scholarly journals Improved immunoassay sensitivity and specificity using single-molecule colocalization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amani A. Hariri ◽  
Sharon S. Newman ◽  
Steven Tan ◽  
Dan Mamerow ◽  
Michael Eisenstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Total Internal Reflection ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Heterogeneous Distribution ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Target Molecules ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Consistent Performance ◽  
True Signal

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are a cornerstone of modern molecular detection, but the technique still suffers some notable challenges. One of the biggest problems is discriminating true signal generated by target molecules versus non-specific background arising from the interaction of detection antibodies with the assay substrate or interferents in the sample matrix. Single-Molecule Colocalization Assay (SiMCA) overcomes this problem by employing total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to quantify target proteins based on the colocalization of fluorescent signal from orthogonally labeled capture and detection antibodies. By specifically counting colocalized fluorescent signals, we can essentially eliminate the confounding effects of background produced by non-specific binding of detection antibodies. We further employed a normalization strategy to account for the heterogeneous distribution of the capture antibodies, greatly improving the reproducibility of our measurements. In a series of experiments with TNF-α, we show that SiMCA can achieve a three-fold lower limit of detection compared to conventional single-color assays using the same antibodies and exhibits consistent performance for assays performed in complex specimens such as chicken serum and human blood. Our results help define the pernicious effects of non-specific background in immunoassays and demonstrate the diagnostic gains that can be achieved by eliminating those effects.

scholarly journals Dynamic single-molecule sensing via nanoparticle micromanipulation for rapid and ultrasensitive biomarker detection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Zeng ◽  
Xiaoyan Zhou ◽  
Yuting Yang ◽  
Yi Sun ◽  
Jingan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Single Molecules ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Molecular Complexes ◽  
Biomarker Detection ◽  
Complex Samples ◽  
Practical Applications

Abstract The ability to measure many single molecules simultaneously in larger and complex samples is critical to the translation of single-molecule sensors for practical applications in biomarker detection. The challenges lie in the limits imposed by mass transportation and thermodynamics, resulting in long assay time and/or insufficient sensitivity. Here, we report an approach called Sensing Single Molecule under MicroManipulation (SSM3) to circumvent the above limits. In SSM3, the transportation rate of analyte molecules and the kinetics of molecular interaction are fine-tuned by the nanoparticle micromanipulation. The heterogeneous lifetime of molecular complexes is quantified to discriminate specific binding from nonspecific background noise. By the highly-specific digital counting of single molecules, we demonstrate 15-minute assays for direct detection of microRNAs and amyloid-β proteins via electrical or magnetic micromanipulation, with the limit of detection at the subfemtomolar level. The presented approach could inspire more practical applications of single molecule sensors.

scholarly journals Power-law behavior of transcription factor dynamics at the single-molecule level implies a continuum affinity model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Garcia ◽  
Gregory Fettweis ◽  
Diego M Presman ◽  
Ville Paakinaho ◽  
Christopher Jarzynski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Power Law ◽  
Dwell Time ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Power Law Distribution ◽  
Single Molecule Level ◽  
Binding Behavior ◽  
Chromatin Template ◽  
Nuclear Domains

Abstract Single-molecule tracking (SMT) allows the study of transcription factor (TF) dynamics in the nucleus, giving important information regarding the diffusion and binding behavior of these proteins in the nuclear environment. Dwell time distributions obtained by SMT for most TFs appear to follow bi-exponential behavior. This has been ascribed to two discrete populations of TFs—one non-specifically bound to chromatin and another specifically bound to target sites, as implied by decades of biochemical studies. However, emerging studies suggest alternate models for dwell-time distributions, indicating the existence of more than two populations of TFs (multi-exponential distribution), or even the absence of discrete states altogether (power-law distribution). Here, we present an analytical pipeline to evaluate which model best explains SMT data. We find that a broad spectrum of TFs (including glucocorticoid receptor, oestrogen receptor, FOXA1, CTCF) follow a power-law distribution of dwell-times, blurring the temporal line between non-specific and specific binding, suggesting that productive binding may involve longer binding events than previously believed. From these observations, we propose a continuum of affinities model to explain TF dynamics, that is consistent with complex interactions of TFs with multiple nuclear domains as well as binding and searching on the chromatin template.

scholarly journals Three-dimensional total-internal reflection fluorescence nanoscopy with nanometric axial resolution by photometric localization of single molecules

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan M. Szalai ◽  
Bruno Siarry ◽  
Jerónimo Lukin ◽  
David J. Williamson ◽  
Nicolás Unsain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Total Internal Reflection ◽  
Single Molecules ◽  
Fluorescence Microscope ◽  
Internal Reflection ◽  
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence ◽  
Axial Position ◽  
Localization Microscopy ◽  
Localization Precision ◽  
Single Molecule Localization Microscopy

AbstractSingle-molecule localization microscopy enables far-field imaging with lateral resolution in the range of 10 to 20 nanometres, exploiting the fact that the centre position of a single-molecule’s image can be determined with much higher accuracy than the size of that image itself. However, attaining the same level of resolution in the axial (third) dimension remains challenging. Here, we present Supercritical Illumination Microscopy Photometric z-Localization with Enhanced Resolution (SIMPLER), a photometric method to decode the axial position of single molecules in a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope. SIMPLER requires no hardware modification whatsoever to a conventional total internal reflection fluorescence microscope and complements any 2D single-molecule localization microscopy method to deliver 3D images with nearly isotropic nanometric resolution. Performance examples include SIMPLER-direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy images of the nuclear pore complex with sub-20 nm axial localization precision and visualization of microtubule cross-sections through SIMPLER-DNA points accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography with sub-10 nm axial localization precision.

scholarly journals Large domain movements upon UvrD dimerization and helicase activation

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (46) ◽  
pp. 12178-12183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binh Nguyen ◽  
Yerdos Ordabayev ◽  
Joshua E. Sokoloski ◽  
Elizabeth Weiland ◽  
Timothy M. Lohman
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Total Internal Reflection ◽  
Dna Helicase ◽  
Conformational State ◽  
Helicase Activity ◽  
Multiple Conformations ◽  
Dna Substrate

Escherichia coli UvrD DNA helicase functions in several DNA repair processes. As a monomer, UvrD can translocate rapidly and processively along ssDNA; however, the monomer is a poor helicase. To unwind duplex DNA in vitro, UvrD needs to be activated either by self-assembly to form a dimer or by interaction with an accessory protein. However, the mechanism of activation is not understood. UvrD can exist in multiple conformations associated with the rotational conformational state of its 2B subdomain, and its helicase activity has been correlated with a closed 2B conformation. Using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we examined the rotational conformational states of the 2B subdomain of fluorescently labeled UvrD and their rates of interconversion. We find that the 2B subdomain of the UvrD monomer can rotate between an open and closed conformation as well as two highly populated intermediate states. The binding of a DNA substrate shifts the 2B conformation of a labeled UvrD monomer to a more open state that shows no helicase activity. The binding of a second unlabeled UvrD shifts the 2B conformation of the labeled UvrD to a more closed state resulting in activation of helicase activity. Binding of a monomer of the structurally similar Escherichia coli Rep helicase does not elicit this effect. This indicates that the helicase activity of a UvrD dimer is promoted via direct interactions between UvrD subunits that affect the rotational conformational state of its 2B subdomain.

scholarly journals Metalloregulator CueR biases RNA polymerase’s kinetic sampling of dead-end or open complex to repress or activate transcription

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (44) ◽  
pp. 13467-13472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danya J. Martell ◽  
Chandra P. Joshi ◽  
Ahmed Gaballa ◽  
Ace George Santiago ◽  
Tai-Yen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Biased Sampling ◽  
Single Molecule Fret ◽  
Dead End ◽  
The Dead

Metalloregulators respond to metal ions to regulate transcription of metal homeostasis genes. MerR-family metalloregulators act on σ70-dependent suboptimal promoters and operate via a unique DNA distortion mechanism in which both the apo and holo forms of the regulators bind tightly to their operator sequence, distorting DNA structure and leading to transcription repression or activation, respectively. It remains unclear how these metalloregulator−DNA interactions are coupled dynamically to RNA polymerase (RNAP) interactions with DNA for transcription regulation. Using single-molecule FRET, we study how the copper efflux regulator (CueR)—a Cu+-responsive MerR-family metalloregulator—modulates RNAP interactions with CueR’s cognate suboptimal promoter PcopA, and how RNAP affects CueR−PcopAinteractions. We find that RNAP can form two noninterconverting complexes at PcopAin the absence of nucleotides: a dead-end complex and an open complex, constituting a branched interaction pathway that is distinct from the linear pathway prevalent for transcription initiation at optimal promoters. Capitalizing on this branched pathway, CueR operates via a “biased sampling” instead of “dynamic equilibrium shifting” mechanism in regulating transcription initiation; it modulates RNAP’s binding–unbinding kinetics, without allowing interconversions between the dead-end and open complexes. Instead, the apo-repressor form reinforces the dominance of the dead-end complex to repress transcription, and the holo-activator form shifts the interactions toward the open complex to activate transcription. RNAP, in turn, locks CueR binding at PcopAinto its specific binding mode, likely helping amplify the differences between apo- and holo-CueR in imposing DNA structural changes. Therefore, RNAP and CueR work synergistically in regulating transcription.

scholarly journals Multi-Quantum Dots-Embedded Silica-Encapsulated Nanoparticle-Based Lateral Flow Assay for Highly Sensitive Exosome Detection

