Atomic force microscopy—A tool for structural and translational DNA research

Main, K. H.S., Provan, J., Haynes, P. J., Wells, G., Hartley, J. A. and Pyne, A. L.B. (2021) Atomic force microscopy—A tool for structural and translational DNA research. APL Bioengineering, 5(3), 031504. (doi: 10.1063/5.0054294) (PMID:34286171) (PMCID:PMC8272649)

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful imaging technique that allows for structural characterization of single biomolecules with nanoscale resolution. AFM has a unique capability to image biological molecules in their native states under physiological conditions without the need for labeling or averaging. DNA has been extensively imaged with AFM from early single-molecule studies of conformational diversity in plasmids, to recent examinations of intramolecular variation between groove depths within an individual DNA molecule. The ability to image dynamic biological interactions in situ has also allowed for the interaction of various proteins and therapeutic ligands with DNA to be evaluated—providing insights into structural assembly, flexibility, and movement. This review provides an overview of how innovation and optimization in AFM imaging have advanced our understanding of DNA structure, mechanics, and interactions. These include studies of the secondary and tertiary structure of DNA, including how these are affected by its interactions with proteins. The broader role of AFM as a tool in translational cancer research is also explored through its use in imaging DNA with key chemotherapeutic ligands, including those currently employed in clinical practice.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by Grant Nos. EP/R513143/1 and EP/L015277/1 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), No. RP2013-K-017 through the Leverhulme Trust and by a UKRI/MRC Rutherford Innovation fellowship No. MR/R024871 from the Medical Research Council (MRC).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Provan, James
• Authors: Main, K. H.S., Provan, J., Haynes, P. J., Wells, G., Hartley, J. A., and Pyne, A. L.B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
• Journal Name: APL Bioengineering
• Publisher: AIP Publishing
• ISSN: 2473-2877
• ISSN (Online): 2473-2877
• Published Online: 09 July 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Author(s).
• First Published: First published in APL Bioengineering 5(3):031504
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence