Name: single-molecule manipulation of g-quadruplexes by magnetic tweezers
Uploaded: 2017-09-19T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers at JoVE.com

The authors thank Meng Pan for proofreading the manuscript. This work is supported by Singapore Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund Tier 3 (MOE2012-T3-1-001) to J.Y.; the National Research Foundation through the Mechanobiology Institute Singapore to J.Y.; the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister&#39;s Office, Singapore, under its NRF Investigatorship Programme (NRF Investigatorship Award No. NRF-NRFI2016-03 to J.Y.; the Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities (2017KFYXJJ153) to H. Y.

1. Preparation of G4 DNA for Single-molecule Stretching
<ol>
	<li>Prepare 5&#39;-thiol labeled and 5&#39;-biotin labeled dsDNA handles by PCR using DDNA polymerase on a lambda phage DNA template using 5&#39;-thiol and 5&#39;-biotin primers14 (Figure 1). Both dsDNA handles have high GC content (&#62; 60%) to prevent DNA melting when DNA is held at high forces or during DNA overstretching transition15.</li>
	<li>Purify PCR products using a comm...

<ol>
	<li>Rhodes, D., Lipps, H. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=G-quadruplexes+and+their+regulatory+roles+in+biology.">G-quadruplexes and their regulatory roles in biology.</a> Nucleic Acids Res. 43 (18), 8627-8637 (2015).</li><li>Brazda, V., Haronikova, L., Liao, J. C., Fojta, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=DNA+and+RNA+quadruplex-binding+proteins.">DNA and RNA quadruplex-binding proteins.</a> Int J Mol Sci. 15 (10), 17493-17517 (2014).</li><li>Gonzalez, V., Hurley, L. 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S., Yan, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two+distinct+overstretched+DNA+structures+revealed+by+single-molecule+thermodynamics+measurements.">Two distinct overstretched DNA structures revealed by single-molecule thermodynamics measurements.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 109 (21), 8103-8108 (2012).</li><li>Zhang, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Revealing+the+competition+between+peeled+ssDNA,+melting+bubbles,+and+S-DNA+during+DNA+overstretching+by+single-molecule+calorimetry.">Revealing the competition between peeled ssDNA, melting bubbles, and S-DNA during DNA overstretching by single-molecule calorimetry.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 110 (10), 3865-3870 (2013).</li><li>Chen, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Improved+High-Force+Magnetic+Tweezers+for+Stretching+and+Refolding+of+Proteins+and+Short+DNA.">Improved High-Force Magnetic Tweezers for Stretching and Refolding of Proteins and Short DNA.</a> Biophys. J. 100 (2), 517-523 (2011).</li><li>Fu, H. X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transition+dynamics+and+selection+of+the+distinct+S-DNA+and+strand+unpeeling+modes+of+double+helix+overstretching.">Transition dynamics and selection of the distinct S-DNA and strand unpeeling modes of double helix overstretching.</a> Nucleic Acids Res. 39 (8), 3473-3481 (2011).</li><li>Zhang, X., Chen, H., Fu, H., Doyle, P. S., Yan, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two+distinct+overstretched+DNA+structures+revealed+by+single-molecule+thermodynamics+measurements.">Two distinct overstretched DNA structures revealed by single-molecule thermodynamics measurements.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 109 (21), 8103-8108 (2012).</li><li>Zhang, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Revealing+the+competition+between+peeled+ssDNA,+melting+bubbles,+and+S-DNA+during+DNA+overstretching+by+single-molecule+calorimetry.">Revealing the competition between peeled ssDNA, melting bubbles, and S-DNA during DNA overstretching by single-molecule calorimetry.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 110 (10), 3865-3870 (2013).</li><li>Vaughn, J. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+DEXH+protein+product+of+the+DHX36+gene+is+the+major+source+of+tetramolecular+quadruplex+G4-DNA+resolving+activity+in+HeLa+cell+lysates.">The DEXH protein product of the DHX36 gene is the major source of tetramolecular quadruplex G4-DNA resolving activity in HeLa cell lysates.</a> J Biol Chem. 280 (46), 38117-38120 (2005).</li><li>Giri, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=G4+resolvase+1+tightly+binds+and+unwinds+unimolecular+G4-DNA.">G4 resolvase 1 tightly binds and unwinds unimolecular G4-DNA.</a> Nucleic Acids Res. 39 (16), 7161-7178 (2011).</li><li>De Vlaminck, I., Dekker, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recent+advances+in+magnetic+tweezers.">Recent advances in magnetic tweezers.</a> Annu Rev Biophys. 41, 453-472 (2012).</li><li>Yan, J., Skoko, D., Marko, J. 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N., Isaacs, A. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=G-quadruplexes:+Emerging+roles+in+neurodegenerative+diseases+and+the+non-coding+transcriptome.">G-quadruplexes: Emerging roles in neurodegenerative diseases and the non-coding transcriptome.</a> FEBS Lett. 589 (14), 1653-1668 (2015).</li><li>Balasubramanian, S., Hurley, L. 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As described above, a platform for studying the mechanical stability of G4 DNA and the interactions of protein to G4 using single-molecule magnetic tweezers is reported. Accompanying the platform, highly efficient protocols of finding G4 DNA tether, and measurement of the folding-unfolding dynamics and stability of the G4 structure with nanometers special resolution are developed. The focal plane locking enables highly stable anti-drift control, which is important for detecting a small structure transition such as G4 (st...

