Atomic force microscopy reveals drebrin induced remodeling of f-actin with subnanometer resolution

Nano Lett. 2011 Feb 9;11(2):825-7. doi: 10.1021/nl104159v. Epub 2010 Dec 22.

Abstract

We show by high-resolution atomic force microscopy analysis that drebrin A (a major neuronal actin binding protein) induced F-actin structural and mechanical remodeling involves significant changes in helical twist and filament stiffness (+55% persistence length). These results provide evidence of a unique mechanical role of drebrin in the dendrites, contribute to current molecular-level understanding of the properties of the neuronal cytoskeleton, and reflect the role of biomechanics at the nanoscale, to modulate nanofilament-structure assemblies such as F-actin.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry*
  • Actins / ultrastructure*
  • Binding Sites
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force / methods*
  • Neuropeptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Actins
  • Neuropeptides
  • drebrins