Measuring in vivo protein dynamics throughout the cell cycle using microfluidics

Roy de Leeuw, Peter Brazda, M. Charl Moolman, J. W.J. Kerssemakers, B.P. Solano Hermosilla, Nynke H. Dekker*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeChapterScientific

Abstract

Studying the dynamics of intracellular processes and investigating the interaction of individual macromolecules in live cells is one of the main objectives of cell biology. These macromolecules move, assemble, disassemble, and reorganize themselves in distinct manners under specific physiological conditions throughout the cell cycle. Therefore, in vivo experimental methods that enable the study of individual molecules inside cells at controlled culturing conditions have proved to be powerful tools to obtain insights into the molecular roles of these macromolecules and how their individual behavior influence cell physiology. The importance of controlled experimental conditions is enhanced when the investigated phenomenon covers long time periods, or perhaps multiple cell cycles. An example is the detection and quantification of proteins during bacterial DNA replication. Wide-field microscopy combined with microfluidics is a suitable technique for this. During fluorescence experiments, microfluidics offer well-defined cellular orientation and immobilization, flow and medium interchangeability, and high-throughput long-term experimentation of cells. Here we present a protocol for the combined use of wide-field microscopy and microfluidics for the study of proteins of the Escherichia coli DNA replication process. We discuss the preparation and application of a microfluidic device, data acquisition steps, and image analysis procedures to determine the stoichiometry and dynamics of a replisome component throughout the cell cycle of live bacterial cells.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Bacterial Nucleoid
Subtitle of host publicationmethods and Protocols
EditorsOlivier Espéli
PublisherSpringer
Chapter18
Pages237-252
Number of pages16
Volume1624
ISBN (Print)978-1493970971
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume1624
ISSN (Print)10643745

Keywords

  • DNA replication
  • Escherichia coli
  • Fluorescence imaging
  • Microfluidics
  • Single-molecule techniques

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Measuring in vivo protein dynamics throughout the cell cycle using microfluidics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this