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are widely used to dynamically regulate protein activity and have diverse roles in many biological processes. For example, SUMO covalently modifies a large number or proteins with important roles in many cellular processes, including cell-cycle regulation, cell survival and death, DNA damage response, and stress response 1-5. SENP, as SUMO-specific protease, functions as an endopeptidase in the maturation of SUMO precursors or as an isopeptidase to remove SUMO from its target proteins and refresh the SUMOylation cycle 1,3,6,7.
The catalytic efficiency or specificity of an enzyme is best characterized by the ratio of the kinetic constants, kcat/KM. In several studies, the kinetic parameters of SUMO-SENP pairs have been determined by various methods, including polyacrylamide gel-based western-blot, radioactive-labeled substrate, fluorescent compound or protein labeled substrate 8-13. However, the polyacrylamide-gel-based techniques, which used the "native" proteins but are laborious and technically demanding, that do not readily lend themselves to detailed quantitative analysis. The obtained kcat/KM from studies using tetrapeptides or proteins with an ACC (7-amino-4-carbamoylmetylcoumarin) or AMC (7-amino-4-methylcoumarin) fluorophore were either up to two orders of magnitude lower than the natural substrates or cannot clearly differentiate the iso- and endopeptidase activities of SENPs.
Recently, FRET-based protease assays were used to study the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) or SENPs with the FRET pair of cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) 9,10,14,15. The ratio of acceptor emission to donor emission was used as the quantitative parameter for FRET signal monitor for protease activity determination. However, this method ignored signal cross-contaminations at the acceptor and donor emission wavelengths by acceptor and donor self-fluorescence and thus was not accurate.
We developed a novel highly sensitive and quantitative FRET-based protease assay for determining the kinetic parameters of pre-SUMO1 maturation by SENP1. An engineered FRET pair CyPet and YPet with significantly improved FRET efficiency and fluorescence quantum yield, were used to generate the CyPet-(pre-SUMO1)-YPet substrate 16. We differentiated and quantified absolute fluorescence signals contributed by the donor and acceptor and FRET at the acceptor and emission wavelengths, respectively. The value of kcat/KM was obtained as (3.2 &plusmn; 0.55) x107 M-1s-1 of SENP1 toward pre-SUMO1, which is in agreement with general enzymatic kinetic parameters. Therefore, this methodology is valid and can be used as a general approach to characterize other proteases as well.

Quantitative FRET F&#246;rster Resonance Energy Transfer Analysis for SENP1 Protease Kinetics Determination

A novel method involving quantitative analysis of FRET (F&ouml;rster Resonance Energy Transfer) signals is described for studying enzyme kinetics. KM and kcat were obtained for the hydrolysis of the catalytic domain of SENP1 (SUMO/Sentrin specific protease 1) to pre-SUMO1 (Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier). The general principles of this quantitative-FRET-based protease kinetic study can be applied to other proteases.

Reversible posttranslational modifications of proteins with ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are widely used to dynamically regulate protein ...

Development of Amelogenin-chitosan Hydrogel for In Vitro Enamel Regrowth with a Dense Interface

Biomimetic enamel reconstruction is a significant topic in material science and dentistry as a novel approach for the treatment of dental caries or erosion. Amelogenin has been proven to be a critical protein for controlling the organized growth of apatite crystals. In this paper, we present a detailed protocol for superficial enamel reconstruction by using a novel amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel. Compared to other conventional treatments, such as topical fluoride and mouthwash, this method not only has the potential to prevent the development of dental caries but also promotes significant and durable enamel restoration. The organized enamel-like microstructure regulated by amelogenin assemblies can significantly improve the mechanical properties of etched enamel, while the dense enamel-restoration interface formed by an in situ regrowth of apatite crystals can improve the effectiveness and durability of restorations. Furthermore, chitosan hydrogel is easy to use and can suppress bacterial infection, which is the major risk factor for the occurrence of dental caries. Therefore, this biocompatible and biodegradable amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel shows promise as a biomaterial for the prevention, restoration, and treatment of defective enamel.

