Progress on an optical trapping assay to measure DNA folding pathways in sperm

Luka M. Devenica; Bishop Grimm; Terri-Anne Hultum; Ashley R. Carter

doi:10.1117/12.2275722

25 August 2017 Progress on an optical trapping assay to measure DNA folding pathways in sperm

Luka M. Devenica, Bishop Grimm, Terri-Anne Hultum, Ashley R. Carter

Proceedings Volume 10347, Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation XIV; 103472V (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2275722
Event: SPIE Nanoscience + Engineering, 2017, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

DNA undergoes a dramatic condensation in sperm nuclei. During this condensation, the DNA rapidly folds into a series of toroids when protamine proteins replace histone proteins. Measuring the mechanics and folding pathway for this incredible condensation is an important goal. Here, we report on progress to use an in vitro, optical trapping assay to measure the DNA folding dynamics for this process. In this assay, a single DNA molecule with its associated histone proteins is attached to a cover slip and to an optically trapped bead. Movement of the optical trap applies a force on the bead, stretching the DNA to a particular extension. When protamine is added, the extension changes, allowing us to measure the preliminary folding dynamics for the process.

Citation Download Citation

Luka M. Devenica, Bishop Grimm, Terri-Anne Hultum, and Ashley R. Carter "Progress on an optical trapping assay to measure DNA folding pathways in sperm", Proc. SPIE 10347, Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation XIV, 103472V (25 August 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2275722

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