Single-Molecule Analysis of Cytochrome c Folding by Monitoring the Lifetime of an Attached Fluorescent Probe.

ABSTRACT: Conformational dynamics of proteins are important for function. However, obtaining information about specific conformations is difficult for samples displaying heterogeneity. Here, time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer is used to characterize the folding of single cytochrome c molecules. In particular, measurements of the fluorescence lifetimes of individual cytochrome c molecules labeled with a single dye that is quenched by energy transfer to the heme were used to monitor conformational transitions of the protein under partially denaturing conditions. These studies indicate significantly more conformational heterogeneity than has been described previously. Importantly, the use of a purified singly-labeled sample made a direct comparison to ensemble data possi

SUBMITTER: Lee AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3791595 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature