High-affinity tags fused to s-layer proteins probed by atomic force microscopy

Langmuir. 2008 Feb 19;24(4):1324-9. doi: 10.1021/la702276k. Epub 2007 Nov 15.

Abstract

Two-dimensional, crystalline bacterial cell surface layers, termed S-layers, are one of the most commonly observed cell surface structures of prokaryotic organisms. In the present study, genetically modified S-layer protein SbpA of Bacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 carrying the short affinity peptide Strep-tag I or Strep-tag II at the C terminus was used to generate a 2D crystalline monomolecular protein lattice on a silicon surface. Because of the genetic modification, the 2D crystals were addressable via Strep-tag through streptavidin molecules. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the topography of the single-molecules array and the functionality of the fused Strep-tags. In high-resolution imaging under near-physiological conditions, structural details such as protein alignment and spacing were resolved. By applying molecular recognition force microscopy, the Strep-tag moieties were proven to be fully functional and accessible. For this purpose, streptavidin molecules were tethered to AFM tips via approximately 8-nm-long flexible polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers. These functionalized tips showed specific interactions with 2D protein crystals containing either the Strep-tag I or Strep-tag II, with similar energetic and kinetic behavior in both cases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Silicon / chemistry
  • Streptavidin / chemistry
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • S-layer proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Streptavidin
  • Silicon