Name: simultaneous visualization of the dynamics of crosslinked and single microtubules in vitro by tirf microscopy
Uploaded: 2022-02-18T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy at JoVE.com

This work was supported by a grant from the NIH (no. 1DP2GM126894-01), and by funds from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Smith Family Foundation to R.S. The authors thank Dr. Shuo Jiang for his contribution toward development and optimization of the protocols.

1. Prepare reagents
<ol>
	<li>Prepare buffers and reagents as outlined in Table 1 and Table 2. During the experiment, keep all solutions on ice, unless otherwise noted.</li>
</ol>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Solution</td>
			<td colspan="2">Components</td>
			<td>Recommended Storage Duration</td>
			<td colspan="2">Notes</stro...

<ol>
	<li>Subramanian, R., Kapoor, T. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Building+complexity:+insights+into+self-organized+assembly+of+microtubule-based+architectures.">Building complexity: insights into self-organized assembly of microtubule-based architectures.</a> Developmental Cell. 23 (5), 874-885 (2012).</li><li>Baas, P. W., Rao, A. N., Matamoros, A. J., Leo, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stability+properties+of+neuronal+microtubules.">Stability properties of neuronal microtubules.</a> Cytoskeleton (Hoboken). 73 (9), 442-460 (2016).</li><li>Bitan, A., Rosenbaum, I., Abdu, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stable+and+dynamic+microtubules+coordinately+determine+and+maintain+Drosophila+bristle+shape.">Stable and dynamic microtubules coordinately determine and maintain Drosophila bristle shape.</a> Development. 139 (11), 1987-1996 (2012).</li><li>Foe, V. E., von Dassow, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stable+and+dynamic+microtubules+coordinately+shape+the+myosin+activation+zone+during+cytokinetic+furrow+formation.">Stable and dynamic microtubules coordinately shape the myosin activation zone during cytokinetic furrow formation.</a> The Journal of Cell Biology. 183 (3), 457-470 (2008).</li><li>Pous, C., 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=Functional+specialization+of+stable+and+dynamic+microtubules+in+protein+traffic+in+WIF-B+cells.">Functional specialization of stable and dynamic microtubules in protein traffic in WIF-B cells.</a> The Journal of Cell Biology. 142 (1), 153-165 (1998).</li><li>Uehara, R., Goshima, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+central+spindle+assembly+requires+de+novo+microtubule+generation+in+the+interchromosomal+region+during+anaphase.">Functional central spindle assembly requires de novo microtubule generation in the interchromosomal region during anaphase.</a> The Journal of Cell Biology. 191 (2), 259-267 (2010).</li><li>Mitchison, T., Kirschner, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamic+instability+of+microtubule+growth.">Dynamic instability of microtubule growth.</a> Nature. 312 (5991), 237-242 (1984).</li><li>Bieling, 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=Reconstitution+of+a+microtubule+plus-end+tracking+system+in+vitro.">Reconstitution of a microtubule plus-end tracking system in vitro.</a> Nature. 450 (7172), 1100-1105 (2007).</li><li>Bieling, P., Telley, I. A., Surrey, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+minimal+midzone+protein+module+controls+formation+and+length+of+antiparallel+microtubule+overlaps.">A minimal midzone protein module controls formation and length of antiparallel microtubule overlaps.</a> Cell. 142 (3), 420-432 (2010).</li><li>Shimamoto, Y., Forth, S., Kapoor, T. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measuring+pushing+and+braking+forces+generated+by+ensembles+of+Kinesin-5+crosslinking+two+microtubules.">Measuring pushing and braking forces generated by ensembles of Kinesin-5 crosslinking two microtubules.</a> Developmental Cell. 34 (6), 669-681 (2015).</li><li>Mani, N., Jiang, S., Neary, A. E., Wijeratne, S. S., Subramanian, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differential+regulation+of+single+microtubules+and+bundles+by+a+three-protein+module.">Differential regulation of single microtubules and bundles by a three-protein module.</a> Nature Chemical Biology. 17 (9), 964-974 (2021).</li><li>Hyman, A. A., Salser, S., Drechsel, D., Unwin, N., Mitchison, T. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Role+of+GTP+hydrolysis+in+microtubule+dynamics:+information+from+a+slowly+hydrolyzable+analogue,+GMPCPP.">Role of GTP hydrolysis in microtubule dynamics: information from a slowly hydrolyzable analogue, GMPCPP.</a> Molecular Biology of the Cell. 3 (10), 1155-1167 (1992).</li><li>Subramanian, R., 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=Insights+into+antiparallel+microtubule+crosslinking+by+PRC1,+a+conserved+nonmotor+microtubule+binding+protein.">Insights into antiparallel microtubule crosslinking by PRC1, a conserved nonmotor microtubule binding protein.</a> Cell. 142 (3), 433-443 (2010).</li><li>Rasnik, I., McKinney, S. A., Ha, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nonblinking+and+long-lasting+single-molecule+fluorescence+imaging.">Nonblinking and long-lasting single-molecule fluorescence imaging.</a> Nature Methods. 3 (11), 891-893 (2006).</li><li>Wijeratne, S., Subramanian, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Geometry+of+antiparallel+microtubule+bundles+regulates+relative+sliding+and+stalling+by+PRC1+and+Kif4A.">Geometry of antiparallel microtubule bundles regulates relative sliding and stalling by PRC1 and Kif4A.</a> eLife. 7, 32595 (2018).</li><li>Mani, N., Wijeratne, S. S., Subramanian, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Micron-scale+geometrical+features+of+microtubules+as+regulators+of+microtubule+organization.">Micron-scale geometrical features of microtubules as regulators of microtubule organization.</a> eLife. 10, 63880 (2021).</li><li>Freal, A., 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=Feedback-driven+assembly+of+the+axon+initial+segment.">Feedback-driven assembly of the axon initial segment.</a> Neuron. 104 (2), 305-321 (2019).</li><li>Ledbetter, M., Porter, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+&amp;#34;microtubule&amp;#34;+in+plant+cell+fine+structure.">A &amp;#34;microtubule&amp;#34; in plant cell fine structure.</a> The Journal of Cell Biology. 19 (1), 239-250 (1963).</li><li>Wijeratne, S. S., Marchan, M. F., Tresback, J. S., Subramanian, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Atomic+force+microscopy+reveals+distinct+protofilament-scale+structural+dynamics+in+depolymerizing+microtubule+arrays.">Atomic force microscopy reveals distinct protofilament-scale structural dynamics in depolymerizing microtubule arrays.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. , 119 (2022).</li></ol>

The experiment described here significantly expands the scope and complexity of conventional microtubule reconstitution assays, which are traditionally performed on single microtubules or on one type of array. The current assay provides a method to simultaneously quantify and compare the regulatory MAP activity on two populations, namely, single microtubules and crosslinked bundles. Further, this assay allows for the examination of two types of bundles: those that are pre-formed from stable seeds before the initiation of...

Microtubules are biopolymers that form structural scaffolds essential for multiple cellular processes, ranging from intracellular transport and organelle positioning to cell division and elongation. To execute these diverse functions, individual microtubules are organized into micron-sized arrays, such as mitotic spindles, ciliary axonemes, neuronal bundles, interphase arrays, and plant cortical arrays. A ubiquitous architectural motif found in these structures is a bundle of microtubules crosslinked along their lengths1. An intriguing feature of several microtubule-based structures is the coexistence of bundled microtubules and non-crosslinked single microtubules in close spatial proximity. These microtubule subpopulations can display starkly different polymerization dynamics from each other, as needed for their proper function2,3,4,5. For instance, within the mitotic spindle, stable crosslinked bundles and dynamic single microtubules are present within a micron-scale region at the cell center6. Studying how the dynamic properties of coexisting microtubule populations are specified is, therefore, central to understanding the assembly and function of microtubule-based structures.
Microtubules are dynamic polymers that cycle between phases of polymerization and depolymerization, switching between the two phases in events known as catastrophe and rescue7. The dynamics of cellular microtubules are regulated by myriad Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs) that modulate the rates of microtubule polymerization and depolymerization and the frequencies of catastrophe and rescue events. It is challenging to investigate the activity of MAPs on spatially proximal arrays in cells, owing to the limitations of spatial resolution in light microscopy, especially in regions of high microtubule density. Moreover, the presence of multiple MAPs in the same cellular region hinders interpretations of cell biological studies. In vitro reconstitution assays, performed in conjunction with Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, circumvent the challenges of examining mechanisms by which specific subsets of MAPs regulate the dynamics of proximal cellular microtubule arrays. Here, the dynamics of microtubules assembled in vitro are examined in the presence of one or more recombinant MAPs under controlled conditions8,9,10. However, conventional reconstitution assays are typically performed on single microtubules or on one type of array, precluding the visualization of coexisting populations.
Here, we present&#160;in vitro reconstitution assays that enable the simultaneous visualization of two microtubule populations under the same solution conditions11. We describe a&#160;method to simultaneously view the collective activity of multiple MAPs on single microtubules&#160;and on microtubule bundles crosslinked by the mitotic spindle-associated protein PRC1.&#160;The protein PRC1 preferentially binds at the overlap between anti-parallel microtubules, crosslinking them9. Briefly, this protocol consists of the following steps: (i) preparation of stock solutions and reagents, (ii) cleaning and surface treatment of coverslips used to create the imaging chamber for microscopy experiments, (iii) preparation of stable microtubule &#34;seeds&#34; from which polymerization is initiated during the experiment, (iv) specification of TIRF microscope settings to visualize microtubule dynamics, (v) immobilization of microtubule seeds and generation of crosslinked microtubule bundles in the imaging chamber, and (vi) visualization of microtubule dynamics in the imaging chamber through TIRF microscopy, upon addition of soluble tubulin, MAPs, and nucleotides. These assays enable the qualitative evaluation and quantitative examination of MAP localization and their effect on the dynamics of two microtubule populations. Additionally, they facilitate the evaluation of synergistic effects of multiple MAPs on these microtubule populations, across a wide range of experimental conditions.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr >
			<td >(&#177;)-6-Hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox)</td>
			<td >Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td >238813</td>
			<td ></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >1,4-piperazinediethanesulfonic acid (PIPES)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>P6757</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >18x18 mm #1.5 coverslips&#160;</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>63787</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >2-Mercaptoethanol (BME)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>M-6250</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >24x60 mm #1.5 coverslips</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>63793</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >405/488/560/647 nm Laser Quad Band&#160;</td>
			<td>Chroma</td>
			<td>TRF89901-NK</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Acetone</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>320110</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Adenosine 5&#39;-triphosphate disodium salt hydrate (ATP)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>A7699-5G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Avidin, NeutrAvidin&#174; Biotin-binding Protein (Molecular Probes&#174;)</td>
			<td>Thermo Fischer Scientific</td>
			<td>A2666</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Bath sonicator: Branson 2800 Cleaner</td>
