Molecular imaging of membrane proteins and microfilaments using atomic force microscopy

Exp Mol Med. 2010 Sep 30;42(9):597-605. doi: 10.3858/emm.2010.42.9.064.

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an emerging technique for a variety of uses involving the analysis of cells. AFM is widely applied to obtain information about both cellular structural and subcellular events. In particular, a variety of investigations into membrane proteins and microfilaments were performed with AFM. Here, we introduce applications of AFM to molecular imaging of membrane proteins, and various approaches for observation and identification of intracellular microfilaments at the molecular level. These approaches can contribute to many applications of AFM in cell imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / physiology*
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force*
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins