Probing cellular processes with in vitro and in vivo single molecule experiments

Datum

03.08.2012

Zeit

11:00 - 12:00

Sprecher

Dr. Christof Gebhardt

Zugehörigkeit

Harvard University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Sprache

en

Hauptthema

Physik

Andere Themen

Biologie, Chemie

Host

Dr. Jochen Guck

Beschreibung

Monitoring the stochastic actions of a single biomolecule reveals details of its functioning hidden in ensemble measurements and thus enables a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of cellular processes. While single molecule approaches are well established in vitro, as demonstrated here with optical tweezers force spectroscopy experiments on protein folding and the stepping mechanism of a molecular motor, following individual biomolecules in vivo is challenging. In order to monitor single protein molecules in their natural environment in a mammalian nucleus, we developed a novel fluorescence microscopy method based on selective plane illumination, Reflected Light Sheet Microscopy (RLSM). With the new microscope, we quantitatively measured DNA residence times of transcription factors and probed the complex formation between two factors and DNA. In combination with super-resolution microscopy, we mapped the positions of RNA polymerase throughout the nucleus.

Letztmalig verändert: 30.07.2012, 12:44:34