			<td>Branson</td>
			<td>CPX2800H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Beckman Coulter Polycarbonate Thickwall Tubes, 11 x 34 mm</td>
			<td>Beckman-Coulter&#160;</td>
			<td>343778</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Beckman Coulter Polycarbonate Thickwall Tubes, 8 x 34 mm</td>
			<td>Beckman-Coulter&#160;</td>
			<td>343776</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Biotin-PEG-SVA, MW 5,000</td>
			<td>Laysan Bio</td>
			<td>#Biotin-PEG-SVA-5000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>2905</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Catalase</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>C40</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Corning LSE Mini Microcentrifuge, AC100-240V</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>6670</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Delicate Task Wipes</td>
			<td>Kimtech</td>
			<td>34120</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Dithiothreitol (DTT)</td>
			<td>GoldBio</td>
			<td>DTT10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Emission filter</td>
			<td>Chroma</td>
			<td>ET610/75m</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Ethanol (200-proof)</td>
			<td>Decon Labs</td>
			<td>2705</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>3777</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Glucose Oxidase</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>G2133</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >GMPCPP</td>
			<td>Jena Bioscience&#160;</td>
			<td>NU-405</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Guanosine 5&#39;-triphosphate sodium salt hydrate (GTP)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>G8877</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Hellmanex III detergent&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>Z805939</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Immersion oil, Type A</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>77010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Kappa-casein</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>C0406</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Lanolin</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>S25376</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Lens Cleaning Tissue</td>
			<td>ThorLabs</td>
			<td>MC-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>M9272</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Methylcellulose</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>M0512</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Microfuge 16 Benchtop Centrifuge</td>
			<td>Beckman-Coulter&#160;</td>
			<td>A46474</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Microscope Slides, Diamond White Glass, 25 x 75mm, 90&#176; Ground Edges, WHITE Frosted</td>
			<td>Globe Scientific</td>
			<td>1380-50W</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >mPEG-Succinimidyl Valerate, MW 5,000&#160;</td>
			<td>Laysan Bio</td>
			<td>#NH2-PEG-VA-5K</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Optima&#8482; Max-XP Tabletop Ultracentrifuge</td>
			<td>Beckman-Coulter&#160;</td>
			<td>393315</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Paraffin</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>P31-500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >PELCO Reverse (self-closing), Fine Tweezers</td>
			<td>Ted Pella</td>
			<td>5377-NM</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Petrolatum, White</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>18-605-050</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Plasma Cleaner, 115V</td>
			<td>Harrick Plasma</td>
			<td>PDC-001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>221473</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Sodium bicarbonate</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>S6014</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Sucrose</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>S7903</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Thermal-Lok 1-Position Dry Heat Bath</td>
			<td>USA Scientific</td>
			<td>2510-1101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Thermal-Lok Block for 1.5 and 2.0 mL Tubes</td>
			<td>USA Scientific</td>
			<td>2520-0000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Thermo Scientific&#8482; Pierce&#8482; Bond-Breaker&#8482; TCEP Solution, Neutral pH; 500mM</td>
			<td>Thermo Fischer Scientific</td>
			<td>PI-77720</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >TIRF 100X NA 1.49 Oil Objective</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td colspan="2">CFI Apochromat TIRF 100XC Oil</td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >TIRF microscope</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>Eclipse Ti</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >TLA 120.1 rotor</td>
			<td>Beckman-Coulter&#160;</td>
			<td>362224</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >TLA 120.2 rotor</td>
			<td>Beckman-Coulter&#160;</td>
			<td>357656</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Tubulin protein (&#62;99% pure): porcine brain</td>
			<td>Cytoskeleton</td>
			<td>T240</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Tubulin Protein (Biotin): Porcine Brain</td>
			<td>Cytoskeleton</td>
			<td>T333P</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Tubulin protein (fluorescent HiLyte 647): porcine brain</td>
			<td>Cytoskeleton</td>
			<td>TL670M</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >Tubulin protein (X-rhodamine): bovine brain</td>
			<td>Cytoskeleton</td>
			<td>TL620M</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >VECTABOND&#174; Reagent, Tissue Section Adhesion</td>
			<td>Vector Biolabs</td>
			<td>SP-1800-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr >
			<td >VWR&#174; Personal-Sized Incubator, 120V, 50/60Hz, 0.6A</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>97025-630</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

