Functional surface attachment in a sandwich geometry of GFP-labeled motor proteins

Methods Mol Biol. 2011:778:11-8. doi: 10.1007/978-1-61779-261-8_2.

Abstract

Molecular motors perform work in cells by moving in an ATP-dependent manner along filamentous tracks. In vitro, the mechanical action of such motor proteins can be investigated by attaching the molecules to surfaces in the so-called gliding or bead assays. Surface attachment protocols have to be used that do not interfere with the function of the molecule. Here, we describe a sandwich protocol that preserves functionality. The protocol can be used for a large variety of proteins, in particular kinesin motor proteins that are GFP-tagged.

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Kinesins / chemistry
  • Kinesins / metabolism
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Kinesins