Development of advanced high-speed AFM and analysis of proteins\u27 action mechanism

金沢大学ナノ生命科学研究所本研究の目的は大きく２つに分けられる。(1)高速AFMのバイオ応用研究を自ら推進するだけでなく、班員と領域外の研究者にも装置を開放して、彼らと協力してタンパク質分子が動作する姿を活写する動的構造生命科学を幅広く新規開拓すること、(2)装置の高度化を更に進めて、従来の高速AFMでは観察不可能な分子レベルで起こる現象を観察可能にすることにある。前者については、非常に多様なタンパク質系の高速AFM観察に成功し、機能プロセスのメカニズムの理解に繋がった。後者については、高速AFMと光ピンセットとの複合機、及び、高速AFM装置に基づく超解像蛍光顕微鏡の開発に成功した。これらの応用展開は今後の課題である。The aim of this study is largely classified into two: (1) Extensively exploring a new research field of “dynamic structural biology” that seeks to film protein molecules in dynamic action with high-speed AFM, not only by conducting the study by myself but also by collaborating with researchers of the project group as well as external researchers, and (2) enabling observation of new molecular phenomena that have been impossible with the current high-speed AFM, by advancing the capability of high-speed AFM. For the aim (1), our instruments were opened to these researchers. Through many collaborations, we succeeded in observing a variety of proteins, providing mechanistic insights into their molecular processes. For the aim (2), we succeeded in developing high-speed AFM combined with optical tweezers and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy based on high-speed AFM. The actual application studies of these new instruments are subjects to be done in the future.研究課題/領域番号:26119003, 研究期間(年度):2014-07-10 – 2019-03-3