Development of Amelogenin-chitosan Hydrogel for In Vitro Enamel Regrowth with a Dense Interface

In this article, we describe a protocol for fabricating an amelogenin-chitosan hydrogel for superficial enamel reconstruction. Organized in situ growth of apatite crystals in the hydrogel formed a dense enamel-restoration interface, which will improve the effectiveness and durability of restorations.

Biomimetic enamel reconstruction is a significant topic in material science and dentistry as a novel approach for the treatment of dental caries or ...

Measuring TCR-pMHC Binding In Situ using a FRET-based Microscopy Assay

T-cells are remarkably specific and effective when recognizing antigens in the form of peptides embedded in MHC molecules (pMHC) on the surface of Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs). This is despite T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs) exerting usually a moderate affinity (&#181;M range) to antigen when binding is measured in vitro1. In view of the molecular and cellular parameters contributing to T-cell antigen sensitivity, a microscopy-based methodology has been developed as a means to monitor TCR-pMHC binding in situ, as it occurs within the synapse of a live T-cell and an artificial and functionalized glass-supported planar lipid bilayer (SLB), which mimics the cell membrane of an Antigen presenting Cell (APC) 2. Measurements are based on F&#246;rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between a blue- and red-shifted fluorescent dye attached to the TCR and the pMHC. Because the efficiency of FRET is inversely proportional to the sixth power of the inter-dye distance, one can employ FRET signals to visualize synaptic TCR-pMHC binding. The sensitive of the microscopy approach supports detection of single molecule FRET events. This allows to determine the affinity and off-rate of synaptic TCR-pMHC interactions and in turn to interpolate the on-rate of binding. Analogous assays could be applied to measure other receptor-ligand interactions in their native environment.

Measuring TCR-pMHC Binding In Situ using a FRET-based Microscopy Assay

This manuscript describes how to conduct (single molecule) F&#246;rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)- based assays to measure the binding dynamics between T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) and antigenic peptide-loaded MHC molecules as they occur within the immunological synapse of a T-cell in contact with a functionalized planar supported lipid bilayer.

T-cells are remarkably specific and effective when recognizing antigens in the form of peptides embedded in MHC molecules (pMHC) on the surface of Antigen ...

A Tripeptide-Stabilized Nanoemulsion of Oleic Acid

We describe a method to produce a nanoemulsion composed of an oleic acids-Pt(II) core and a lysine-tyrosine-phenylalanine (KYF) coating (KYF-Pt-NE). The KYF-Pt-NE encapsulates Pt(II) at 10 wt. %, has a diameter of 107 &#177; 27 nm and a negative surface charge. The KYF-Pt-NE is stable in water and in serum, and is biologically active. The conjugation of a fluorophore to KYF allows the synthesis of a fluorescent nanoemulsion that is suitable for biological imaging. The synthesis of the nanoemulsion is performed in an aqueous environment, and the KYF-Pt-NE forms via self-assembly of a short KYF peptide and an oleic acids-platinum(II) conjugate. The self-assembly process depends on the temperature of the solution, the molar ratio of the substrates, and the flow rate of the substrate addition. Crucial steps include maintaining the optimal stirring rate during the synthesis, permitting sufficient time for self-assembly, and pre-concentrating the nanoemulsion gradually in a centrifugal concentrator.

This protocol describes an efficient method to synthesize a nanoemulsion of an oleic acids-platinum(II) conjugate stabilized with a lysine-tyrosine-phenylalanine (KYF) tripeptide. The nanoemulsion forms under mild synthetic conditions via self-assembly of the KYF and the conjugate.

We describe a method to produce a nanoemulsion composed of an oleic acids-Pt(II) core and a lysine-tyrosine-phenylalanine (KYF) coating (KYF-Pt-NE). The ...

Environmental Dynamic Mechanical Analysis to Predict the Softening Behavior of Neural Implants

When using dynamically softening substrates for neural implants, it is important to have a reliable in vitro method to characterize the softening behavior of these materials. In the past, it has not been possible to satisfactorily measure the softening of thin films under conditions mimicking body environment without substantial effort. This publication presents a new and simple method that allows dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of polymers in solutions, such as phosphate buffered saline (PBS), at relevant temperatures. The use of environmental DMA allows measurement of the softening effects of polymers due to plasticization in various media and temperatures, which therefore allows a prediction of the materials behavior under in vivo conditions.

