Versatile Tools Towards Real-time, Single-molecule Biology

CIC nanoGUNE Seminars

Speaker

Aida Llauro, LUMICKS, The Netherlands

When

2019/05/08
13:00

Place

nanoGUNE seminar room, Tolosa Hiribidea 76, Donostia - San Sebastian

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Biological processes performed by proteins interacting with DNA/RNA, cell membranes or cytoskeletal protofilaments are key to cell metabolism and life. Detailed insights into these processes provide essential information for understanding the molecular basis of life and the pathological conditions that develop when such processes go awry. The next scientific breakthrough consists in the actual, direct, real-time observations and measurements of the individual mechanisms involved, in order to validate and complete the current biological models. Single-molecule technologies offer an exciting opportunity to meet these challenges and to study protein function and activity in real- time and at the single-molecule level. Here, we present our efforts for further enabling discoveries in the field of biology and biophysics using both the combination of optical tweezers with correlative fluorescence microscopy (widefield, TIRF, confocal and STED) and label-free Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM). We present several examples in which our technologies enhanced the understanding of protein folding, cytoskeletal mechanics, protein-membrane interactions and genome structure and organization. Furthermore, we show that advances in hybrid single-molecule methods can be turned into an easy-to-use and stable instrument that has the ability to open up new venues in many research areas. **Host** : R. Pérez-Jiménez