Four-stranded DNA or RNA G4 structures play critical roles in many important biological processes1. Many proteins are involved in G4 binding and regulation, including telomere binding proteins (telomerase, POT1, RPA, TEBPs, TRF2)1,2, transcription factors (nucleolin, PARP1)3, RNA processing proteins (hnRNP A1, hnRNP A2)4, helicases (BLM, FANCJ, RHAU, WRN, Dna2, Pif1)5, and DNA replication related proteins (Rif1, REV1, PrimPolymerase)6. Protein binding can stabilize or destabilize G4 structures; thus regulating the subsequent biological functions. The stability of G4 was measured by thermal melting using ultraviolet (UV) or circular dichroism (CD) methods7. However, such conditions are not physiological relevant and are difficult to apply to studying the effects of binding proteins7.
The rapid development in single-molecule manipulation technologies has enabled studies of folding and unfolding of a biomolecule, such as a DNA or a protein, at a single-molecule level with nanometer resolution in real time8. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical tweezers, and magnetic tweezers are the most commonly used single-molecule manipulation methods. Compared to AFM and optical tweezers9, magnetic tweezers allow stable measurements of folding-unfolding dynamics of a single molecule over days by using an anti-drift technique10,11.
Here, a single-molecule manipulation platform using magnetic tweezers to study the regulation of G4 stability by binding proteins is reported12,13. This work outlines the basic approaches, including sample and flow channel preparation, the setup of magnetic tweezers, and the force calibration. The force control and the anti-drift protocols as described in step 3 allow for long time measurements under various force controls, such as constant force (force clamp) and constant loading rate (force-ramp), and force-jump measurement. The force calibration protocol described in step 4 enables force calibration of &#60; 1 &#181;m short tethers over a wide force range up to 100 pN, with a relative error within 10%. An example of regulation of the stability of the RNA Helicase associated with AU-rich element (RHAU) helicase (alias DHX36, G4R1) that plays essential roles in resolving RNA G4 is used to demonstrate the applications of this platform13.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>DNA PCR primers</td>
			<td>IDT</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>DNA preparations</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DNA PCR chemicals</td>
			<td>NEB</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>DNA preparations</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>restriction enzyme BstXI</td>
			<td>NEB</td>
			<td>R0113S</td>
			<td>DNA preparations</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>coverslips (#1.5, 22*32 mm, and 20*20 mm)</td>
			<td>BMH.BIOMEDIA</td>
			<td>72204</td>
			<td>flow channel preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Decon90</td>
			<td>Decon Laboratories Limited</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>flow channel preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>APTES</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>440140-500ML</td>
			<td>flow channel preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sulfo-SMCC</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>22322</td>
			<td>flow channel preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>M-280, paramganetic beads,streptavidin</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>11205D</td>
			<td>flow channel preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polybead Amino Microspheres 3.00 &#956;m</td>
			<td>Polysciences, Inc</td>
			<td>17145-5</td>
			<td>flow channel preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Mercaptoethanol</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>M6250-250ML</td>
			<td>flow channel preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Olympus Microscopes IX71</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>IX71</td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Piezo-Z Stages P-721</td>
			<td>Physik Instrumente</td>
			<td>P-721</td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Olympus Objective lense MPLAPON-Oil 100X</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>MPLAPON-Oil 100X</td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CCD/CMOS camera</td>
			<td>AVT</td>
			<td>Pike F-032B</td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Translation linear stage</td>
			<td>Physik Instrumente</td>
			<td>MoCo DC</td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LED</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>MCWHL</td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cubic Magnets</td>
			<td>Supermagnete</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Labview</td>
			<td>National Instruments</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Magnetic tweezers setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>OriginPro/Matlab</td>
			<td>OriginLab/MathWorks</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Data analysis</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