To allow reliable predictions of the softening of polymeric substrates for neural implants in an in vivo environment, it is important to have a reliable in vitro method. Here, the use of dynamic mechanical analysis in phosphate buffered saline at body temperature is presented.

When using dynamically softening substrates for neural implants, it is important to have a reliable in vitro method to characterize the softening behavior ...

Bioparticle Microarrays for Chemotactic and Molecular Analysis of Human Neutrophil Swarming in vitro

Neutrophil swarming is a cooperative process by which neutrophils seal off a site of infection and promote tissue reorganization. Swarming has classically been studied in vivo in animal models showing characteristic patterns of cell migration. However, in vivo models have several limitations, including intercellular mediators that are difficult to access and analyze, as well as the inability to directly analyze human neutrophils. Because of these limitations, there is a need for an in vitro platform that studies swarming with human neutrophils and provides easy access to the molecular signals generated during swarming. Here, a multistep microstamping process is used to generate a bioparticle microarray that stimulates swarming by mimicking an in vivo infection. The bioparticle microarray induces neutrophils to swarm in a controlled and stable manner. On the microarray, neutrophils increase in speed and form stable swarms around bioparticle clusters. Additionally, supernatant generated by the neutrophils was analyzed and 16 proteins were discovered to have been differentially expressed over the course of swarming. This in vitro swarming platform facilitates direct analysis of neutrophil migration and protein release in a reproducible, spatially controlled manner.

This protocol generates bioparticle microarrays that provide spatially controlled neutrophil swarming. It provides easy access to the mediators that neutrophils release during migration and allows for quantitative imaging analysis.

Neutrophil swarming is a cooperative process by which neutrophils seal off a site of infection and promote tissue reorganization. Swarming has classically ...

Lipidico Injection Protocol for Serial Crystallography Measurements at the Australian Synchrotron

A facility for performing serial crystallography measurements has been developed at the Australian synchrotron. This facility incorporates a purpose built high viscous injector, Lipidico, as part of the macromolecular crystallography (MX2) beamline to measure large numbers of small crystals at room temperature. The goal of this technique is to enable crystals to be grown/transferred to&#160;glass syringes to be used directly in the injector for serial crystallography data collection. The advantages of this injector include the ability to respond rapidly&#160;to changes in the flow rate without interruption of the stream. Several limitations for this high viscosity injector (HVI) exist which include a restriction on the allowed sample viscosities to &#62;10 Pa.s. Stream stability can also potentially be an issue depending on the specific properties of the sample. A detailed protocol for how to set up samples and operate the injector for serial crystallography measurements at the Australian synchrotron is presented here. The method demonstrates preparation of the sample, including the transfer of lysozyme crystals into a high viscous media (silicone grease), and the operation of the injector for data collection at MX2.

The goal of this protocol is to demonstrate how to prepare serial crystallography samples for data collection on a high viscous injector, Lipidico, recently commissioned at the Australian synchrotron.

A facility for performing serial crystallography measurements has been developed at the Australian synchrotron. This facility incorporates a purpose built ...

Molecular Spring Constant Analysis by Biomembrane Force Probe Spectroscopy

A biomembrane force probe (BFP) has recently emerged as a native-cell-surface or in situ dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) nanotool that can measure single-molecular binding kinetics, assess mechanical properties of ligand-receptor interactions, visualize protein dynamic conformational changes and more excitingly elucidate receptor mediated cell mechanosensing mechanisms. More recently, BFP has been used to measure the spring constant of molecular bonds. This protocol describes the step-by-step procedure to perform molecular spring constant DFS analysis. Specifically, two BFP operation modes are discussed, namely the Bead-Cell and Bead-Bead modes. This protocol focuses on deriving spring constants of the molecular bond and cell from DFS raw data.

A biomembrane force probe (BFP) is an in situ dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) technique. BFP can be used to measure the spring constant of molecular interactions on living cells. This protocol presents spring constant analysis for molecular bonds detected by BFP.

A biomembrane force probe (BFP) has recently emerged as a native-cell-surface or in situ dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) nanotool that can measure ...