scholarly journals Broken force dispersal network in tip-links by the mutations at the Ca2+-binding residues induces hearing-loss

2019 ◽  
Vol 476 (16) ◽  
pp. 2411-2425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagadish P. Hazra ◽  
Amin Sagar ◽  
Nisha Arora ◽  
Debadutta Deb ◽  
Simerpreet Kaur ◽  
...  

Abstract Tip-link as force-sensor in hearing conveys the mechanical force originating from sound to ion-channels while maintaining the integrity of the entire sensory assembly in the inner ear. This delicate balance between structure and function of tip-links is regulated by Ca2+-ions present in endolymph. Mutations at the Ca2+-binding sites of tip-links often lead to congenital deafness, sometimes syndromic defects impairing vision along with hearing. Although such mutations are already identified, it is still not clear how the mutants alter the structure-function properties of the force-sensors associated with diseases. With an aim to decipher the differences in force-conveying properties of the force-sensors in molecular details, we identified the conformational variability of mutant and wild-type tip-links at the single-molecule level using FRET at the endolymphatic Ca2+ concentrations and subsequently measured the force-responsive behavior using single-molecule force spectroscopy with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). AFM allowed us to mimic the high and wide range of force ramps (103–106 pN s−1) as experienced in the inner ear. We performed in silico network analysis to learn that alterations in the conformations of the mutants interrupt the natural force-propagation paths through the sensors and make the mutant tip-links vulnerable to input forces from sound stimuli. We also demonstrated that a Ca2+ rich environment can restore the force-response of the mutant tip-links which may eventually facilitate the designing of better therapeutic strategies to the hearing loss.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagadish P. Hazra ◽  
Amin Sagar ◽  
Nisha Arora ◽  
Debadutta Deb ◽  
Simerpreet Kaur ◽  
...  

AbstractTip-link as force-sensor in the hearing conveys the mechanical force originating from sound to ion-channels while maintaining the integrity of the entire sensory assembly in inner-ear. This delicate balance between structure and function of tip-links is regulated by Ca2+-ions present in endolymph. Mutations at the Ca2+-binding sites of tip-links often lead to congenital deafness, sometimes syndromic defects impairing vision along with hearing. Although such mutations are already identified, it is still not clear how the mutants alter the structure-function properties of the force-sensors associated with diseases. With an aim to decipher the differences in force-conveying properties of the force-sensors in molecular details, we identified the conformational variability of mutant and wild-type tip-links at the single-molecule level using FRET at the endolymphatic Ca2+ concentrations and subsequently measured the force-responsive behavior using single-molecule force spectroscopy with an AFM. AFM allowed us to mimic the high and wide range of force ramps (103 - 106 pN.s−1) as experienced in the inner ear. We performed in silico network analyses to learn that alterations in the conformations of the mutants interrupt the natural force-propagation paths through the sensors and make the mutant tip-links vulnerable to input forces from sound stimuli. We also demonstrated that a Ca2+ rich environment can restore the force-response of the mutant tip-links which may eventually facilitate the designing of better therapeutic strategies to the hearing loss.Significance StatementForce-sensors in inner ear are the key components in the hearing. Mutations in force-sensors often lead to congenital hearing loss. Loss of hearing has become a threat to humanity, with over 5% of world population suffering from deafness and 40% of which is congenital, primarily due to mutations in the sensory machinery in inner-ear. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the underlined hearing loss due to mutations is, therefore, necessary for better therapeutics to deaf. Here with a zoomed region of the force-sensors, we pointed out the differences in the force-propagation properties of the mutant and wild-type force-sensors. Our observation on restoring of functions of mutants in Ca2+-rich buffer indicates methods of developing low-cost therapeutic strategies against deafness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albertus Viljoen ◽  
Johann Mignolet ◽  
Felipe Viela ◽  
Marion Mathelié-Guinlet ◽  
Yves F. Dufrêne

ABSTRACT Microbial adhesion and biofilm formation are usually studied using molecular and cellular biology assays, optical and electron microscopy, or laminar flow chamber experiments. Today, atomic force microscopy (AFM) represents a valuable addition to these approaches, enabling the measurement of forces involved in microbial adhesion at the single-molecule level. In this minireview, we discuss recent discoveries made applying state-of-the-art AFM techniques to microbial specimens in order to understand the strength and dynamics of adhesive interactions. These studies shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of adhesion and demonstrate an intimate relationship between force and function in microbial adhesins.


2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (12) ◽  
pp. 1167-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Chaves ◽  
Selma Dahmane ◽  
Michael Odorico ◽  
Gerry Nicolaes ◽  
Jean-Luc Pellequer

SummaryProtein conformational variability (or dynamics) for large macromolecules and its implication for their biological function attracts more and more attention. Collective motions of domains increase the ability of a protein to bind to partner molecules. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographic images, it is possible to take snapshots of large multi-component macromolecules at the single molecule level and to reconstruct complete molecular conformations. Here, we report the application of a reconstruction protocol, named AFM-assembly, to characterise the conformational variability of the two C domains of human coagulation factor Va (FVa). Using AFM topographic surfaces obtained in liquid environment, it is shown that the angle between C1 and C2 domains of FVa can vary between 40° and 166°. Such dynamical variation in C1 and C2 domain arrangement may have important implications regarding the binding of FVa to phospholipid membranes.


2013 ◽  
pp. 102-112
Author(s):  
Memed Duman ◽  
Andreas Ebner ◽  
Christian Rankl ◽  
Jilin Tang ◽  
Lilia A. Chtcheglova ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 184 ◽  
pp. 131-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lasse L. Hildebrandt ◽  
Søren Preus ◽  
Victoria Birkedal

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy at the single molecule level has the potential to yield information on intra and intermolecular distances within the 2–10 nm range of molecules or molecular complexes that undergo frequent conformation changes. A pre-requirement for obtaining accurate distance information is to determine quantitative instrument independent FRET efficiency values. Here, we applied and evaluated a procedure to determine quantitative FRET efficiencies directly from individual fluorescence time traces of surface immobilized DNA molecules without the need for external calibrants. To probe the robustness of the approach over a wide range of FRET efficiencies we used a set of doubly labelled double stranded DNA samples, where the acceptor position was varied systematically. Interestingly, we found that fluorescence contributions arising from direct acceptor excitation following donor excitation are intrinsically taken into account in these conditions as other correction factors can compensate for inaccurate values of these parameters. We give here guidelines, that can be used through tools within the iSMS software (http://www.isms.au.dk), for determining quantitative FRET and assess uncertainties linked with the procedure. Our results provide insights into the experimental parameters governing quantitative FRET determination, which is essential for obtaining accurate structural information from a wide range of biomolecules.


2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Memed Duman ◽  
Yoo Jin Oh ◽  
Rong Zhu ◽  
Michael Leitner ◽  
Andreas Ebner ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 4142
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Kaczorowska ◽  
Weronika Lamperska ◽  
Kaja Frączkowska ◽  
Jan Masajada ◽  
Sławomir Drobczyński ◽  
...  

In our study, we describe the outcomes of the intercalation of different anthracycline antibiotics in double-stranded DNA at the nanoscale and single molecule level. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed that intercalation results in significant elongation and thinning of dsDNA molecules. Additionally, using optical tweezers, we have shown that intercalation decreases the stiffness of DNA molecules, that results in greater susceptibility of dsDNA to break. Using DNA molecules with different GC/AT ratios, we checked whether anthracycline antibiotics show preference for GC-rich or AT-rich DNA fragments. We found that elongation, decrease in height and decrease in stiffness of dsDNA molecules was highest in GC-rich dsDNA, suggesting the preference of anthracycline antibiotics for GC pairs and GC-rich regions of DNA. This is important because such regions of genomes are enriched in DNA regulatory elements. By using three different anthracycline antibiotics, namely doxorubicin (DOX), epirubicin (EPI) and daunorubicin (DAU), we could compare their detrimental effects on DNA. Despite their analogical structure, anthracyclines differ in their effects on DNA molecules and GC-rich region preference. DOX had the strongest overall effect on the DNA topology, causing the largest elongation and decrease in height. On the other hand, EPI has the lowest preference for GC-rich dsDNA. Moreover, we demonstrated that the nanoscale perturbations in dsDNA topology are reflected by changes in the microscale properties of the cell, as even short exposition to doxorubicin resulted in an increase in nuclei stiffness, which can be due to aberration of the chromatin organization, upon intercalation of doxorubicin molecules.


2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 1230006 ◽  
Author(s):  
WEI-HUNG CHEN ◽  
JONATHAN D. WILSON ◽  
SITHARA S. WIJERATNE ◽  
SARAH A. SOUTHMAYD ◽  
KUAN-JIUH LIN ◽  
...  

Recent advances in nanoscale manipulation and piconewton force detection provide a unique tool for studying the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of biological molecules and complexes at the single-molecule level. Detailed equilibrium and dynamics information on proteins and DNA have been revealed by single-molecule manipulation and force detection techniques. The atomic force microscope (AFM) and optical tweezers have been widely used to quantify the intra- and inter-molecular interactions of many complex biomolecular systems. In this article, we describe the background, analysis, and applications of these novel techniques. Experimental procedures that can serve as a guide for setting up a single-molecule manipulation system using the AFM are also presented.


2006 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 2247-2259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Schäfer ◽  
Björn Decker ◽  
Matthias Letzel ◽  
Francesca Novara ◽  
Rainer Eckel ◽  
...  

Two examples of artificial supramolecular host-guest systems derived from resorc[4]arenes (calix[n]arenes based on resorcinol) and ammonium ions as guests have been studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). For the first time, real single-molecule events have been determined for this type of supramolecular complexes and off-rates as well as molecular parameters of single-molecule aggregates such as the depths of the binding pocket (molecular length parameter) could be measured by applying the methods of dynamic force spectroscopy. In addition, this technique was also applied to differentiate between the two states (open and closed) of a photoswitchable resorc[4]arene-anthracene tweezer. An investigation of the exchange rates of various complexes in the gas phase by means of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry confirmed the results of the AFM study.


Langmuir ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (20) ◽  
pp. 9921-9923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Schön ◽  
Martin Görlich ◽  
Michiel J. J. Coenen ◽  
Hans A. Heus ◽  
Sylvia Speller

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