Single-molecule imaging and manipulation of biomolecular machines and systems

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta Vol. 1862; no. 2; pp. 241 - 252
• Main Authors: Iino, Ryota, Iida, Tatsuya, Nakamura, Akihiko, Saita, Ei-ichiro, You, Huijuan, Sako, Yasushi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.02.2018
• Subjects: energy; image analysis; mechanical properties; Molecular machines; molecular motor proteins; Motor proteins; Signal transduction; Single-molecule imaging; Single-molecule manipulation; Molecular machines; iSCAT; Single-molecule imaging; STED; AFM; Single-molecule manipulation; ADP; G4; Motor proteins; GFP; Signal transduction; S/N; FCS; ICS; Pi; FRET; TIR; ATP
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 0006-3002; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.08.008

Biological molecular machines support various activities and behaviors of cells, such as energy production, signal transduction, growth, differentiation, and migration. We provide an overview of single-molecule imaging methods involving both small and large probes used to monitor the dynamic motions of molecular machines in vitro (purified proteins) and in living cells, and single-molecule manipulation methods used to measure the forces, mechanical properties and responses of biomolecules. We also introduce several examples of single-molecule analysis, focusing primarily on motor proteins and signal transduction systems. Single-molecule analysis is a powerful approach to unveil the operational mechanisms both of individual molecular machines and of systems consisting of many molecular machines. Quantitative, high-resolution single-molecule analyses of biomolecular systems at the various hierarchies of life will help to answer our fundamental question: “What is life?” This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biophysical Exploration of Dynamical Ordering of Biomolecular Systems" edited by Dr. Koichi Kato. •Single-molecule imaging reveals operation mechanisms of motor proteins.•Single-molecule manipulation reveals mechanical properties of motor proteins.•Single-molecule imaging reveals signaling mechanisms of proteins in living cells.