Wang Yunqi, Liao Wentao, Cai Jiye
Department of Chemistry, College of Life Science and Technology, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi. 2007 Oct;24(5):1172-6.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been applied in many biological investigations in recent years, and this review focuses on the application of AFM in DNA-protein interactions. AFM images of static DNA-protein complexes, in air and in liquid, can be used to obtain quantitative and qualitative information on the structure of different complexes. And dynamic AFM images of DNA-protein complexation in real time under liquid conditions will help to understand biological processes and mechanisms at single molecule level. In addition, the measurement of intermolecular forces between biomolecules also provides new opportunities for studying mechanical properties of biomolecules and the interactions in their native environment. AFM has revealed many mechanisms of gene regulation, and will play a more and more important role in life science research.
近年来，原子力显微镜（AFM）已应用于许多生物学研究中，本综述聚焦于AFM在DNA-蛋白质相互作用中的应用。在空气和液体中静态DNA-蛋白质复合物的AFM图像，可用于获取不同复合物结构的定量和定性信息。而在液体条件下实时监测DNA-蛋白质复合的动态AFM图像，将有助于在单分子水平上理解生物学过程和机制。此外，生物分子间分子力的测量也为研究生物分子的力学性质及其在天然环境中的相互作用提供了新机会。AFM已揭示了许多基因调控机制，并将在生命科学研究中发挥越来越重要的作用。
