Breakthrough Tool For Biomedical Research

A new read from scientists in a department of physics shows just how physics and biomedical studies can overlap for breakthrough results. A read that was accepted for publication actually publishing electronically at the end of January 2010, and should be available for journals subsequent to that, from the University of Bath within the United Kingdom, reveals an special method for lone molecule mapping of proteins in biological cells discovered by physicists. The study, titled Lone Protein Molecule Mapping with Magnetic Atomic Force Microscopy, discusses how understanding the structural organization and distribution of proteins in biological cells is of fundamental importance in biomedical research. Traditional use of conventional fluorescent microscopy for this purpose is limited due to its relatively little spatial resolution compared to volume of a lone protein molecule. New atomic force microscopy AFM allows achievement of single-protein resolution by scanning the cell surface creating use of a specialized ligand-coated AFM tip.

However, due to the fact that this method relies on short-range interactions, it is limited to detection of binding websites that are directly accessible to AFM tip. The studies scientists have developed a method based on magnetic long-range interactions and applied it to investigate the structural organization and distribution of endothelin receptors on the surface of smooth muscle cells. The endothelin receptors were labeled with 50-nanometer superparamagnetic microbeads and then imaged with magnetic AFM. The scientists conclude that considering its high spatial resolution and ability to look magnetically labeled proteins at a distance of up to 150 nanometers, this approach shall grow to an important tool for investigating the dynamics of lone proteins most on the cell membrane and within the submembrane space. This is exactly the kind of scientific studies breakthrough that shall lead to new and better health related treatments within the future.

Remember besides new technology there is always new facts available about vitamins and herbal remedies, and even exercise machines and diet fads. Please consult your personal physician prior to creating any changes to your diet, exercise or supplement routine. The read abstract is currently available online at ScienceDirect together with the full text available January 30,2010. Single Protein Molecule Mapping with Magnetic Atomic Force Microscopy, Andriy V. Smirnov Department of Physics, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United KingdomReceived seven July 2009; accepted 15 October 2009.

Available online 30 January 2010.