利用原子力显微镜识别成像

细胞膜和细胞内特异蛋白的有效定位与定性,对于了解细胞运动、移植和分化等机制及细胞之间的相互作用非常关键。原子力显微镜灵敏的力学性质在研究生物分子的相互作用和特定分子的免疫识别中得到了广泛的应用,在细胞表面的特异性分子的定位过程中,不像免疫荧光成像一样需要复杂的样品准备,更重要的是能有效地进行特异性和非特异性的识别,并对识别位点可视化。本文从分子识别、功能化探针、基于力-体积成像及与动态力学显微镜结合成像等模式方面,综述了原子力显微镜在生物应用中的识别成像。     

用原子力显微镜观察人类精子的表面结构

目的:探讨用原子力显微镜观察精子表面结构的方法。方法:经常规洗涤正常人精液后进一步除去精子表面和生理溶液中的蛋白质,直接用原子力显微镜观察人类精子的表面形态。结果:获得了人类精子表面的细微结构和精子头的三维数据。精子全长约47μm,精子头约4.6μm,顶体位于精子头前端1/2~2/3,顶体前端扁平。精子赤道区有两圈环形凸起。结论:不需特殊处理,用原子力显微镜能直接观察精子表面的超微结构,并获得量化的三维数据。     

原子力显微镜定量测定采后蘑菇的表面粗糙度

蘑菇表面的失水情况是评价采后蘑菇质量的重要指标.我们提出用原子力显微镜定量测定蘑菇表皮的粗糙度来表示表面的皱缩程度,用算术平均粗糙度和平方根粗糙度表示.双孢蘑菇(Agaricus bisporus(Lange)Sing)贮藏前的算术平均粗糙度为(34.033±5.116)nm,经过2d贮藏,在2℃、25℃和动态温度自发气调贮藏下,其算术平均粗糙度分别为(40.139±3.359)nm、(65.356±8.253)nm和(43.670±9.280)nm.平方根粗糙度值与算术平均粗糙度值有相似的变化趋势,两者均随贮藏时间的延长和温度的增加而增大.表皮的三维图像直观地表示出水分的蒸发过程,变化趋势符合粗糙度值的变化,特别是在贮藏的早期阶段(0～2 d).由粗糙度分析的结果可以区别不同的贮藏条件表明,原子力显微镜测定的粗糙度指标可有效地表示采后蘑菇的表面失水情况.     

原子力显微镜定量测定采后蘑菇的表面粗糙度(英文)

蘑菇表面的失水情况是评价采后蘑菇质量的重要指标。我们提出用原子力显微镜定量测定蘑菇表皮的粗糙度来表示表面的皱缩程度,用算术平均粗糙度和平方根粗糙度表示。双孢蘑菇(Agaricus bisporus(Lange)Sing)贮藏前的算术平均粗糙度为(34.033±5.116)nm,经过2d贮藏,在2℃、25℃和动态温度自发气调贮藏下,其算术平均粗糙度分别为(40.139±3.359)nm、(65.356±8.253)nm和(43.670±9280)nm。平方根粗糙度值与算术平均粗糙度值有相似的变化趋势,两者均随贮藏时间的延长和温度的增加而增大。表皮的三维图像直观地表示出水分的蒸发过程,变化趋势符合粗糙度值的变化,特别是在贮藏的早期阶段(0～2d)。由粗糙度分析的结果可以区别不同的贮藏条件表明,原子力显微镜测定的粗糙度指标可有效地表示采后蘑菇的表面失水情况。     

Characterization of Fish Gelatin at Nanoscale Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used as a meaningful tool to characterize the nanostructure of gelatin from catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) skin. The gelatins extracted with pretreatments including acid pretreatment, alkaline pretreatment, and alkaline followed by acid pretreatment (optimized extraction conditions). The resulting gelatins were imaged using AFM and their nanostructure was studied. The AFM images showed that gelatin extracted with acid pretreatment had a coacervate structure while with alkaline pretreatment there were separate aggregates. Spherical aggregates and annular pores were observed in AFM images of gelatin with the optimized extraction conditions. AFM imaging of gelatin with a relative high concentration (0.5%) was successfully done and the results help researchers to understand gelatin structures at the nanoscale.     

肌动蛋白的原子力显微镜研究

原子力显微镜 (AFM )是一种能够在生理条件下对生物大分子、活细胞表面以及细胞膜下结构进行在体或离体研究的强有力的新型工具 ,具有原子级的成像分辨率和纳牛顿级的力测定功能。目前原子力显微镜已被广泛地应用于生物大分子、超分子体系的结构解析、动力学过程观察 ,分子力学研究及细胞功能鉴定。原子力显微镜能够通过尖锐探针扫描待测样品表面 ,收集被测样品表面地貌坐标数据从而对单分子或细胞进行成像或操作 ,并能通过移动探针、记录探针与样品之间的作用力 ,对生物大分子 (蛋白质、核酸和多糖等 )的结构力学特性进行分析以获取分子构象、功能及其相互关系的有用信息。肌动蛋白是一种细胞内普遍存在 ,具有广泛、复杂生理功能的重要蛋白质 ,原子力显微镜的各项功能已广泛地用于肌动蛋白结构、功能及动力学研究。通过综述原子力显微镜在肌动蛋白研究中的应用 ,阐明了原子力显微镜在现代生命科学研究中的重要意义及巨大应用前景。     

Micro-Mechanical Characterization of Lung Tissue Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Matrix stiffness strongly influences growth, differentiation and function of adherent cells^1-3. On the macro scale the stiffness of tissues and organs within the human body span several orders of magnitude⁴. Much less is known about how stiffness varies spatially within tissues, and what the scope and spatial scale of stiffness changes are in disease processes that result in tissue remodeling. To better understand how changes in matrix stiffness contribute to cellular physiology in health and disease, measurements of tissue stiffness obtained at a spatial scale relevant to resident cells are needed. This is particularly true for the lung, a highly compliant and elastic tissue in which matrix remodeling is a prominent feature in diseases such as asthma, emphysema, hypertension and fibrosis. To characterize the local mechanical environment of lung parenchyma at a spatial scale relevant to resident cells, we have developed methods to directly measure the local elastic properties of fresh murine lung tissue using atomic force microscopy (AFM) microindentation. With appropriate choice of AFM indentor, cantilever, and indentation depth, these methods allow measurements of local tissue shear modulus in parallel with phase contrast and fluorescence imaging of the region of interest. Systematic sampling of tissue strips provides maps of tissue mechanical properties that reveal local spatial variations in shear modulus. Correlations between mechanical properties and underlying anatomical and pathological features illustrate how stiffness varies with matrix deposition in fibrosis. These methods can be extended to other soft tissues and disease processes to reveal how local tissue mechanical properties vary across space and disease progression.     

基于AFM的活体状态外泌体纳米结构及机械特性研究(英文)

外泌体在细胞生理病理活动过程中起着重要的调控作用,研究外泌体的行为特性对于揭示生命活动及疾病发生发展的内在机理具有重要的基础意义.然而由于缺乏合适的观测手段及方法,目前对于活体状态下外泌体结构及特性的认知仍然很不足.原子力显微镜(AFM)的发明为研究溶液环境下天然状态生物样本提供了强大的技术工具,已成为生物学重要研究手段.本文利用AFM对单个活体状态外泌体的纳米结构及机械特性进行了研究.通过多聚赖氨酸静电吸附作用将从淋巴瘤患者骨髓中分离的外泌体吸附至基底,在溶液环境下实现了对单个活体状态外泌体的高质量AFM形貌成像并通过与空气中成像结果进行对比揭示了空气干燥处理对外泌体形貌的影响.在此基础上,分别利用AFM压痕试验和多参数成像技术实现了对单个活体状态外泌体机械特性的定量测量和可视化表征.最后基于所建立的方法技术揭示了化学处理后外泌体结构和机械特性的动态变化.研究结果为研究纳米尺度下活体状态外泌体的结构及特性,以更好理解天然状态外泌体的生理行为提供了新的方法和思路,对于外泌体研究具有潜在积极的意义.     

Imaging and Force Spectroscopy on Desmoglein 1 Using Atomic Force Microscopy Reveal Multivalent Ca2+-Dependent, Low-Affinity Trans-Interaction

Desmoglein 1 is a desmosomal member of the cadherin family expressed in stratified epithelia. Desmoglein 1 is the target adhesion molecule of severe blistering skin diseases such as pemphigus or bullous impetigo. However, despite this enormous pathological relevance, the molecular binding properties of desmoglein 1 are largely unknown. Using atomic force microscopic imaging, we found that desmoglein 1 molecules displayed Ca²⁺-dependent conformational changes of the extracellular domains. By single-molecule force-distance cycles, we provide evidence that desmoglein 1 undergoes Ca²⁺-dependent (K _d = 0.8 mm Ca²⁺) homophilic trans-interaction, which is highly relevant for the contribution of desmoglein 1 homophilic binding to keratinocyte cohesion in distinct epidermal layers. Moreover, while the single-unit unbinding force is comparable to other cadherins (∼40 pN at retrace velocity of 300 nm/s), apparent differences with respect to multivalency of interaction and lifetime of single bonds (0.17 s) were observed. Thus, besides the biophysical characterization of desmoglein 1, a main outcome of the study is that desmoglein 1 differs from other members of the cadherin family in terms of some molecular binding properties. Jens Waschke, Carlos Menendez-Castro, and Paola Bruggeman contributed equally to this study.     

Assessing the Cytoskeletal System and its Elements in C6 Glioma Cells and Astrocytes by Atomic Force Microscopy

Object To investigate how the characteristic structure of the cytoskeleton in glioma cells is associated with invasiveness. Methods The whole cytoskeletal system was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), while single cytoskeletal elements were exhibited by AFM and using cytoskeletal protein inhibitors to inhibit microfilaments or/and microtubules and displayed by immunofluorescence microscopy. The fluorescence intensity of F-actin was measured by flow cytometry and the structural difference between C6 glioma cells and astrocytes was studied. Results Cytoskeletons in both cells presented network structures, however, the C6 glioma cells showed an irregular edge root and their microfilaments were creber and dense. Intermediate filaments were extensive network structure with non-polarized multipoint connections. The microtubules were relatively big and long and formed tight bundles with close connections between bundles. Astrocytes had a regular and smooth edge, with sparse microfilaments, while the intermediate filaments were dense and interwoven and the microtubules were dense bundled, but only loosely connected each other. Besides, the fluorescence intensity of F-actin was significantly higher in C6 glioma cells (202.54 ± 11.06) than in the astrocytes (62.64 ± 10.23), P < 0.01. Conclusion Whole cytoskeleton and its elements of C6 cells were disclosed of characteristic structures associated with invasiveness. Meanwhile, the content of F-actin could be used as a parameter for measuring cell invasiveness.     

Mannan-Binding Lectin: Structure, Oligomerization, and Flexibility Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is the archetypical pathogen recognition molecule of the innate immune defense. Upon binding to microorganisms, reactions leading to the destruction of the offender ensue. MBL is an oligomer of structural subunits each composed of three identical polypeptides. We used atomic force microscopy to reveal tertiary and quaternary structures of MBL. The images in both air and buffer show a quaternary structure best described as “sertiform”, that is, a hub from which the subunits fan out. The dimensions conform to those calculated from primary and secondary structures. The subunits associate with a preferred angle of 40° between them. This angle is stable with respect to the degree of oligomerization for MBL of four subunits or more. Due to an interruption in the collagenous sequence, the arms of the subunits are expected to form a kink. We find that ∼ 30% of the subunits are kinked and the kink angle distributed, quite broadly, around 145°. The conformation and flexibility of the MBL molecule that we observe differ distinctly from the popular view of a “bouquet-like” configuration as that found for related members of the complement system such as C1q. This structural information will further the understanding of the specific functioning of the MBL pathway of complement activation.     

AFM对黄精赞育胶囊优选方处理前后大鼠弱精子超微结构的观察研究

目的:应用原子力显微镜技术实现对大鼠精子超微结构的实时成像,对比观察中药作用前后弱精子超微结构的变化.方法:制作少弱精症大鼠模型;运用非接触模式原子力显微镜技术对比观察正常精子和病理性精子在中药作用前后超微结构的动态变化.结果:获得精子头体、颈部和鞭毛等部位的实时超微结构图像.结论:AFM可直接探测精子头体的各种畸形,实现对精子全貌的观测.通过修复弱精子超微结构的病理形态学缺陷可能是黄精赞育胶囊优选方改善弱精子质量的机制之一.     

海马神经元新连接结构的初步原子力显微观察

目的:利用原子力显微技术(AFM)观察原代培养的海马神经元超微结构及其相互间的连接结构。方法:选择生长良好的海马神经元,用戊二醛固定30min后,固定于AFM基底上进行扫描和观测。结果:正常海马神经元表面光滑,起伏均匀、规律,突起及细胞之间的超微结构清晰,神经元胞体间存在膜性连接及长程非突触性突起连接。结论:神经元间存在直接膜性连接和长程非突触性突起连接结构。     

Studies on the Interaction of [SnMe2Cl2(bu2bpy)] Complex with ct-DNA Using Multispectroscopic,Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Molecular Docking

The interaction of SnMe₂Cl₂(bu₂bpy)complex with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) has been explored following, using spectroscopic methods, viscosity measurements, Atomic force microscopy, Thermal denaturation and Molecular docking. It was found that Sn(IV) complex could bind with DNA via intercalation mode as evidenced by hyperchromism and bathochromic in UV–Vis spectrum; these spectral characteristics suggest that the Sn(IV) complex interacts with DNA most likely through a mode that involves a stacking interaction between the aromatic chromophore and the base pairs of DNA. In addition, the fluorescence emission spectra of intercalated methylene blue (MB) with increasing concentrations of SnMe₂Cl₂(bu₂bpy) represented a significant increase of MB intensity as to release MB from MB-DNA system. Positive values of ΔH and ΔS imply that the complex is bound to ct-DNA mainly via the hydrophobic attraction. Large complexes contain the DNA chains with an average size of 859?nm were observed by using AFM for Sn(IV) Complex–DNA. The Fourier transform infrared study showed a major interaction of Sn(IV) complex with G-C and A-T base pairs and a minor perturbation of the backbone PO₂ group. Addition of the Sn(IV)complex results in a noticeable rise in the Tm of DNA. In addition, the results of viscosity measurements suggest that SnMe₂Cl₂(bu₂bpy) complex may bind with the classical intercalative mode. From spectroscopic and hydrodynamic studies, it has been found that Sn(IV)complex interacts with DNA by intercalation mode. Optimized docked model of DNA–complex mixture confirmed the experimental results.     

