Single-molecule magnetic tweezers to probe the equilibrium dynamics of individual proteins at physiologically relevant forces and timescales.

ABSTRACT: The reversible unfolding and refolding of proteins is a regulatory mechanism of tissue elasticity and signalling used by cells to sense and adapt to extracellular and intracellular mechanical forces. However, most of these proteins exhibit low mechanical stability, posing technical challenges to the characterization of their conformational dynamics under force. Here, we detail step-by-step instructions for conducting single-protein nanomechanical experiments using ultra-stable magnetic tweezers, which enable the measurement of the equilibrium conformational dynamics of single proteins under physiologically relevant low forces applied over biologically relevant timescales. We report the basic principles determining the functioning of the magnetic tweezer instrument, review the protein desig

SUBMITTER: Tapia-Rojo R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7616092 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature