Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins provide anchorage and structural strength to cells and tissues in the body and, thus, are fundamental molecular components for processes of cell proliferation, growth, and function. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has increasingly become a valuable approach for studying biological molecules such as ECM proteins at the level of individual molecules. Operational modes of AFM can be used to acquire the measurements of the physical, electronic, and mechanical properties of samples, as well as for viewing the intricate details of the surface chemistry of samples. Investigations of the morphology and properties of biomolecules at the nanoscale can be useful for understanding the interactions between ECM proteins and biological molecules such as cells, DNA, and other proteins. Methods for preparing protein samples for AFM studies require only basic steps, such as the immersion of a substrate in a dilute solution or protein, or the deposition of liquid droplets of protein suspensions on a flat, clean surface. Protocols of nanolithography have been used to define the arrangement of proteins for AFM studies. Using AFM, mechanical and force measurements with tips that are coated with ECM proteins can be captured in ambient or aqueous environments. In this review, representative examples of AFM studies are described for molecular-level investigations of the structure, surface assembly, protein-cell interactions, and mechanical properties of ECM proteins (collagen, elastin, fibronectin, and laminin). Methods used for sample preparation as well as characterization with modes of AFM will be discussed.
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September 2024
Review Article|
September 13 2024
Molecular-level studies of extracellular matrix proteins conducted using atomic force microscopy
Special Collection:
Protein Structure at Interfaces
Ashley R. Walker
;
Ashley R. Walker
(Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing)
Chemistry Department, Louisiana State University
, 232 Choppin Hall, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles 70803
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Jonathan R. Sloneker;
Jonathan R. Sloneker
(Investigation, Writing – review & editing)
Chemistry Department, Louisiana State University
, 232 Choppin Hall, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles 70803
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Jayne C. Garno
Jayne C. Garno
a)
(Funding acquisition, Project administration, Supervision, Writing – review & editing)
Chemistry Department, Louisiana State University
, 232 Choppin Hall, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles 70803
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a)
Electronic mail: [email protected]
Biointerphases 19, 050801 (2024)
Article history
Received:
May 29 2024
Accepted:
August 13 2024
Citation
Ashley R. Walker, Jonathan R. Sloneker, Jayne C. Garno; Molecular-level studies of extracellular matrix proteins conducted using atomic force microscopy. Biointerphases 1 September 2024; 19 (5): 050801. https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0003789
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