Single Molecule DNA Biophysics with Atomic Force Microscopy

Physics of Life …, 2010

Single molecule force spectroscopy is a powerful method that uses the mechanical properties of DNA to explore DNA interactions. Here we describe how DNA stretching experiments quantitatively characterize the DNA binding of small molecules and proteins. Small molecules exhibit diverse DNA binding modes, including binding into the major and minor grooves and intercalation between base pairs of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Histones bind and package dsDNA, while other nuclear proteins such as high mobility group proteins bind to the backbone and bend dsDNA. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins slide along dsDNA to locate and stabilize ssDNA during replication. Other proteins exhibit binding to both dsDNA and ssDNA. Nucleic acid chaperone proteins can switch rapidly between dsDNA and ssDNA binding modes, while DNA polymerases bind both forms of DNA with high affinity at distinct binding sites at the replication fork. Single molecule force measurements quantitatively characterize these DNA binding mechanisms, elucidating small molecule interactions and protein function.

Biochemistry (Moscow), 2009

Using a cationic lipid bilayer, we show that DNA can be reliably adsorbed to the bilayer surface for atomic force microscopy (AFM) in aqueous buffers at high resolution. The measured width of the dsDNA is close to 2 nm, and a periodic modulation on dsDNA is reproducibly detected by the AFM. The measured period is 3.4 ± 0.4 nm, in excellent agreement with the known pitch of the double helix. The right-handedness of the double helix is directly discernible in high resolution AFM images. Thus, this approach can be readily applied to the study of DNA-protein interactions, as well as sequence mapping at high resolution.

Biophysical Journal, 1995

Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) of DNA in propanol, dry helium, and aqueous buffer each have specific applications. Resolution is best in propanol, which precipitates and immobilizes the DNA and provides a fluid imaging environment where adhesive forces are minimized. Resolution on exceptional images of DNA appears to be-2 nm, sufficient to see helix turns in detail, but the smallest substructures typically seen on DNA in propanol are-6-10 nm in size. Tapping AFM in dry helium provides a convenient way of imaging such things as conformations of DNA molecules and positions of proteins on DNA. Images of single-stranded DNA and RecA-DNA complexes are presented. In aqueous buffer DNA molecules as small as 300 bp have been imaged even when in motion. Images are presented of the changes in shape and position of circular plasmid DNA molecules.

Nanotechnology, 2007

Double-stranded poly(dG)-poly(dC) and triple-stranded poly(dG)-poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA were deposited on the modified surface of highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) and visualized using atomic force microscopy with high-resolution (radius of ∼1 nm) tips. The high resolution attained by this technique enabled us to detect single-stranded regions in double-stranded poly(dG)-poly(dC) and double-stranded and single-stranded regions in poly(dG)-poly(dG)-poly(dC) triplexes, as well as to resolve the helical pitch of the triplex molecules. We could also follow the reaction of G-strand extension in poly(dG)-poly(dC) by the Klenow exo − fragment of DNA polymerase I. This approach to molecular visualization could serve as a useful tool for the investigation of irregular structures in canonical DNA and other biopolymers, as well as studies of the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and transcription.

Scanning, 1993

Three advances involving DNA in atomic force microscopy (AFM) are reported here. First a HEPES-Mg buffer has been used that improves the spreading of DNA and provides good DNA coverage with as little as 200-500 picograms per sample. Second, the new .'tapping" mode has been used to improve the ease and resolution of AFM-imaging of DNA in air. Finally, AFM images are presented of single-stranded QX-174 virion DNA with the gene 32 single-stranded binding protein. A summary of the current state of the field and of the methods for preparing and imaging DNA in the AFM is also presented.

Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films, 1993

A method has been developed for imaging singlestranded DNA with the atomic force microscope (AFM). bX174 single-stranded DNA in formaldehyde on mica can be imaged in the AFM under propanol or butanol or in air. Measured lengths of most molecules are on the order of 1 i, although occasionally more extended molecules with lengths of 1.7 to 1.9 Z are seen. Singlestranded DNA in the AFM generally appears lumpier than double-stranded DNA, even when extended. Images of double-stranded lambda DNA in the AFM show more sharp kinks and bends than are typically observed in the electron microscope. Dense, aggregated fields of double-stranded plasmids can be converted by gentle rinsing with hot water to well spread fields.

FEBS Letters, 1992

DNA‐cytochrome complexes adsorbed on carbon‐coated micasurfaces were directly imaged by atomic force microscopy in air using commercially available cantilevers, with a routine resolution of 6 nm. Images of M13 phage DNA and M13‐DNA polymerase complex are also shown.

Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2004

This review primarily outlines the most recent atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies of DNA structure and dynamics. Sample preparation techniques allowing reliable and reproducible imaging of various DNA topologies are reviewed. Such important issues as imaging of supercoiled DNA conformations at different ionic conditions and detection of local alternative structures that are stabilized by negative DNA supercoiling are discussed in length in the article. The possibility of imaging DNA structural dynamics at different levels is another major focus of the article. Using time-lapse AFM imaging mode of nondried samples, such extensive DNA dynamic processes as transition of one local structure into another (H-DNA to B-form transition), the conformational transitions of DNA Holliday junctions and their branch migration were observed. Potential future applications of this single-molecule dynamics mode of AFM to analyses of various biochemical processes involving DNA are discussed.

Conference proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual Conference, 2005

Nano-manipulation of single atoms and molecules is a critical technique in nanoscience and nanotechnology. This paper will focus on the recent development of the manipulation of single DNA molecules based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) in our laboratory. Precise manipulation has been realized including varied manipulating modes such as "cutting", "pushing", "folding", "kneading",…

Physical biology, 2012

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can detect single biomacromolecules with a high signal-to-noise ratio on atomically flat biocompatible support surfaces, such as mica. Contrast arises from the innate forces and therefore AFM does not require imaging contrast agents, leading to sample preparation that is relatively straightforward. The ability of AFM to operate in hydrated environments, including humid air and aqueous buffers, allows structure and function of biological and biomolecular systems to be retained. These traits of the AFM are ensuring that it is being increasingly used to study deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) structure and DNA-protein interactions down to the secondary structure level. This report focuses in particular on reviewing the applications of AFM to the study of DNA transcription in reductionist single-molecule bottom-up approaches. The technique has allowed new insights into the interactions between ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase to be gained and enabled quantificat...