Nanoscale Imaging of Membrane Surfaces

膜表面的纳米级成像

• 批准号: 298909-2007
• 负责人: Johnston, Linda
• 金额: $ 2.19万
• 依托单位: University of Ottawa
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2011
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2011-01-01 至 2012-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=480801
• 关键词: Nanoscale; Imaging; Membrane; Surfaces

The surface of cells is comprised of a lipid membrane that provides the structural integrity of the cell and functions as an interface between the cell and its environment. The physical organization of lipids and proteins in cellular membranes plays a key role in controlling many biological processes. For example, membranes are believed to contain small areas known as rafts that have large amounts of cholesterol and other components and that are important in organizing proteins and initiating signaling pathways. We develop and apply spectroscopic and imaging tools that can be used to understand the details of how lipids and proteins are organized in model and natural membranes and how the overall organization contributes to controlling biological function. The tools that we use are a combination of scanning probe microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. These tools allow one to map the topography of the surface and to identify specific components based on their characteristic fluorescence. We are specifically interesting in using high resolution imaging methods to understand the formation of rafts in membranes. Our studies are carried out in artificial membranes comprised of supported lipid bilayers and in cells. This research will contribute to a detailed understanding of processes occurring at cell surfaces. This has important implications for understanding both normal and abnormal functions of membrane proteins which are the targets for over half of currently marketed drugs. The work may also contribute to approaches for designing biosensors and will provide students with training in multidisciplinary research projects at the interface between chemistry, biology and physics.

细胞表面由脂质膜组成，脂质膜提供细胞的结构完整性，并作为细胞与其环境之间的界面。细胞膜中脂质和蛋白质的物理组织在控制许多生物过程中起着关键作用。例如，细胞膜被认为含有被称为筏的小区域，其中含有大量的胆固醇和其他成分，对组织蛋白质和启动信号传导途径很重要。我们开发和应用光谱和成像工具，可用于了解脂质和蛋白质如何在模型和天然膜中组织的细节，以及整体组织如何有助于控制生物功能。我们使用的工具是扫描探针显微镜，荧光光谱和显微镜的组合。这些工具允许人们绘制表面的地形图，并根据其特征荧光识别特定成分。我们特别感兴趣的是使用高分辨率成像方法来了解膜中筏的形成。我们的研究是在由支持脂质双分子层组成的人工膜和细胞中进行的。这项研究将有助于详细了解细胞表面发生的过程。这对于理解膜蛋白的正常和异常功能具有重要意义，而膜蛋白是目前市场上一半以上药物的靶标。这项工作也可能有助于设计生物传感器的方法，并将为学生提供在化学，生物学和物理学之间的界面的多学科研究项目的培训。