simultaneous visualization of the dynamics of crosslinked and single microtubules in vitro by tirf microscopy

Microtubules are polymers of &#945;&#946;-tubulin heterodimers that organize into distinct structures in cells. Microtubule-based architectures and networks often contain subsets of microtubule arrays that differ in their dynamic properties. For example, in dividing cells, stable bundles of crosslinked microtubules coexist in close proximity to dynamic non-crosslinked microtubules. TIRF-microscopy-based in vitro reconstitution studies enable the simultaneous visualization of the dynamics of these different microtubule arrays. In this assay, an imaging chamber is assembled with surface-immobilized microtubules, which are either present as single filaments or organized into crosslinked&#160;bundles. Introduction of tubulin, nucleotides, and protein regulators allows direct visualization of associated proteins and of dynamic properties of single and crosslinked microtubules. Furthermore, changes that occur as dynamic single microtubules organize into bundles can be monitored in real-time. The method described here allows for a systematic evaluation of the activity and localization of individual proteins, as well as synergistic effects of protein regulators on two different microtubule subsets under identical experimental conditions, thereby providing mechanistic insights that are inaccessible by other methods.

The experiment described above was performed using 647 nm fluorophore-labeled biotinylated microtubules, 560 nm fluorophore-labeled non-biotinylated microtubules, and 560 nm fluorophore-labeled soluble tubulin mix. Microtubules were crosslinked by the crosslinker protein PRC1 (GFP-labeled). After surface-immobilized bundles and single microtubules were generated (step 5.11), the imaging chamber was mounted on a TIRF 100X 1.49 NA oil objective and viewed in the 560 nm and 647 nm fluorescence channels. Single microtubules ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy at JoVE.com

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Here, a TIRF microscopy-based in vitro reconstitution assay is presented to simultaneously quantify and compare the dynamics of two microtubule populations. A method is described to simultaneously view the collective activity of multiple microtubule-associated proteins on crosslinked microtubule bundles and single microtubules.

Simultaneous Visualization of the Dynamics of Crosslinked and Single Microtubules In Vitro by TIRF Microscopy

Microtubules are polymers of &#945;&#946;-tubulin heterodimers that organize into distinct structures in cells. Microtubule-based architectures and ...

Cellular microtubule arrays contains subpopulations of microtubules with distinct dynamic properties as required for function. This protocol addresses how the collective activity of regulators bestows proximal microtubule subpopulations with distinct properties. This bottom-up restitution assay enables us to simultaneously visualize the organization and dynamics of proximal microtubule populations such as single microtubules and bundles, and to decipher the mechanisms underlying their self-organization.Multi-component reconstitution require optimizing experimental parameters like pH, ionic strength, and protein concentration while preserving the activity of each. Systematic analysis of individual components prior to multi-protein assays is extremely helpful. To begin, pipette a mixture of 4.5 microliters of BRB ADDTT in one microliter of microtubule solution onto a microscope slide.Cover with an 18 by 18 millimeter coverslip and seal the edges with either clear nail polish or VALAP sealant. Position the TIRF objective beneath the coverslip. Visualize the newly polymerized microtubules at a wavelength appropriate for the fluorescently labeled tubulin in the bright mix to determine what dilution of microtubules to use in the upcoming experiments.Determine the laser intensity for the experiment empirically such that all fluorescent