原子力显微技术在细胞生物学中的应用

对近年来原子力显微技术(AFM)在细胞生物学中的应用大致归纳为几个方面进行了简单介绍,还指出了细胞表面结构难于识别、细胞内部结构难以原位观察等AFM应用于细胞生物学中的难题,并提出了“形状探针”的概念以及超薄切片的思路以解决这些难题。AFM在细胞生物学中的应用研究还远远不足,需要更多的科学工作者加入其中。     

原子力显微技术与其他生物技术的联用

原子力显微技术(AFM)是一种高分辨率显微成像系统,与其他生物技术联用,使AFM在充分发挥自身优势的同时,建立新的研究方法,扩大其应用范围,是未来发展的重要方向。简要综述了AFM与其他显微技术、计算机模拟技术、蛋白质工程技术和质谱技术等联用的进展。     

钝顶螺旋藻表面微观形貌的原子力显微镜研究

该文应用原子力显微镜(AFM)纳米级的分辨率对钝顶螺旋藻(Spirulina platensis)表面微观形貌进行了研究,获得了扫描范围为5.000×5.000μm、1.000×1.000μm和400.0×400.0nm三组清晰、稳定的图像,并对其进行了线性分析。结果表明:螺旋藻表面由紧密且无序堆积的突起结构组成,其高度小于20nm;突起结构高度从3nm~15nm不等,平均高度约为8~9nm。此法用于生物体表面,操作简单、快速、灵敏度好且样品无损伤,结果令人满意。     

原子力显微镜观测紫外线诱导的K562肿瘤细胞DNA损伤

利用彗星电泳检测出UVB、UVC短时间照射会使肿瘤细胞的DNA发生断裂,而长时间照射之后彗星电泳无法检测到碎片,推测可能是由于DNA分子交联的原因[1],国内外尚无定论.为了更直观的研究这种现象,提取了UVB,UVA照射后K562细胞的DNA,并调节到合适的浓度在原子力显微镜下观测.实验结果表明UVB对K562肿瘤细胞DNA损伤的影响呈现时间/剂量效应,较短时间照射主要产生DNA的链断裂,较长时间辐射则主要产生DNA链的交联.UVC对K562肿瘤细胞DNA的损伤大于UVB.UVC短时照射即可引起DNA的断裂和交联,较长时间辐射主要产生交联和一些断裂;长时间照射不但产生大量交联,同时有大量断裂产生,并发生凝缩和缠绕等结构破坏.     

Direct Force Measurement of the Interaction Between Liposome and the C2A Domain of Synaptotagmin I using Atomic Force Microscopy

The binding force between a liposome and the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I was determined by an atomic force microscopy (AFM). Liposomes were immobilized on the surface of the L1 sensor chip and the C2A domains, which recognize phosphatidylserine, were chemically conjugated onto a gold-coated cantilever tip. The average interaction force between the C2A domain and the liposome was 306 (±57) pN while the force between untreated cantilever and the liposome was 58 (±16) pN. This work helps understand the physicochemical interactions between proteins and lipid vesicles for the design of high affinity protein probes against the apoptotic cell surface. Revisions requested 13 December 2005; Revisions received 9 January 2006     

Atomic Force Microscopy of Asymmetric Membranes from Turtle Erythrocytes

The cell membrane provides critical cellular functions that rely on its elaborate structure and organization. The structure of turtle membranes is an important part of an ongoing study of erythrocyte membranes. Using a combination of atomic force microscopy and single-molecule force spectroscopy, we characterized the turtle erythrocyte membrane structure with molecular resolution in a quasi-native state. High-resolution images both leaflets of turtle erythrocyte membranes revealed a smooth outer membrane leaflet and a protein covered inner membrane leaflet. This asymmetry was verified by single-molecule force spectroscopy, which detects numerous exposed amino groups of membrane proteins in the inner membrane leaflet but much fewer in the outer leaflet. The asymmetric membrane structure of turtle erythrocytes is consistent with the semi-mosaic model of human, chicken and fish erythrocyte membrane structure, making the semi-mosaic model more widely applicable. From the perspective of biological evolution, this result may support the universality of the semi-mosaic model.