A new study from scientists in a department of physics shows just how physics and biomedical research can overlap for breakthrough results.
A study that has been accepted for publication (actually publishing electronically at the end of January 2010, and will be available for journals after that), from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, reveals a new method for individual molecule mapping of proteins in biological cells – discovered by physicists.
The study, titled , discusses how understanding the structural organization and distribution of proteins in biological cells is of fundamental importance in biomedical research.
Traditional use of conventional fluorescent microscopy for this purpose is limited due to its relatively low spatial resolution compared to the size of a single protein molecule.
New atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows achievement of single-protein resolution by scanning the cell surface using a specialized ligand-coated AFM tip.
However, because this method relies on short-range interactions, it is limited to the detection of binding sites that are directly accessible to the AFM tip.
The research scientists have developed a method based on magnetic (long-range) interactions and applied it to investigate the structural organization and distribution of endothelin receptors on the surface of smooth muscle cells.
The endothelin receptors were labeled with 50-nanometer superparamagnetic microbeads and then imaged with magnetic AFM.
The scientists conclude that considering its high spatial resolution and ability to “see” magnetically labeled proteins at a distance of up to 150 nanometers, this approach may become an important tool for investigating the dynamics of individual proteins both on the cell membrane and in the submembrane space.
This is exactly the type of scientific research breakthrough that will lead to new and better medical treatments in the future.
Remember – besides new technology there is always new information available about vitamins and herbal remedies, and even exercise machines and diet fads. Please consult your personal physician before making any changes to your diet, exercise or supplement routine.
The study abstract is currently available online at ScienceDirect with the full text available January 30,2010.
Sources:
Single Protein Molecule Mapping with Magnetic Atomic Force Microscopy, Andriy V. Moskalenko†, Polina L. Yarova‡, Sergey N. Gordeev† and Sergey V. Smirnov‡
† Department of Physics, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
‡ Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
Received 6 July 2009; accepted 15 October 2009.
Editor: Levi A. Gheber.
Available online 30 January 2010
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