The polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (polTIRFM) processive motility assay for myosin V

Cold Spring Harb Protoc. 2012 Jun 1;2012(6):716-8. doi: 10.1101/pdb.prot069393.

Abstract

Polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (polTIRFM) can be used to detect the spatial orientation and rotational dynamics of single molecules. polTIRFM determines the three-dimensional angular orientation and the extent of wobble of a fluorescent probe bound to the macromolecule of interest. This protocol describes the processive motility assay for investigating the motility of myosin V in vitro. Biotin-Alexa actin filaments are fixed to a slide by biotin/streptavidin linkages and aligned with the microscope x-axis by fluid flow. The orientation of a rhodamine-calmodulin (CaM) probe bound to a single myosin V molecule is determined as it moves along an actin filament. Excess wild-type calmodulin (WT-CaM) is present in the buffer solution to replenish lost CaM from the myosin lever arm. The techniques for myosin V should be generally applicable to other single-molecule experiments where angular changes have an important mechanistic role in their biological function.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Calmodulin / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • Macromolecular Substances / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Microscopy, Polarization / methods*
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Myosin Type V / metabolism*
  • Rhodamines / metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling / methods

Substances

  • Actins
  • Calmodulin
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Rhodamines
  • Myosin Type V