single-molecule manipulation of g-quadruplexes by magnetic tweezers

Non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structure G-quadruplexes (G4) are involved in diverse cellular processes, such as DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, and telomere elongation. During these processes, various proteins bind and resolve G4 structures to perform their function. As the function of G4 often depends on the stability of its folded structure, it is important to investigate how G4 binding proteins regulate the stability of G4. This work presents a method to manipulate single G4 molecules using magnetic tweezers, which enables studies of the regulation of G4 binding proteins on a single G4 molecule in real time. In general, this method is suitable for a wide scope of applications in studies for proteins/ligands interactions and regulations on various DNA or RNA secondary structures.

The experiment setup for stretching a single G4 molecule is shown in Figure 4. A single-stranded G4 forming sequence spanned between two dsDNA handles was tethered between a coverslip and a paramagnetic bead. To find a single dsDNA tethered bead, an overstretching assay was performed by increasing the force at constant loading rates. Three types of measurements were often used for studying the folding and unfolding of biomolecules: (i) constant force measurem...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers at JoVE.com

Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers

A single-molecule magnetic tweezers platform to manipulate G-quadruplexes is reported, which allows for the study of G4 stability and regulation by various proteins.

Non-canonical nucleic acid secondary structure G-quadruplexes (G4) are involved in diverse cellular processes, such as DNA replication, transcription, RNA ...

The overall goal of this experiment is to directly measure the folding and unfolding of G-quadruplexes, abbreviated G4, and the regulation by binding proteins at the single-molecule level using magnetic tweezers. This message can help answer key questions in G4 field, such as floating dynamics of G4, and the regulation by binding proteins. The main advantage of this technique, is that magnetic tweezers, allow stable measurement, of nanometer sized floating dynamics of a single-molecule over days, by using anti-drift technique.Let's start this with this message, can provide the inside the molecule mechanisms of G4 stability, the helicase activities on G4, it can also use to probe the al-a-do-gees related to G4 binding proteins, or ligans, which may have potential therapeutic applications. In addition, it can also used to probe the outer protein DNA interactions, or protein protein interactions. Begin this procedure with preparation of G4 DNA in the flow channel, as described in the text protocol.G4 DNA was prepared by ligate G4 forming single stranded DNA, two flank single stranded DNA, and a double stranded DNA handle, using T4 DNA ligates. For the magnetic tweezers setup, start the magnetic tweezers program. Here, the magnetic tweezers are controlled by an in-house written lab view program.Next, align the magnet centers before mounting the channel. Use a 10 times objective lens to adjust the X and Y axis of the magnetics, in the optical access of the microscope. Use a computer controlled motorized manipulator to move the magnets along the Z direction, and set the distance between the magnets and coverslip as D equals zero, when the magnetics attach to a coverslip on the microscope.Program the movement of the magnetics through the manipulator to achieve control of the force, including constant force and time varying force. Use a bright light emitting diode light source for back scattered illumination of the bead through the objective. Collect the bead images and a sampling rate of 100 hertz, by a change coupled device camera.For tether formation, gently flow 200 X diluted M280 para magnetic beads in as-say solution into a channel. Incubate the mixture for 10 minutes to allow the beads to bind to biotin labeled DNA molecules immobilized on the SMCC coded surface through the thiol labeled ent. Gently wash away untethered beads using 200 microliters of standard reaction solution.Next, mount the channel onto the microscope stage. Search for the beads on the bottom surface using the 100 times oil immersion objective. Select a reference bead on the surface, and a moving tethered bead.Build the initial image libraries, of both the reference bead and tethered bead and different de-focused plains. Before experiments, use a objective Piezo actuator to obtain images of both reference and tethered beads at different de-focused plains, spaced at 20 to 50 nanometers. Store the images as two separate bead image libraries that are respectively indexed with the de-focused distance.During the experiments, determine the position of the bead in the XY plain, by the bead centroid. Also determine the height change of the tethered bead by comparing the current bead image with those stored in the library. Use the auto correlation function analysis of the power spectrum of the Fourier transform of the bead images.During experiments, use the Pizeo to lock the distance between the objective in a specific reference bead image stored in the library through a low frequency feedback control, so that the stuck bead image, has the best correlation with the specific image stored in the library. Determine whether the tether is a single double stranded DNA molecule, by applying approximately 65 piconewtons of force. A tether is a single double stranded DNA molecule if it undergoes the characteristic DNA overstretching transition.Repeat the process until a single double stranded DNA tether is found. The relationship of force and magnet position, or so called, the force distance curve, was calibrated based on bead fluctuation. Furthermore, the overstretching transition of double stranded DNA that occurred near 65 piconewtons, could also be used to calibrate the force.For force ramp experiments, perform a force increase scan at a loading rate of 0.2 piconewtons per second, followed by a force decrease scan at minus 0.2 piconewtons per second. After each stretching cycle, hold the DNA molecule at one piconewton for 30 seconds, to allow the single stranded DNA to refold to G4.For force-jump experiments, cycle the force between 54 piconewtons for 30 seconds, under which a folded G4 could be unfolded, and 1 piconewton for 60 seconds allowing a folded G4-15T to refold. Finally, analyze the unfolding force, using an in-house written mat lab program.Shown here, is a typical example of a force increase and force decrease curve of a tethered G4 quadruplex. The extension jump in the force increase scan indicated an unfolding transition of G4, at approximately 52 piconewtons. However, in the presence of RHAU, G4 remained folded during the force increase scan for up to 60 piconewtons, indicating G4 force stabilization by RHAU binding.In the presence of RHAU and ATP, the unfolding force distribution of G4, was shifted to a lower force, indicative of an ATP depended destabilization of G4 by RHAU. Representative traces of the bead height during force-jump cycles, shows that the force applied to the molecule was cycled between 54 piconewtons for 30 seconds, under which a folded G4 could be unfolded, and 1 piconewton for 60 seconds, under which it could refold. The average lifetime a folded G4 at 54 piconewtons, was approximately 6.4 seconds, estimated by fitting the lifetime histogram with an exponential decay function.When RHAU helicase was introduced, the extension of tethered DNA remained at folded level throughout the 30 seconds holding time at 54 piconewtons, indicated that the RHAU strongly stabilizes G4 against mechanical unfolding. Upon addition of RHAU and ATP, the extension was at the level of unfolded single stranded DNA, indicating a destabilization of G4.After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to measure the unfolding and refolding dynamics of nuclear ACS junctions using this ultra stabled magnetic tweezers. The allotment of this technique paved the way for researchers in field of nucleic acid structure and binding proteins to explore the regression of structure stability and the folding kinetics, as well as the interaction of nucleic acid and binding proteins.

single-molecule-manipulation-of-g-quadruplexes-by-magnetic-tweezers

Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

Covalent Immobilization of Proteins for the Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy

In recent years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) based single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) extended our understanding of molecular properties and functions. It gave us the opportunity to explore a multiplicity of biophysical mechanisms, e.g., how bacterial adhesins bind to host surface receptors in more detail. Among other factors, the success of SMFS experiments depends on the functional and native immobilization of the biomolecules of interest on solid surfaces and AFM tips. Here, we describe a straightforward protocol for the covalent coupling of proteins to silicon surfaces using silane-PEG-carboxyls and the well-established N-hydroxysuccinimid/1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)carbodiimid (EDC/NHS) chemistry in order to explore the interaction of pilus-1 adhesin RrgA from the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) with the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (Fn). Our results show that the surface functionalization leads to a homogenous distribution of Fn on the glass surface and to an appropriate concentration of RrgA on the AFM cantilever tip, apparent by the target value of up to 20% of interaction events during SMFS measurements and revealed that RrgA binds to Fn with a mean force of 52 pN. The protocol can be adjusted to couple via site specific free thiol groups. This results in a predefined protein or molecule orientation and is suitable for other biophysical applications besides the SMFS.

This protocol describes the covalent immobilization of proteins with a heterobifunctional silane coupling agent to silicon-oxide surfaces designed for the atomic force microscopy based single molecule force spectroscopy which is exemplified by the interaction of RrgA (pilus-1 tip adhesin of S. pneumoniae) with fibronectin.

In recent years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) based single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) extended our understanding of molecular properties and ...

Proteome-wide Quantification of Labeling Homogeneity at the Single Molecule Level

Cell proteomes are often characterized using electrophoresis assays, where all species of proteins in the cells are non-specifically labeled with a fluorescent dye and are spotted by a photodetector following their separation. Single molecule fluorescence imaging can provide ultrasensitive protein detection with its ability for visualizing individual fluorescent molecules. However, the application of this powerful imaging method to electrophoresis assays is hampered by the lack of ways to characterize the homogeneity of fluorescent labeling of each protein species across the proteome. Here, we developed a method to evaluate the labeling homogeneity across the proteome based on a single molecule fluorescence imaging assay. In our measurement using a HeLa cell sample, the proportion of proteins labeled with at least one dye, which we termed &#8216;labeling occupancy&#8217; (LO), was determined to range from 50% to 90%, supporting the high potential of the application of single molecule imaging to sensitive and precise proteome analysis.

Here, we present a protocol to assess the labeling homogeneity for each protein species in a complex protein sample at the single molecule level.

Cell proteomes are often characterized using electrophoresis assays, where all species of proteins in the cells are non-specifically labeled with a ...

Single Cell Analysis Of Transcriptionally Active Alleles By Single Molecule FISH

Gene transcription is an essential process in cell biology, and allows cells to interpret and respond to internal and external cues. Traditional bulk population methods (Northern blot, PCR, and RNAseq) that measure mRNA levels lack the ability to provide information on cell-to-cell variation in responses. Precise single cell and allelic visualization and quantification is possible via single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH). RNA-FISH is performed by hybridizing target RNAs with labeled oligonucleotide probes. These can be imaged in medium/high throughput modalities, and, through image analysis pipelines, provide quantitative data on both mature and nascent RNAs, all at the single cell level. The fixation, permeabilization, hybridization and imaging steps have been optimized in the lab over many years using the model system described herein, which results in successful and robust single cell analysis of smFISH labeling. The main goal with sample preparation and processing is to produce high quality images characterized by a high signal-to-noise ratio to reduce false positives and provide data that are more accurate. Here, we present a protocol describing the pipeline from sample preparation to data analysis in conjunction with suggestions and optimization steps to tailor to specific samples.&#160;

Single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) is a method to accurately quantify levels and localization of specific RNAs at the single cell level. Here, we report our validated lab protocols for wet-bench processing, imaging and image analysis for single cell quantification of specific RNAs.

Gene transcription is an essential process in cell biology, and allows cells to interpret and respond to internal and external cues. Traditional bulk ...

Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis

The ribosome is a large ribonucleoprotein complex that assembles proteins processively along mRNA templates. The diameter of the ribosome is approximately 20 nm to accommodate large tRNA substrates at the A-, P- and E-sites. Consequently, the ribosome dynamics are naturally de-phased quickly. Single molecule method can detect each ribosome separately and distinguish inhomogeneous populations, which is essential to reveal the complicated mechanisms of multi-component systems. We report the details of a smFRET method based on the Nikon Ti2 inverted microscope to probe the ribosome dynamics between the ribosomal protein L27 and tRNAs. The L27 is labeled at its unique Cys 53 position and reconstituted into a ribosome that is engineered to lack L27. The tRNA is labeled at its elbow region. As the tRNA moves to different locations inside the ribosome during the elongation cycle, such as pre- and post- translocation, the FRET efficiencies and dynamics exhibit differences, which have suggested multiple subpopulations. These subpopulations are not detectable by ensemble methods. The TIRF-based smFRET microscope is built on a manual or motorized inverted microscope, with home-built laser illumination. The ribosome samples are purified by ultracentrifugation, loaded into a home-built multi-channel sample cell and then illuminated via an evanescent laser field. The reflection laser spot can be used to achieve feedback control of perfect focus. The fluorescence signals are separated by a motorized filter-turret and collected by two digital CMOS cameras. The intensities are retrieved via the NIS-Elements software.

Single molecule fluorescence energy transfer is a method that tracks the tRNA dynamics during ribosomal protein synthesis. By tracking individual ribosomes, inhomogeneous populations are identified, which shed light on mechanisms. This method can be used to track biological conformational changes in general to reveal dynamic-function relationships in many other complexed biosystems. Single molecule methods can observe non-rate limiting steps and low-populated key intermediates, which are not accessible by conventional ensemble methods due to the average effect.

The ribosome is a large ribonucleoprotein complex that assembles proteins processively along mRNA templates. The diameter of the ribosome is approximately ...

Visualizing the Conformational Dynamics of Membrane Receptors Using Single-Molecule FRET

The ability of cells to respond to external signals is essential for cellular development, growth, and survival. To respond to a signal from the environment, a cell must be able to recognize and process it. This task mainly relies on the function of membrane receptors, whose role is to convert signals into the biochemical language of the cell. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane receptor proteins in humans. Among GPCRs, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are a unique subclass that function as obligate dimers and possess a large extracellular domain that contains the ligand-binding site. Recent advances in structural studies of mGluRs have improved the understanding of their activation process. However, the propagation of large-scale conformational changes through mGluRs during activation and modulation is poorly understood. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) is a powerful technique to visualize and quantify the structural dynamics of biomolecules at the single-protein level. To visualize the dynamic process of mGluR2 activation, fluorescent conformational sensors based on unnatural amino acid (UAA) incorporation were developed that allowed site-specific protein labeling without perturbation of the native structure of receptors. The protocol described here explains how to perform these experiments, including the novel UAA labeling approach, sample preparation, and smFRET data acquisition and analysis. These strategies are generalizable and can be extended to investigate the conformational dynamics of a variety of membrane proteins.

This study presents a detailed procedure to perform single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using site-specific labeling via unnatural amino acid (UAA) incorporation. The protocol provides a step-by-step guide for smFRET sample preparation, experiments, and data analysis.

The ability of cells to respond to external signals is essential for cellular development, growth, and survival. To respond to a signal from the ...

Use of Dual Optical Tweezers and Microfluidics for Single-Molecule Studies

Visual biochemistry is a powerful technique for observing the stochastic properties of single enzymes or enzyme complexes that are obscured in the averaging that takes place in bulk-phase studies. To achieve visualization, dual optical tweezers, where one trap is fixed and the other is mobile, are focused into one channel of a multi-stream microfluidic chamber positioned on the stage of an inverted fluorescence microscope. The optical tweezers trap single molecules of fluorescently labeled DNA and fluid flow through the chamber and past the trapped beads, stretches the DNA to B-form (under minimal force, i.e., 0 pN) with the nucleic acid being observed as a white string against a black background. DNA molecules are moved from one stream to the next, by translating the stage perpendicular to the flow to enable the initiation of reactions in a controlled manner. To achieve success, microfluidic devices with optically clear channels are mated to glass syringes held in place in a syringe pump. Optimal results use connectors permanently bonded to the flow cell, tubing that is mechanically rigid and chemically resistant, and which is connected to switching valves that eliminate bubbles that prohibit laminar flow.

Visual, single-molecule biochemistry studied through microfluidic chambers is greatly facilitated using glass barrel, gas-tight syringes, stable connections of tubing to flow cells, and elimination of bubbles by placing switching valves between the syringes and tubing. The protocol describes dual optical traps that enable visualization of DNA transactions and intermolecular interactions.

Visual biochemistry is a powerful technique for observing the stochastic properties of single enzymes or enzyme complexes that are obscured in the ...

High-Speed Magnetic Tweezers for Nanomechanical Measurements on Force-Sensitive Elements

Single-molecule magnetic tweezers (MTs) have served as powerful tools to forcefully interrogate biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, and are therefore poised to be useful in the field of mechanobiology. Since the method commonly relies on image-based tracking of magnetic beads, the speed limit in recording and analyzing images, as well as the thermal fluctuations of the beads, has long hampered its application in observing small and fast structural changes in target molecules. This article describes detailed methods for the construction and operation of a high-resolution MT setup that can resolve nanoscale, millisecond dynamics of biomolecules and their complexes. As application examples, experiments with DNA hairpins and SNARE complexes (membrane-fusion machinery) are demonstrated, focusing on how their transient states and transitions can be detected in the presence of piconewton-scale forces. We expect that high-speed MTs will continue to enable high-precision nanomechanical measurements on molecules that sense, transmit, and generate forces in cells, and thereby deepen our molecular-level understanding of mechanobiology.

Here, we describe a high-speed magnetic tweezer setup that performs nanomechanical measurements on force-sensitive biomolecules at the maximum rate of 1.2 kHz. We introduce its application to DNA hairpins and SNARE complexes as model systems, but it will be also applicable to other molecules involved in mechanobiological events.

Single-molecule magnetic tweezers (MTs) have served as powerful tools to forcefully interrogate biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, and are ...

Imaging the Motion of Fully Reconstituted Cdc45/Mcm2-7/GINS (CMG)

Hybrid Ensemble and Single-molecule Assay to Image the Motion of Fully Reconstituted CMG

Eukaryotes have one replicative helicase known as CMG, which centrally organizes and drives the replisome, and leads the way at the front of replication forks. Obtaining a deep mechanistic understanding of the dynamics of CMG is critical to elucidating how cells achieve the enormous task of efficiently and accurately replicating their entire genome once per cell cycle. Single-molecule techniques are uniquely suited to quantify the dynamics of CMG due to their unparalleled temporal and spatial resolution. Nevertheless, single-molecule studies of CMG motion have thus far relied on pre-formed CMG purified from cells as a complex, which precludes the study of the steps leading up to its activation. Here, we describe a hybrid ensemble and single-molecule assay that allowed imaging at the single-molecule level of the motion of fluorescently labeled CMG after fully reconstituting its assembly and activation from 36 different purified S. cerevisiae polypeptides. This assay relies on the double functionalization of the ends of a linear DNA substrate with two orthogonal attachment moieties, and can be adapted to study similarly complex DNA-processing mechanisms at the single-molecule level.

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Motion Dynamics of the Eukaryotic Replisome Components at the Single-Molecule Level

We report a hybrid ensemble and single-molecule assay to directly image and quantify the motion of fluorescently labeled, fully reconstituted Cdc45/Mcm2-7/GINS (CMG) helicase on linear DNA molecules held in place in an optical trap.