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 768
Author(s):  
Hyung-Mo Kim ◽  
Chiwoo Oh ◽  
Jaehyun An ◽  
Seungki Baek ◽  
Sungje Bock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Lateral Flow ◽  
Lateral Flow Immunoassay ◽  
Uniform Size ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Biomarkers

Exosomes are attracting attention as new biomarkers for monitoring the diagnosis and prognosis of certain diseases. Colorimetric-based lateral-flow assays have been previously used to detect exosomes, but these have the disadvantage of a high limit of detection. Here, we introduce a new technique to improve exosome detection. In our approach, highly bright multi-quantum dots embedded in silica-encapsulated nanoparticles (M–QD–SNs), which have uniform size and are brighter than single quantum dots, were applied to the lateral flow immunoassay method to sensitively detect exosomes. Anti-CD63 antibodies were introduced on the surface of the M–QD–SNs, and a lateral flow immunoassay with the M–QD–SNs was conducted to detect human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) exosomes. Exosome samples included a wide range of concentrations from 100 to 1000 exosomes/µL, and the detection limit of our newly designed system was 117.94 exosome/μL, which was 11 times lower than the previously reported limits. Additionally, exosomes were selectively detected relative to the negative controls, liposomes, and newborn calf serum, confirming that this method prevented non-specific binding. Thus, our study demonstrates that highly sensitive and quantitative exosome detection can be conducted quickly and accurately by using lateral immunochromatographic analysis with M–QD–SNs.

Cds nanocrystal enhanced TiO2photoelectrochemical aptasensor for sensitive detection of cytochrome c

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1774-1780
Author(s):  
Shanji Fan ◽  
Hong Huang ◽  
Hong Chen ◽  
Jiachi Xu ◽  
Zecheng Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome C ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Linear Range ◽  
Current Intensity ◽  
Sensitive Detection ◽  
Layer Adsorption ◽  
Ionic Layer

A CdS nanocrystal enhanced TiO2 nanotubes (CdS@TiO2 NATs) photoelectrode was prepared via successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) of CdS on the surface of TiO2 NATs. A HS-aptamer owing a specific binding toward cytochrome c was modified onto the CdS@TiO2 NATs, which resulting a decrease in the photoelectrical current intensity. Cytochrome c is therefore quantified based on the decrease in photoelectrical current. High specificity and high sensitivity were obtained with a linear range from 3 pM to 80 nM, and a limit of detection of 2.53 pM.

scholarly journals Single molecule tracking of Ace1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae defines a characteristic residence time for non-specific interactions of transcription factors with chromatin

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (21) ◽  
pp. e160-e160 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Ball ◽  
Gunjan D Mehta ◽  
Ronit Salomon-Kent ◽  
Davide Mazza ◽  
Tatsuya Morisaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Residence Time ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Specific Interactions ◽  
Single Molecule Tracking ◽  
Reliable Performance ◽  
Transient Interactions

Abstract In vivo single molecule tracking has recently developed into a powerful technique for measuring and understanding the transient interactions of transcription factors (TF) with their chromatin response elements. However, this method still lacks a solid foundation for distinguishing between specific and non-specific interactions. To address this issue, we took advantage of the power of molecular genetics of yeast. Yeast TF Ace1p has only five specific sites in the genome and thus serves as a benchmark to distinguish specific from non-specific binding. Here, we show that the estimated residence time of the short-residence molecules is essentially the same for Hht1p, Ace1p and Hsf1p, equaling 0.12–0.32 s. These three DNA-binding proteins are very different in their structure, function and intracellular concentration. This suggests that (i) short-residence molecules are bound to DNA non-specifically, and (ii) that non-specific binding shares common characteristics between vastly different DNA-bound proteins and thus may have a common underlying mechanism. We develop new and robust procedure for evaluation of adverse effects of labeling, and new quantitative analysis procedures that significantly improve residence time measurements by accounting for fluorophore blinking. Our results provide a framework for the reliable performance and analysis of single molecule TF experiments in yeast.

scholarly journals Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) – novel techniques and applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Richter ◽  
Michael Wagner ◽  
Herbert Schneckenburger
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Total Internal Reflection ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Internal Reflection ◽  
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence ◽  
Thin Layers ◽  
Structured Illumination ◽  
Structured Illumination Microscopy

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) has been established almost 40 years ago for studies of plasma membranes or membrane proximal sites of living cells. The method is based on light incidence at an angle above the critical angle of total internal reflection and generation of an evanescent electromagnetic field penetrating about 100 nm into a sample and permitting selective excitation of membrane proximal fluorophores. Two techniques are presented here: prism-type TIRFM and objective-type TIRFM with high aperture microscope objective lenses. Furthermore, numerous applications are summarized, e.g. measurement of focal adhesions, cell-substrate topology, endocytosis or exocytosis of vesicles as well as single molecule detection within thin layers. Finally, highly innovative combinations of TIRFM with Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) measurements as well as with Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) and fluorescence reader technologies are presented.

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