proteins are illuminated, but do not undergo significant photobleaching over the time course of the experiment. Set the microscope temperature to 28 degrees Celsius to view dynamic microtubules. Use lens paper to clean a 100X objective with 70%ethanol.Use the best combination of filter cubes and emission filters depending on the fluorescent channels to be imaged. Set up the imaging sequence. For an experiment with 647 nanometer fluorophore-labeled biotinylated microtubules, 560 nanometer fluorophore-labeled non-biotinylated microtubules in soluble tubulin, and GFP-labeled protein of interest, image the 488 nanometer, 560 nanometer, and 647 nanometer channels every 10 seconds for 20 any minutes.To capture a reference image of bundles before the addition of soluble tubulin and microtubule-associated protein, set up a sequence with one image each in 560 nanometer and 647 nanometer wavelength channels. Check the position of laser beam on the ceiling above microscope and make changes to beam using software. Ensure that the laser illuminator is aligned.Prior to imaging, add a drop of microscope immersion oil to the objective. Prepare the soluble tubulin mixture while keeping it on ice and spin down the mixture. To immobilize microtubules via biotin-NeutrAvidin-biotin linkage, first flow in approximately 7.5 microliters of NeutrAvidin solution until the chamber is filled and incubate for five minutes.Wash with 10 microliters of MB cold. Flow in 7.5 microliters of the blocking protein KC and incubate for two minutes. Wash with 10 microliters of MB warm to prepare the chamber for the introduction of microtubules.Dilute the stock of biotinylated microtubules in BRB ADDTT and add one microliter of this dilution to nine microliters of MB warm. Flow the mixture into the chamber and incubate for 10 minutes. Wash away non-immobilized microtubules with 10 microliters of MB warm.Flow 7.5 microliters of warm KC into the chamber and incubate for two minutes. During the incubation, prepare a two nanomolar solution of the crosslink or protein PRC1 in KC and spin down the solution. Flow 10 microliters of this solution into the imaging chamber and incubate for five minutes.To make bundles, flow 10 microliters of non-biotinylated microtubules into the chamber and incubate for 10 minutes. Wash the chamber twice with 10 microliters of MB warm. During the 10-minute incubation time, prepare 10 microliters of assay mixture containing proteins of interest, soluble tubulin, nucleotides, oxygen scavengers, and antioxidants and spin it down.Keep the mixture on ice. Load the prepared imaging chamber taped to slide holder on the 100X TIRF objective. Use the 560 nanometer and 647 nanometer channels to find a field of view that contains an optimum number and density of single microtubules and bundles.Once a field of view is identified, take a reference image. Carefully flow in the assay mixture without disturbing the imaging chamber. Seal the open ends of the chamber with VALAP sealant.Observe the microtubules and start the imaging sequence. After immobilizing microtubule seeds and generating bundles, fluorescence images were obtained. Single microtubules were identified by fluorescent signal in the 647 nanometer channel, whereas microtubules were identified as preformed bundles when they displayed fluorescent signals in both channels.The dynamics of single microtubules and PRC1 crosslinked bundles were studied in the presence of the proteins KIF4A and CLASP1, which revealed that the single microtubules elongate over the course of the assay, whereas the growth of crosslinked microtubules is stalled. Be careful to keep polymerized microtubules at or above room temperature. Keep soluble tubulin on ice and protect the imaging chamber and fluorescently-labeled microtubules and proteins from light.These assays provided mechanistic insight into how a protein module found at the mitotic spindle could differentially regulate the dynamics of two different microtubule populations that coexist in the spindle.

Research

JoVE Journal

Biochemistry

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging

Chromatin, which is a long chain of nucleosome subunits, is a dynamic system that allows for such critical processes as DNA replication and transcription ...

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 ...

Imaging of Extracellular Vesicles by Atomic Force Microscopy

Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) are molecular complexes consisting of a lipid membrane vesicle, its surface decoration by membrane ...

Visualizing Diffusional Dynamics of Gold Nanorods on Cell Membrane using Single Nanoparticle Darkfield Microscopy

Analyzing the diffusional dynamics of nanoparticles on cell membrane plays a significant role in better understanding the cellular uptake process and ...

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 ...

Simultaneous Interference Reflection and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy for Imaging Dynamic Microtubules and Associated Proteins

Several techniques have been employed for the direct visualization of cytoskeletal filaments and their associated proteins. ...

Using Microfluidics and Fluorescence Microscopy to Study the Assembly Dynamics of Single Actin Filaments and Bundles

In order to decipher the complex molecular mechanisms that regulate the assembly and disassembly of actin filaments, it is a great asset to monitor ...

Visualizing Actin and Microtubule Coupling Dynamics In Vitro by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy

Visualizing Actin and Microtubule Coupling Dynamics In Vitro by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence TIRF Microscopy

Traditionally, the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons have been studied as separate entities, restricted to specific cellular regions or processes, and ...

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 ...

Single-Molecule Imaging of Lateral Mobility and Ion Channel Activity in Lipid Bilayers using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Microscopy

Single-Molecule Imaging of Lateral Mobility and Ion Channel Activity in Lipid Bilayers using Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence TIRF Microscopy

High-resolution imaging techniques have shown that many ion channels are not static, but subject to highly dynamic processes, including the transient ...