Eukaryotes have one replicative helicase known as CMG, which centrally organizes and drives the replisome, and leads the way at the front of replication ...

Studying TRF1/2 Interactions with Telomeric DNA Using Single-Molecule Assay

Analyzing Telomeric Protein-DNA Interactions Using Single-Molecule Magnetic Tweezers

Telomeres, the protective structures at the ends of chromosomes, are crucial for maintaining cellular longevity and genome stability. Their proper function depends on tightly regulated processes of replication, elongation, and damage response. The shelterin complex, especially Telomere Repeat-binding Factor 1 (TRF1) and TRF2, plays a pivotal role in telomere protection and has emerged as a potential anti-cancer target for drug discovery. These proteins bind to the repetitive telomeric DNA motif TTAGGG, facilitating the formation of protective structures and recruitment of other telomeric proteins. Structural methods and advanced imaging techniques have provided insights into telomeric protein-DNA interactions, but probing the dynamic processes requires single-molecule approaches. Tools like magnetic tweezers, optical tweezers, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been employed to study telomeric protein-DNA interactions, revealing important details such as TRF2-dependent DNA distortion and telomerase catalysis. However, the preparation of single-molecule constructs with telomeric repetitive motifs continues to be a challenging task, potentially limiting the breadth of studies utilizing single-molecule mechanical methods. To address this, we developed a method to study interactions using full-length human telomeric DNA with magnetic tweezers. This protocol describes how to express and purify TRF2, prepare telomeric DNA, set up single-molecule mechanical assays, and analyze data. This detailed guide will benefit researchers in telomere biology and telomere-targeted drug discovery.

Author Spotlight: Advanced Single-Molecule Techniques for Investigating Telomeric Protein-DNA Interactions

This protocol demonstrates using single-molecule magnetic tweezers to study interactions between telomeric DNA-binding proteins (Telomere Repeat-binding Factor 1 [TRF1] and TRF2) and long telomeres extracted from human cells. It describes the preparatory steps for telomeres and telomeric repeat-binding factors, the execution of single-molecule experiments, and the data collection and analysis methods.

Telomeres, the protective structures at the ends of chromosomes, are crucial for maintaining cellular longevity and genome stability. Their proper ...

In Situ Nucleosome Reconstitution for Single-Molecule Studies

In Situ Nucleosome Assembly for Single-Molecule Correlative Force and Fluorescence Microscopy

Nucleosomes constitute the primary unit of eukaryotic chromatin and have been the focus of numerous informative single-molecule investigations regarding their biophysical properties and interactions with chromatin-binding proteins. Nucleosome reconstitution on DNA for these studies typically involves a salt dialysis procedure that provides precise control over the placement and number of nucleosomes formed along a DNA tether. However, this protocol is time-consuming and requires a substantial amount of DNA and histone octamers as inputs. To offer an alternative strategy, an in situ nucleosome reconstitution method for single-molecule force and fluorescence microscopy that utilizes the histone chaperone Nap1 is described. This method enables users to assemble nucleosomes on any DNA template without the need for strong nucleosome positioning sequences, adjust nucleosome density on demand, and use fewer reagents. In situ nucleosome formation occurs within seconds, offering a simpler experimental workflow and a convenient transition into single-molecule measurements. Examples of two downstream assays for probing nucleosome mechanics and visualizing the behavior of individual proteins on chromatin are further described.

Author Spotlight: Efficient Nucleosome Reconstitution for Single-Molecule Techniques

This article presents a detailed experimental procedure for reconstituting nucleosome-containing DNA tethers for single-molecule correlative force and fluorescence microscopy. It further describes several downstream experiments that can be conducted to visualize the binding behavior of chromatin-interacting proteins and analyze changes in the physical properties of nucleosomes.

Nucleosomes constitute the primary unit of eukaryotic chromatin and have been the focus of numerous informative single-molecule investigations regarding ...